Today on Earth Matters, in the lead up to an upcoming Federal Election, we are looking at how so called fake news is slowing down the environmental action in Australia. We explore how traditional media, and its newer social media cousin, is driving a twin crises that threatens not only the environment, but our minds aswell.Thanks to ABC Friends for their assistance.Check out the Climate of Misinformation report here.Featuring music from Australian artists, Monkey Marc and Combat Wombat. Earth Matters #1474 was produced by Phil Evans on Whadjuk Noongar boodja.

Today's show features an interview from the 26th of September this year with members of Cook Islands grassroots collective Ocean Ancestors Louisa Castledine and Dr Teina Rongo, who spoke about Cook Islanders' concerns about and resistance to deep sea mining in their waters. On the 18th of September, Ocean Ancestors were involved in organising a sail-out rally to demonstrate community support for the fight to protect marine environments, ecosystems and kin from the threat posed by offshore extractive industries, as well as climate change, pollution and overfishing. During this interview, Louisa and Dr Rongo also discuss the community and economic impacts of mineral exploration on the fabric of Cook Islands society.This episode of Earth Matters also includes two beautiful renditions of classic Cook Islands songs performed by Kura Happ - 'Manea' and 'Aue Oki Koe Te Purotu'. These performances were recorded as part of the Poly Songbook by thecoconet.tv.Earth Matters #1473 was produced by Priya Kunjan on the lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation.

Yuin elder, Tom Slockee describes his experience organising the rehousing of aboriginal families who fled their burning houses in Mogo NSW in 2019. Music: Why you tryna bring us down  from Melbourne based artist Canisha Barkindji song woman Nancy Bates, latest single, "Blood Red Moon". Set against the backdrop of the Menindee Lakes, in far west New South Wales. It is a celebration of the healing power of nature, friendship, and the enduring strength of women. Wyirrt Wyirrt (Food of the Country);A version of a traditional song, which comes from Karajarri Country in WA's north-west and was sung by Family Shoveller Band's great-great-great-great grandmother as she walked between Broome and Bidyadanga gathering food. South West Syndicate is a First Nations led multicultural hip-hop collective from South West Sydney. The group formed in the late 80's and rose to prominence in the 1990's. They are now back with a renewed hunger. The song is Paradise. The Ants: A brand new release from Tandanya/Adelaide-based post-punk six piece Coldwave  Earth Matters #1462 was produced by Bec Horridge on the beautiful Walbunja and Yuin Country, Batemans Bay, NSW. 

The Connecting Communities gathering on Walbunja and Brindja-Yuin Country, Moruya on Saturday 23rd March, bought hundreds of  people together for a day of solidarity, unity and acknowledgment of the shared struggles of First Peoples locally and around the globe.A Unity Walk of song and dance, led by Walbunja Songman Jordan Nye, of the Muladha Gamara cultural performers, saw hundreds of people make a Snake Dance across the Moruya Bridge.Eliza Cannon: Co-creator for the day said that the event arose in response to the challenge of holding our grief and hope for peace in Palestine while living on unceded Aboriginal lands in a society attempting to come to terms with our own First People’s struggle and survival through colonisation.Jordan Nye  said “These challenges require us to unite with our sisters and brothers here and across the globe. The universal languages of art, music and food bring allies together to share space, to learn and to unlearn, and to work together for peace. We can come together to share our grief and helplessness about the war on Palestinian people, but also to celebrate the survival and strength of Australian and Aotearoan First Peoples.”Music: Muladha Gamara            Ripple Effect Band              Earth Matters #1461 was produced by Bec Horridge on Walbunja and Brindja-Yuin Country, Moruya, NSW. 

This  Womens Climate Conversation identifies some tools and ways forward to caring for future generations and all life.  Guests: Susan Moylan-Coombs is the founding director of The Gaimaragal Group, which she established to create a new story of connection and wellbeing for all Australians.The group’s aim is to facilitate the voice for our Elders in the contemporary social space, empower First Nations youth to realise their full potential, and provide two-way cultural translation to bring individuals and communities together. Susan’s ancestry is Woolwonga and Gurindji from the Northern Territory.  She has extensive experience working with First Australian communities nationally, with specific expertise in community consultation, empowerment and the facilitation of voice and storytelling. Susan previously held the positions of Executive Producer ABC’s Indigenous Programs Unit and Head of Production, NITV a division of SBS. Professor Susan Harris Rimmer is the Director of the Griffith University Policy Innovation Hub, which helps policy-makers solve policy problems through evidence based collaboration with multidisciplinary experts.Sue works at the intersection of human rights and politics and researches gender dynamics in transitions. She is a member of the Law Futures Centre and the Griffith Asia Institute. Dr Elise Stephenson is Deputy Director of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership (GIWL) and National Security College (NSC) at the Australian National University, as well as an Adjunct in the Griffith Asia Institute.A political scientist and international relations scholar, Dr Stephenson’s research focuses on intervening at critical junctures to ensure equality in ‘frontier’ international affairs and grand challenges. She researches gender and sexuality, leadership, equality and justice across politics, diplomacy, national security, government, intelligence, and the Asia Pacific.  Hosted by Janet Salisbury, co-founder of the Women's Climate Congress  Earth Matters #1459 was produced by Bec Horridge on Ngunnawal and Ngambri lands in Canberra. 

“Caring for future generations and all Life” is the topic of this ground breaker Womens Climate Conversation.   “How do we look to the future when we haven’t addressed the historical issues of the past”. Susan Moylan-Coombs Guests: Susan Moylan-Coombs is the founding director of The Gaimaragal Group, which she established to create a new story of connection and wellbeing for all Australians.The group’s aim is to facilitate the voice for our Elders in the contemporary social space, empower First Nations youth to realise their full potential, and provide two-way cultural translation to bring individuals and communities together. Susan’s ancestry is Woolwonga and Gurindji from the Northern Territory.  She has extensive experience working with First Australian communities nationally, with specific expertise in community consultation, empowerment and the facilitation of voice and storytelling. Susan previously held the positions of Executive Producer ABC’s Indigenous Programs Unit and Head of Production, NITV a division of SBS. Professor Susan Harris Rimmer is the Director of the Griffith University Policy Innovation Hub, which helps policy-makers solve policy problems through evidence based collaboration with multidisciplinary experts.Sue works at the intersection of human rights and politics and researches gender dynamics in transitions. She is a member of the Law Futures Centre and the Griffith Asia Institute.  Dr Elise Stephenson is Deputy Director of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership (GIWL) and National Security College (NSC) at the Australian National University, as well as an Adjunct in the Griffith Asia Institute.A political scientist and international relations scholar, Dr Stephenson’s research focuses on intervening at critical junctures to ensure equality in ‘frontier’ international affairs and grand challenges. She researches gender and sexuality, leadership, equality and justice across politics, diplomacy, national security, government, intelligence, and the Asia Pacific.  Hosted by Janet Salisbury, co-founder of the Women's Climate Congress       Part Two is coming on the 7th August.Earth Matters #1458 was produced by Bec Horridge on Ngunnawal and Ngambri lands in Canberra. 

1080 is primarily used in the struggle to protect native species from other invasive animals - but it is even used to control native dingoes, and other species of wallaby, possum and pademelon. Is it right to cause death in such a traumatic way? And what about the impact on our domesticated four legged friends?We talk to Alex Vince from the Coalition Against 1080 about their push to stop the use of this dangerous chemical.Earth Matters #1465 was produced on Jabirr Jabirr Land by Phil Evans

Samuel Janama Sandy is chair of the Nurrdalinji Aboriginal Corporation representing eleven native title areas across the Beetaloo area that is slated for intensive fracking.   Samuel shares some good reasons why fracking companies must: “Pack up and go home”. He documents the unfair “negations” fracking companies imposed on his community to get so-called “agreements” to frack. The impact of fracking chemicals forced into four kilometer deep holes through precious water aquifers is of huge concern. Guest: Samuel Janama Sandy, Chair of the Nurrdalinji Aboriginal Corporation Stop Fracking the Territory Petition: Frack Free NT Music: MidIlbingini Agiyabarda (When The Water Goes Down) David Garnham & the Reasons to LiveThis song was written by Samuel's nephew, Stuart Nuggett with his mother Janet Gregory and David Garnham in a collaboration expressing  deep concern over the fracking that is occurring and is set to expand in the Beetaloo Basin, NT. See the video here. Ecopella; Divest from their “Your needed now album” News LinksKatherine Times: Another controversial Beetaloo deal signed - Nurrdalinji Aboriginal CorporationGas projects to require Commonwealth approval after Labor-Greens deal expands water trigger - ABC NewsEmpire Energy Group Ltd (ASX:EEG) Signs Gas Sales Agreement With NT Government (menafn.com)New York moves to update its fracking ban to include liquid carbon-dioxide as well as water (msn.com)Remote NT Traditional Owners left out of river cons... | NITIndigenous water map petition will bring NT cotton and gas concerns to Canberra - ABC NewsThree years, three Garma festivals, and three different versions of Anthony Albanese - ABC News Earth Matters #1464 was produced by Bec Horridge  on the lands of the  Dagoman, Jawoyn people, and Walpiri in Katherine, Northern Territory and on, Ngunnawal and Ngambii Country  in Canberra.

Approvals for  a new nuclear waste facility on Meandup/Garden Island in WA were recently granted to service US and UK submarines.We speak with Mia Pepper from the Conservation Council of WA and Nuclear Free WA about this latest development in the ongoing AUKUS saga.Featuring music from Monkey Marc, CAIN, Combat Wombat and Krzysztof PendereckiEarth Matters #1463 was produced by Phil Evans on Jabirr Jabirr land.

Today, we're looking at a significant legal battle brewing in Bougainville, an autonomous region of Papua New Guinea that voted for independence in 2019. Thousands of residents have come together to file a class action lawsuit against mining giant Rio Tinto and its former subsidiary, Bougainville Copper Ltd, over what they claim is historical mismanagement of the massive Panguna copper mine.We hear from human rights activist and Bougainville advocate, Vikki John.#1463 Produced by Phil Evans with thanks to Jan Bartlett and 3CR.

We catch up with Ella and Nate from Blockade Australia for the latest about their ongoing spree of actions.We also take a look at why Blockade Australia are taking action, and what some of the consequences being faced by activists.Check out https://www.blockadeaustralia.com/ for links and more details.Featuring music by Monkey Marc and DRMNGNOW.Earth Matters #1461 was produced by Phil Evans on Ngarla Pananykarra

What is it like to be an activist in the belly of the beast?We talk to Chris, Fiona, and Rachel from the Pilbara Climate Network about their experience working for climate justice in the remote, north west mining town of Karratha. Many people would have heard the stories of city based activists working to 'Disrupt Burrup Hub' - but what of the folks who wake up to the harsh reality of the mass industrial project everyday?Check out Pilbara Climate Network on Facebook.Featuring music by Monkey Marc and Jimblah.Earth Matters #1460 was produced on Ngarluma ngurra and Nyamal Land by Phil Evans

We hear the story of Coedie, the Wangan and Jagalingou man who for over a thousand and thirty days has been reoccupying his country in defiance of Adanis coal mine, at Waddananggu  in QLD On Monday 17th June 2024 Pentarch timber mill,  entrances were blockaded for four and a half hours by about 30 people concerned Pentarch is milling illegally logged timber.Meanwhile in the south of NSW  South East Forest Rescue has won legal status to sue NSW Forestry Corp. This groundbreaking decision could open the gates to more groups accessing the courts to take legal action against Forestry Corp. Sooty from South East Forest Rescue explains.Links:Coedi asks for support and to donate to the  Legal Fund.to help us to prevail in the struggle to have human rights upheld and sacred sites protected: Chip in here.Sooty and South East Forest Rescue also require further funds to see this through to a successful outcome for our precious endangered Greater Gliders: Chip in here:Wangan & Jagalingou Family CouncilSouth East Forest RescueEarth Matters #1458 was produced by Bec Horridge on the lands of the Biripi and Worimi people at Elands, NSW.

This week, Peter Dutton received a radioactive reception after announcing a bold plan to implement nuclear energy, should the Liberals win the next federal election.It marks a new chapter in Australia’s ongoing climate wars, and while there’s little details about costs or timelines, the prospect of nuclear power has been met with fierce opposition from energy leaders, environmentalists, and state governments.Jacob speaks with nuclear-free campaigner Dr Jim Green; Kokatha elder and co-President of the Australia Nuclear Free Alliance Aunty Sue Coleman Haseldine; Sanne de Swart, Stell Bruyn, Michaela Stubbs, and Tom Freire from the Friends of the Earth Nuclear-Free Collective; and Senior Lecturer in Science and Technology Studies Darrin Durant.

Much of the environmental catastrophe happening around the world is being driven by ongoing colonialism.Recently Friends of the Earth held a panel discussion looking at the intersection of colonialism and the environment, in context of the current genocide, and ecocide, in Gaza.We hear stories from Australia, Malaysia, and Palestine, drawing together common threads to inspire collective action.We hear from:Jasper Cohen-Hunter: A Gunung-Willam-Balluk man of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people with ancestral ties to the Ngurai-Illum peoples of the Kulin Nation. He is a podcaster focusing on the study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cinemas on his platform Mirring Yalingwa. Meenakshi “Meena” Raman: The President of Sahabat Alam Malaysia, Legal Advisor to Consumers Association of Penang and Coordinator of Third World Network’s Climate Change Programme. Meena practiced public interest law for over 25 years, representing grassroots communities taking on big corporations in Malaysia. She was a co-founder of Environmental Lawyers Alliance Worldwide (ELAW) and Chair of Friends of the Earth International, which has 75 member groups around the world. Meena served as an “Active Observer: of the Green Climate Fund from 2012 to 2015, and has actively participated in the UNFCCC negotiations since 2007. Abeer M. Butmeh: A water and environmental engineer, and the coordinator of PENGON - FOE Palestine. She is a leading woman activist in Palestine and an alliance of environmental justice organisations in Palestine. Abeer works closely with affected communities, the youth sector and with local government councils in addressing the environmental problems faced by the Palestinian people. She has various skills in campaigning, coordination, communication and facilitation between different bodies with more than 10 years’ experience in this area. She is a researcher in different environmental topics mainly in water and climate change, she is a trainer in different environmental subjects; water, wastewater and environmental issues. She also is an active member in many social and environmental networks at local and international levels.Featuring music by Yorta Yorta artist, Allara. Thanks to Friends of the Earth Melbourne for their kind assistance in production.Earth matters #1455 was produced by Phil Evans

Fifty Knitting Nanas against Coal, Gas and Greed made power tea  in Canberra and needled against the government's Future Gas Plan. What’s the point of going to talk to politicians in Canberra and is it worth it. Nanas will tell you. Then we hear the plea from Aunty Susan Anderson that her  flood displaced clan be allowed to return to their houses and cultural connections on Cabbage Tree Island on Bundjalung country near Wardell , NSW. LinksJali Land Council accused of land grab – The EchodEarth matters #1456 was produced by Bec Horridge with assistance from Sean O'Shannessy Guest Contrubuter; Annie Close. 

Over the last twelve months, scientists have been documenting a string of record breaking temperatures.The global average between May 2023 and April 2024, reached a new record of 1.61 degrees Celsius above the 1850-1900 pre-industrial average.While Australia has avoided some of that heat the last month, south east Asia has been in the grips of an extreme heatwave.Jacob speaks to climate scientist Dr Linden Ashcroft, Filipino climate activist Jefferson Estela, and Research and Advocacy Staff at the Philippines Centre for Environmental Concerns, Kristine Joice Leray.Earth Matters presents local, national and international grassroots perspectives on environmental concerns and broadcasts weekly to a national audience since 1996. 

   Land rights and fight for environmental justice for PalestineProfessor Mazin Qumsiyeh is a scientist, author, activist and academic at Bethlehem University and Director of the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability. He's in Australia on a speaking tour on land rights and environmental justice in Palestine. Mazin tells us about the work of protecting biodiversity in the context of ongoing colonisation and conflict, the importance of hope and solidarity in the midst of struggle and the devastating impact of Israel's attacks on Gaza over the past six months on the people and the  environment. Earth Matters #1452, Produced by Judith Peppard  Music: Anouar Brahem For No Apparent Reason and Al Birwa, from the album The Astounding Eyes of Rita dedicated to the memory of the great Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish--------------------

Reconnecting with nature; the living world,  through Deep Ecology workshops is taking off in Australia.   John Seed and his colleagues are helping people all over this country and overseas  find their ecological self. The Deep Ecology workshops are booked out and participants  are  much more mainstream than in the past.   Plus:  John gives practical suggestions on how to find direction in life.Music: A new recording of Johns Seed singing his song Expanding Universe. Links:John Seeds Deep Ecology workshop schedule on The Rainforest Information Centre website. Rising Tide: A national network currently mobilising ten thousand people for ten days of non violent action using  smalll boats to block the shipping channelto close down Newcastle coal kexport faciltiy for  48 hours.10,000 people, over 10 daysTues Nov 19 — Thurs Nov 28, 2024“2023 is a year of reckoning. It must be a year of game-changing climate action. We need disruption to end the destruction. No more baby steps. No more excuses. No more greenwashing. No more bottomless greed of the fossil fuel industry and its enablers.” — Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Falling in Love with the World - Active Hope Spiral - free online, Sundays @5pm AEDT.  Hosted by Nettie Hulme "Active Hope is a practice that encourages us to find and offer our best response to global issues during this time of unfolding crisis. It’s about facing the mess we’re in and playing our role in the collective transition toward a society and way of being that supports the flourishing of life1." [OpenAI, 2024]----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Plant Intelligence and the Imaginal Realm, x10 Week Online and In-Person Study Group. Hosted by Skye Cielita Flor "A deep dive into this profound body of work by renowned master herbalist, earth poet, bardic naturalist, deep ecologist and prolific award-winning author of 25 books, the late Stephen Harrod Buhner. Stephen was a radical thinker, polymath and synthesiser whose work continues to have a deep and lasting impact on Plant People and Deep Ecologists all over the world."           Skye Cielita Flor Earth Matters Episode #1451 produced by Bec Horridge on Darkinjung Country at the Narara Valley Ecovillage, NSW. 

Right now in Brunswick Heads in northern NSW, hundreds of activists are fighting to save an important ecosystem.Property developers have been given the greenlight to build apartment blocks across Wallum, a coastal landscape home to over a dozen threatened species of flora and fauna, and trees that predate British colonisation.Activists are calling the project a ‘zombie development’, with environmental approvals given to the site over a decade ago that likely don’t meet today’s standards.Jacob speaks to Save Wallum campaign organiser Svea Pittman, and NSW Greens MP Sue Higginson, about the proposed development and environmental conservation in planning laws.

We take a look at how the campaign to stop fracking and unconventional gas mining in WA is going.The long running campaign has had many successes along the way, and has managed to keep the industry at bay in the resource industry captured state.We talk with Claire McKinnon from Lock the Gate WA for the update. Check out and support their great work at frackfreewa.org.auMusic: End of the World Dub by Combat WombatPhoto: Lock the GateProducer: Phil EvansProduced on Whadjuk Noongar boodja - Boorloo/Perth WA.Earth Matters Episode #1449

Bid for World Heritage listing for the Nullarbor and the Great Australian Bight Mirning Elders supported by the Wilderness Society of South Australia are calling for the Great Australian Bight and the Nullarbor to be World Heritage listed to protect this iconic place for good. Peter Owen outlines the Wilderness Society's work to protect the area going back almost 20 years. Mirning Elders describe their connection to country and the urgency of protecting the Bight and the Nullarbor. And finally, we look at how the bid for World Heritage listing is progressing. GuestsUncle Bunna Lawrie, Mirning Elder and Whale Songman  Mirning Elders: Aunty Dorcas Miller, Aunty Rose Miller and Robbie Miller Peter Owen, Director, Wilderness Society of South Australia To sign the Petition, open "Protect it for good" on the Wilderness Society website (below):https://www.wilderness.org.au/iconic-places/great-australian-bight Draft Consultation Documenthttps://www.wilderness.org.au/images/uploads/WorldHeritageBightNullarbor.pdf Music: Dancing in the Moonlight, by Uncle Bunna Lawrie and Coloured Stone Photo: Bunda Cliffs by Brad Leue. Photo provided by Peter Owen Websiteshttps://mirning.org/https://www.wilderness.org.au/iconic-places/great-australian-bight Producer: Judith Peppard Earth Matters Episode #1448 

Peter Dutton has threatened to reduce access to the Environmental Defenders Organisation; the independent legal representation for community groups attempting to enforce the law against the climate crimes of  the fossil fuel industry. Dutton made this threat when he was speaking to an event organised by the Council for Minerals Energy in Perth to an audience including some of the Liberal Party's biggest donors.Independent Federal MP  Zali Steggall (OAM) spoke to Sean O'Shannessy on the politics of Duddo's threats and Dr Chris McGrath  ABarrister specialising in environmental law and researcher and University of Queensland), regarding some of the legal implications of these threats.Links: Transcript of Peter Duttons speech to The Chamber of Minerals and Energy. Earth Matters # #1447 was produced by  Sean O'Shannessy  on Bundjalung Country; first  for the "Environmental as Anything" radio show on River FM,  and  then by Bec Horridge for Earth Matters. 

On Saturday March 23, Tasmanians headed to the polls in an early election – but one issue seemed to be absent in the public debate: the environment.With the Liberals likely to govern for a fourth term in a minority government, most likely with the Jacqui Lambie Network, the future of issues such as native logging, climate change, and marine conservation remains uncertain.So what’s next for the island state, the home of prominent environmentalists Bob Brown and Christine Milne, and one of the birthplaces of the global Greens movement?Jacob Gamble speaks with Campaigns Manager at the Bob Brown Foundation Jenny Weber, peaceful forest activist Dr Colette Harmsen, and director of the Monash Climate Change Communications Research Hub Professor Libby Lester.

Whalers Way is a peculiar choice for a new orbital rocket launch complex. The remote conservation area is one of the last remnants of uncleared land on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula.We speak with Patrick O'Connor from the University of Adelaide about the proposed site and why it is in the wrong place. Produced by Phil Evans on palawa, Kaurna, and Barngarla Land. Earth Matters #1445 Music: LTJ Bukem and David Bowie.

Humanity is at a  cross-roads for reducing carbon emissions to secure the climate. At COP28 women played a significant role in bringing greater ambition to the fore. And the international women's movement around climate action is gathering strength with new allies in the Global North and South, and increased advocacy for the interconnections of climate change, human rights, food and water security, biodiversity and demilitarisation. COP28 culminated in an international agreement to ‘transition away from fossil fuels’ (‘UAE Consensus’). This was heralded as ‘historic’ on the one hand and too weak on the other.Meanwhile, while the conference resolved to ‘drive gender-responsive just transitions, which strengthen all women’s and girls’ leadership and meaningful participation’, of the 133 world leaders who attended the conference, only 15 were women and only 38% of the negotiating teams from participating countries were women.In this event Womens Climate Congress Founder, Dr Janet Salisbury was in conversation with Mamta Borgoyary, Executive Director of She Changes Climate (whose advocacy brought the need for a phase-out of fossil fuels to the fore at COP28); Angelica Mantikas, a youth advocate with the Australian delegation and coordinator of the Oceania Climate Stories project; Tishiko King, a proud Kulkalaig woman from the Torres Straits and Our Islands Our Home campaigner; Sarah Ransom, General Manager, Australian Water Initiative.Together they will examine the ups and downs of the conference, the outcomes and the next steps for the women's movement. 

On today’s program, you'll hear a selection of conversations from and about this year's Anti-colonial Student Environment Network (ASEN) Training Camp, featuring zinemaker and ASEN organiser Willow, veteran environmental justice and Indigenous rights activist Uncle Winiata Puru, and Kokatha Mula Elder and anti-nuclear resistance leader Aunty Sue Coleman-Haseldine. Our thanks to Rochelle Humphrey and Genetic Circus Productions for the recording of Aunty Sue's talk.The 2024 ASEN Training Camp ran from 14-17 January at Camp Eureka on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country, and was hosted by the Victorian branch (VicSEN). The Camp brought together over 100 activists and organisers from around the continent to share skills and strengthen our collective work towards liberation from colonial violence and climate catastrophe.Note: the ASEN membership voted during this year's AGM, held during the training camp, to change 'Australian' to 'Anti-colonial' in its name.

In celebration of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras this weekend, Jacob delves into the relationship between queer identities and the natural world.'Queer ecologies' is a school of thought that rejects binary, rigid, and heteronormative approaches to environmentalism. To unpack this juicy topic, we are joined by Professor of Environmental Arts and Justice, Cate Sandilands, and the co-founders of ecological education platform 'PermaQueer', Guy Ritani and Toad Dell.Featuring poetry by Jacob Gamble and the voices of queers from Naarm: Ādaraya, 'Betty with the good hair', and Nicky Tsekouras.

Stopping Seismic: The Great Ocean Rescue Tour The Great Ocean Rescue Tour to stop seismic blasting in the Otway Basin rolled out across the southwest coast of Victoria over January, organised by OCEAN the Otway Coastal Environment Action Network. From Ocean Grove to Portland people marched, attended film screenings and signed petitions to protest against three proposals for seismic blasting off the southwest coast of Victoria. If all three proposals go ahead an area the size of Tasmania would be affected with a devastating impact on the marine environment. Lisa Deppelertell founder of OCEAN and Mitch Pope, one of the coordinators of the Great Ocean Rescue Tour, tell us why the community is so opposed to seismic blasting in the Otway Basin and the actions being taking to have it stopped. Laurie Laurenson, a marine biologist from the South-West Coast Scientific Group of the Clean Ocean Foundation discusses the Group's response to the Environment Plans submitted to the national regulator NOPSEMA by the three companies proposing to conduct seismic surveys and why they've recommended that they be rejected. Laurie describes the potential impact on the marine environment and how the loss of krill, a keystone species, will effect whales and other marine creatures. To sign the petition or comment on the CGG Environment Plan before midnight Feb 26th,  go to the Australian Marine Conservation Society websitehttps://www.marineconservation.org.au/actions/stop-cgg-seismic-blasting-victoria/ MusicOcean by John ButlerUpwelling by Carli Reeve Photo by Great Ocean Photography kindly provided by Mitch Pope Produced by Judith Peppard Earth Matters  #1441

This week we look at the best ways that humans can interact with nature, errr when nature calls.We talk to Professor Jamie Kirkpatrick about the Poo Project which looked at the ecological impact of human faeces in nature, as well as a hiker who explains the what and how of a poo tube, and a camper with a portable composting toilet.Produced by Phil Evans on palawa, Kaurna, and Barngarla Land.Earth Matters #1440Music: Wall of Voodoo, Johnny Cash, and Monkey Marc.

Drug policy reform: The missing link to climate justice The International Coalition on Drug Policy Reform and Environmental Justice has published its first report, Revealing the Missing Link to Climate Justice:  Drug Policy here This episode of Earth Matters looks at how the war on drugs and international prohibition regime support organised crime, encourage corruption and, as Clemmie James puts it, is a "wrecking ball" for the environment,  impeding international efforts to protect the environment and prevent climate change.  Clemmie James, Climate activist and Chair of the International Coalition on Drug Policy Reform and Environmental Justice. Neil Woods, former UK police officer and undercover drugs operative, author and board member of Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP) in the USA and in the U.K. and member of the International Coalition on Drug Policy Reform and Environmental Justice. Dr. Diego Andrés Lugo-Vivas, scholar and activist from Columbia and member of International Coalition for Drug Policy Reform and Environmental Justice. Produced by Judith Peppard Earth Matters # 1439 Music:  Astro by Mateo Kingman

The 2020s have been a story of fire, floods, and natural disasters. Communities are still recovering from 'once in a lifetime' natural disasters, and preparing for the next one.This week, we speak with bushfire survivor and climate activist Jack Egan, flood survivor and resilience leader Kate Coxall, researcher and sociologist Fiona McDonald, youth peer worker Cherrie Byrne, and disaster specialised youth worker Carla Hall, about the impact of disaster, and the role young people can play in building resilience. 

This amazing First Nations panel responds to the questions: “How can the environment and climate movement best show solidarity with first nations people?”“What does First Nations justice have to do with climate justice?”Featuring Awabakal elder Aunty Tracey, Ngemba elder Aunty Caroline, Bundjalung and Worimi saltwater woman Phoebe McIlwraith, and Ngemba, Wangan and Jagalingou protector of country Wilka Kirakuta. The conversation was moderated by Wadi wadi man of the Yuin nation, Matthew Jeffery.These voices were at the Peoples Blockade of the world’s largest coal port where thousands of climate activists took to the water on the weekend of November 25-26, blockading the coal port in Muloombinba Newcastle for well over 30 hours. 109 people were arrested together in defiance of the the 30 hour limit of  allowed blocking of the shipping channel.The blockade was organised by Rising Tide. What’s happening next? Find out about the next ten day blockade of the coal port with 10,000 people during November 20th -29th,  2024 at https://www.risingtide.org.au/Facebook event page for 2024 Event November 20th to 29th  http://bit.ly/3u4JW8hLinks:Rising TideSupport the Rising Tide 109 | Chuffed | Non-profit charity and social enterprise fundraising(link is external)Kirketts Mob Quest Fundraising Page on Facebook  for Caroline Kirk and her activist mob for transport and communications costs.   Kirketts Mob Facebook Fundraising PageHashtags: #PeoplesBlockade | #RisingTideAus | #NoNewCoal | #MakePollutersPayEarth Matters #1437 was on produced by Bec Horridge

Deep thinking Grant Howard, who works in the  coal industry, shares his realisation that politicians:“deliberately lied; not to protect mine workers but lied and used mine workers to protect their own jobs”, A large, happy crowd of sun-hatted people sitting on the sand of a  coal port beach, listening to their friends on the stage tell them why coal exports from Australia must be stopped. Next, they will get into canoe’s and do just that by paddling out and blocking the massive coal ships shipping lane with their colored canooes and fabulous flotilla.Karl Eric makes instant lyrics on the power of washing up ! and an arrestee thanks the NSW police for being careful, not rough.After hearing Manjot Kaur you won't forget her name.The planned 2024 coal port blockade with 10,000 people for ten days and upcoming Rising Tide tour to build numbers of like minded people is well mentioned.This action leaves no doubt that an increasingly huge number of ordinairy people are unstoppably and happily willing to risk jail to stop coal exports from this stolen land  to slow runnaway climate chaos.Links:Rising TideEarth Matters #1436 was produced by Bec Horridge in Mulubinba,(Newcastle) on the Awabakal Nation.

This episode was inspired by a recent a Nyamat Yarkeen Karween - Southern Ocean Dreaming Gunditjmara Ceremony that host Phil Evans attended recently in Narrawong, VIC. Audio from the ceremony is heard throughout.First they blast. Then they drill. American oil and gas giant ConocoPhillips has announced plans to explore for gas in commonwealth waters as close as 8km from the coast of Warrnambool. Before any exploration begins, the area is scheduled for a series of seismic blasting surveys, to be undertaken by another company CGG. We look at some of the effects this will have on environment and culture.We hear from Gunditjmara, Yuin and Bidjara woman, Yarran Couzens Bundle and Warrnambool marine scientist, Zoe Brittain.Sign the Citizens Protection Declaration to stand in solidarity with First Nations communities asserting their care for Sea Country.Songs from Gunditjmara Bundiya are featured in the show.Earth Matters #1434 was produced by Phil Evans with thanks to Friends of the Earth.

Transcript and Reference ListWhen most Australians can access all the water they could ever want with the simple twist of a tap it’s easy to think that water is a common resource. But even in our own backyard, Indigenous people are legally entitled to less than 0.1% of the Murray Darling Basin by the Australian government.Building on the concept of the “tragedy of the commons,” guest producers completing sociology at the University of Melbourne dive into the theory behind whether water can be collectively owned. Unpacking the sociology of sustainability, student producers are here to walk you through how climate racism and patriarchy operate to limit marginalised people’s right to water, and therefore right to life.Presenters & Topics:Zi Yuan: The tension between capitalism and water sustainability, focusing on the case study of the Fukushima dilemmaOla Wallis: Ecofeminism and the gender inequalities in relation to water access and sanitation, examining the experiences of low caste women in Mumbai, as well as Indigenous women in MoroccoBrionie Young: Looking at “epistemicides,” or the destruction of Indigenous knowledges through the colonisation of river systemsVida Davies: Indigenous in the case study of the Murray Darling river basin and the possibility of commoning water whilst upholding Indigenous sovereignty Earth Matters #1434 was produced by Ola Wallis, Zi Yuan, Brionie Young & Vida Davies. 

What we need in Australia's new nature laws  The Federal government is overhauling the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act or EPBC Act (1999) after a damning review published in 2020. The public is encouraged to have their say via the following website:https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/australias-new-nature-positive-laws Euan Ritchie, Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at Deakin University, and his colleagues have described 5 things we need to see in Australia’s new nature laws if we are to avoid disaster and even more biodiversity decline. Euan explains what to look for.https://theconversation.com/5-things-we-need-to-see-in-australias-new-nature-laws-217271 We also hear from Kate Umbers, Managing Director and founder of Invertebrates Australiahttps://theconversation.com/trapped-australias-extraordinary-alpine-insects-are-being-marooned-on-mountaintops-as-the-world-warms-211104https://www.3cr.org.au/earthmatters/episode/emissions-impossible-and-biodiversity-knife-edge-alpine-insect-decline Rob Fowler, Professor of Environmental Law, who spoke to 3CR in 2020 about the interim report of the  review of the EPBC Act.https://www.3cr.org.au/actingup/episode-202008101400/more-environmental-decline-likely-federal-government-seeks-devolve Music:    One Song    Archie Roachhttps://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=Archie+Roach+One+Song#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:152b00da,vid:nFE78q6gKb0,st:0 Earth Matters Episode #1433  Produced by Judith Peppard 

Summer is here again and for many people - it is festival season! But when you hit the dancefloor, what will be the environmental impact? And what are festivals doing about transport, trash and toilets to lower that impact?We talk to Berish Bilander from Green Music Australia, whose mission it is to green the music and festival scene, and have us all party for a purpose, and the planet. We also hear from festival organiser from WA's Blazing Swan, Gwynneth Jones, and Victorian festival and burn enthusiast, Ronnie Backhouse.This show features an array of Australian based electronic music artists:CAIN - Platypus PoisonTerrafractyl - Liquid CirclesDysphemic - Koala Bass (DNB Mix)Tijuana Cartel - IshtarSuseri - EuphoriaCheck out Camping Buddy as mentioned in the show.Produced on Gunaikurnai Land - Gippsland, VIC.Earth Matters #1432 was produced by Phil Evans.

Thousands of climate activists took to the water on the weekend of November 25-26, blockading the coal port in Muloombinba Newcastle.Jacob spoke to blockade organiser Zack Schofield, and school striker Niamh Cush, about the protest. We also hear a First Nations panel discussion featuring Awabakal elder Aunty Tracey, Ngemba elder Aunty Caroline, Bundjalung and Worimi saltwater woman Phoebe McIlwraith, and Ngemba, Wangan and Jagalingou protector of country Wilka Kirakuta. The conversation was moderated by Wadi wadi man of the Yuin nation, Matthew Jeffery.Featuring music by Newcastle band 'Photos of the Moon'. 

“If we don’t end war, war will end us.”H.G. WellsAs true as it was back in 1936, it is still true today. And whilst the human cost of war is undeniable, not often considered is the environmental damage that comes with it. Today we draw from a recently run forum, which looked at how the climate movement can show solidarity for the Palestinian cause, particularly with the latest round of violence, death, and destruction in Gaza.We look at how a colonial, extractivist mindset has shaped the relationship with Palestinian land, the connection to the experience in Australia, how climate change is being driven by the carbon bootprint of militaries, and some of the impacts of militarism on land and water in Palestine.We hear from:Rihab Charida, a digital story teller, filmmaker and producer.from Safsaf, Safad region in the Upper Galilee, Palestine.Pablo Brait, a Jewish campaigner and community organiser who has been fighting for climate justice and against coal and gas expansions for over 15 years.Asseel Tayah, a Palestinian born and raised artist and activist telling stories of home and having to leave it.Danya Jacobs, an environmental lawyer in Naarm, and a human rights activist doing accompaniment and solidarity when visiting Palestine/Israel.Boe Spearim, a Gamilaraay and Kooma man, podcaster and activist based in Brisbane who has been involved in both for over 10 yearsFahimah Badrulhisham from the Muslim Collective, architect and climate justice campaignerElise West from the Medical Association for the Prevention of War.With thanks to Medical Association for the Prevention of War, Friends of the Earth, Action Aid, Muslim Collective, 350.org, Tipping Point, and Democracy in Colour for their assistance in the production of this show.Featuring music from Australian producer, Monkey Marc, with his track, Emergency.Earth Matters #1430 was produced by Phil Evans.Produced on Gunaikurnai Land.

Dee and Bec respond to the  Earths urgent screaming; the luscious, living system all around us and really try to help. Global boiling activists Dee Mould and Bec Horridge met on the ground at the inspirational fireside conversations of the Maule’s Creek coal mine blockade. A decade later they reflect how painful old injuries and life on the unemployment scrap heap can free up time to respond to the  Earths urgent screaming; the  luscious living system all around us and really try to help. Flood survivor Dee explains the resonating benefits of peer to peer trauma counselling by people who have similar difficult experiences.Earth Matters #1429 was produced by Bec HorridgeLinksRising TideWHAT IS HEALTH SOVEREIGNTY?2023 marked the 75th anniversary of the World Health Organization (WHO). In a year where this organisation promoted the theme ‘Health For All’, COVID hegemony - the normalisation of widespread infection achieved by those with power through coercive persuasion, to gain our consent and approval - continued across the western world. Despite this, Covid globalist conspiracy theorists aligned with ableist, eugenicist, transphobic and far right extremists, continued to rail against the threat to the “health sovereignty” of settler colonies and other western nation states supposedly posed by the WHO. Some of them, on the streets of Melbourne's CBD.  Meanwhile, in the state of Victoria, the urgency of the need for genuine health and body sovereignty for some of the most vulnerable members of this society was perhaps nowhere more clearly laid out than in the State acknowledgement of harm project recommendations given to the Victorian Government, following The Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. The project identified 10 types of harm inflicted by the state (and its police) on victims and survivors of the mental health system, including the recognition that Victoria’s system has been, and is both a product and producer of, an ongoing process of colonisation. Even so, Royal Commissions like this or the national Disability Royal Commission, that point to the tip of the iceberg of horrific impacts on health embedded in colonial administration of healthcare and disability services within a capitalist system, do not capture the complexity and full extent of the poverty, violence, and injustice that poor multiply marginalised disabled people, particularly Black disabled migrant women and LGBTQI+ people on precarious visas, experience by the state and at the hands of fellow residents here.  Community-controlled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health services, set up by and for their communities, shine as the oldest example on this continent of successful and strong resistance to the health destroying impacts of genocide, colonisation and anti-Black, anti-Indigenous racism in the mainstream health system. Other cultural communities, and LGBTQI communities, work hard to initiate and coordinate health promotion for their own communities too. Still, the corrosive ableism and saneism that harms disabled people within and outside these communities, from birth to death, (and sometimes across continents) is arguably poorly understood by health administrators, policy makers and advocates at this time. For our 2023 Disability Day broadcast, we’re making space to explore what health and HEALTH SOVEREIGNTY means, holistically and materially, to First Nations disabled people and other disabled individuals, their kin networks and communities, residing on unceded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands. And imagining what genuinely healing healthcare systems that affirm the lives, self knowledge and expertise of disabled people of all ages and backgrounds can look like in the future. 

Nurrdalinji Aboriginal Corporation Members and Directors outside a flaring exploration well on Tanumbrini Cattle Station.Photo courtesy of Thomas Houlie kindly provided by Original Power and the Nurrdalinji Aboriginal Corporation Emissions impossibleThe Northern Territory's decision to green-light fracking in the Beetaloo Basin relied on a CSIRO/GISERA report entitled 'Mitigation and Offsets of Australian Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Onshore Shale Gas in the Northern Territory', released in Febrary this year. An independent analysis by Climate Analytics commissioned by the Nurrdalinji Aboriginal Corporation found that the CSIRO/GISERA report greatly underestimated Beetaloo greenhouse gas emissions. Thomas Houlie from Climate Analytics tells us what they found.https://climateanalytics.org/publications/emissions-impossiblehttps://theconversation.com/the-beetaloo-gas-field-is-a-climate-bomb-how-did-csiro-modelling-make-it-look-otherwise-215711 "Biodiversity on a knife edge": Alpine insect declineThe impact of global heating is hurting invertebrates globally. Dr Kate Umbers, a senior lecturer at Western Sydney University and founding Managing Director of Invertibrates Australia tells us why, and how Australia's invertebrates and alpine insects are being affected.https://theconversation.com/trapped-australias-extraordinary-alpine-insects-are-being-marooned-on-mountaintops-as-the-world-warms-211104https://invertebratesaustralia.org/ Photo:  Nurrdalinji Aboriginal Corporation Members and Directors outside a flaring exploration well on Tanumbrini Cattle Station, courtesy of Thomas Houlie and kindly provided by Original Power and the Nurrdalinji Aboriginal Corporation Earth Matters #1428Produced by Judith Peppard

Professor Katerina Teaiwa and Itinterunga Rae Banteiti join Priya to discuss the colonial history of phosphate mining on Banaba and the fight by Banabans for reparations and an end to extraction. This conversation, recorded in September 2023, occurs in the context of a recent push by Australian mining company Centrex, which has sought to conduct phosphate prospecting activities on the island under the greenwashing premise of “rehabilitation.” This week, you will hear the second part of Priya's two-part conversation with Katerina and Rae - listen back part one here.Katerina is an interdisciplinary scholar, artist and award winning teacher of Banaban, I-Kiribati and African American heritage born and raised in Fiji. She is Professor of Pacific Studies in the School of Culture, History and Language, College of Asia and the Pacific at the Australian National University, and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Rae is of Banaban and Kiribati origins and was raised and educated in Fiji. Rae’s environment and social justice work are linked to Kiribati people’s histories and the extent of environmental degradation caused by extensive mining. You can find the petition started by the Banaban community on Rabi Island, Fiji, which demands a defence of Banaban rights and the prevention of any further mining of the island, below. There are also links to further information about the impacts of mining on Banaban people and their tireless campaigning to protect and restore Banaba.You can find the petition started by the Banaban community on Rabi Island, Fiji, which demands a defence of Banaban rights and the prevention of any further mining of the island, below. There are also links to further information about the impacts of mining on Banaban people and their tireless campaigning to protect and restore Banaba.Sign the Petition: STOP CENTREX MINING ON BANABA, DEFEND BANABAN RIGHTS, AND CHALLENGE THE RABI ADMINISTRATORArt Exhibit Brings Banaban Human Rights Struggles to Global Stage [article]Forced Displacement, Banaba, and the Right to Life with Dignity [article]Why you must see Project Banaba – an Exhibition by Katerina Teaiwa [article]We are the Fiery Canoe Foundation [video]

Professor Katerina Teaiwa and Itinterunga Rae Banteiti join Priya to discuss the colonial history of phosphate mining on Banaba and the fight by Banabans for reparations and an end to extraction. This conversation, recorded in September 2023, occurs in the context of a recent push by Australian mining company Centrex, which has sought to conduct phosphate prospecting activities on the island under the greenwashing premise of “rehabilitation.” This week, you will hear the first of Priya's two-part conversation with Katerina and Rae - stay tuned next week to catch the rest.Katerina is an interdisciplinary scholar, artist and award winning teacher of Banaban, I-Kiribati and African American heritage born and raised in Fiji. She is Professor of Pacific Studies in the School of Culture, History and Language, College of Asia and the Pacific at the Australian National University, and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Rae is of Banaban and Kiribati origins and was raised and educated in Fiji. Rae’s environment and social justice work are linked to Kiribati people’s histories and the extent of environmental degradation caused by extensive mining.You can find the petition started by the Banaban community on Rabi Island, Fiji, which demands a defence of Banaban rights and the prevention of any further mining of the island, below. There are also links to further information about the impacts of mining on Banaban people and their tireless campaigning to protect and restore Banaba.Sign the Petition: STOP CENTREX MINING ON BANABA, DEFEND BANABAN RIGHTS, AND CHALLENGE THE RABI ADMINISTRATORArt Exhibit Brings Banaban Human Rights Struggles to Global Stage [article]Forced Displacement, Banaba, and the Right to Life with Dignity [article]Why you must see Project Banaba – an Exhibition by Katerina Teaiwa [article]We are the Fiery Canoe Foundation [video]

Fire threat to purple-crowned fairy-wren Wildfire threatens the survival of the endangered purple-crowned fairy-wren, a tiny bird that lives in riparian zones, along the rivers and creeks of Australia’s northern tropical savanna.  Anne Peters and Niki Teunissen have been studying the purple-crowned fairy-wren at the Mornington Marion Downs Wildlife Sanctuary for almost twenty years. During this time one low-intensity fire and one high-intensity fire burnt through their study site. They tell us why they began studying this remarkable bird, what they’ve learned and the impact the fires have had. Guests:Anne Peters Professor, Behavioual ecology, Monash UniversityNiki Teunissen Behavioual ecologogist, Post-doctoral researcher, Wageningen University in the Netherlands and Monash University https://theconversation.com/fire-in-northern-australias-tropical-savanna-is-a-threat-to-endangered-fairy-wrens-210066 https://www.australianwildlife.org/wildlife/purple-crowned-fairy-wren/ https://theconversation.com/painting-with-fire-how-northern-australia-developed-one-of-the-worlds-best-bushfire-management-programs-205113 https://theconversation.com/the-worlds-best-fire-management-system-is-in-northern-australia-and-its-led-by-indigenous-land-managers-133071  Photo credit: Niki Teunissen/AWC Earth Matters episode #1425 Produced by Judith Peppard

This week on Earth Matters, Phil Evans takes a dive into the renewable energy revolution happening in Australia, and asks: can offshore wind and whales co-exist?Offshore wind is just starting to get a foot in Australia, and there is a rising concern about the ecological impact of this new industry.We hear from former Threatened Species Commissioner, Adjunct Associate Professor with the University of Canberra's Institute for Applied Ecology, and Dharawal man, Gregory Andrews, along with Dr Pete Gill, CEO and cetacean scientist with Blue Whale Study.Music from the show is from Candian post-rock group, God Speed! You Black Emperor.This week's show is #1424 and was hosted and produced by Phil Evans.

Dr. Colette Harmsen, released on Friday 13/10/23 from her three months sentence in Tasmania and prison for having stood up for the protection of our precious native forests. She spoke to Sean O'Shannessy on the day of her release about her reasons for taking the actions that got her locked up, her experience of prison and her intentions for future actions for our environment.  Susie Russel and Dylan Pugh unpick the vested interests in  the Northern NSW native forests logging. Guests:Dr. Colette HarmsenSusie Russel North Coast Environment Council, Inc. (ncec.org.au)Dylan Pugh: North East Forest Alliance (NEFA) MusicLock On! Songs to Save Australia's Forests | N.E.F.A. (bandcamp.com) Links:Forestry Corporation - Timber sales $15 million to combat timber shortages - Infrastructure Magazine Trees make Rain - there's science now to prove it! (learningfromnature.com.au) Earth Matters #1425 was produced by Bec Horridge and Sean O'shannessy 

At a time when the world has moved from global warming to 'global boiling' according to the UN Secretary General, all eyes are on COP 28 (UAE, Dec 2023) for the world to take the actions needed to dramatically reduce carbon emissions. In this Women's Climate Conversation online event WCC founder Janet Salisbury was joined by three women who are bringing ambitious agendas to COP28 to secure the climate: Women bringing new agendas to COP28 | 3CR Community Radiohttps://www.3cr.org.au/earthmatters/episode/women-bringing-new-agendas-cop28Katrin Geyer joined us from London, England and is the Environmental Advisor, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. She will speak about WILFP's proposal to include military emissions into the COP negotiations.Anna Reynolds is the Lord Mayor of Hobart will tell us how, with her role as a member of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), she was the first Mayor in the world to pledge support for the Mayors Declaration for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Natalie Sifuma joined us from Nairobi and is Head of Communications, SHE Changes Climate. She will speak of the push by SCC to secure 50:50 representation of women at all levels of COP negotiations including the Presidency and in all country delegations.  Music: "Last night I had the Strangest Dream": Jonny Joelson. Bandcamp              "Give Peace a Chance": Joan Baez, Live at the Woodstock Festival. (1969) Bandcamp.Earth Matters #1422 was produced by Bec Horridge.     Thankyou to the Women's Climate Congress for permission to make an Earth Matters from their online conversation.

Waorani leader  Alicia Cahuiya standing next to a tree near her community marked to be cut down by Petroecuador, the company now banned from drilling in Yasuní National Park.Ecuador votes to keep oil in the soilOn August 20th fifty-eight per cent of Ecuadorians voted to stop all current and future drilling in three oil fields inside the Yasuni National Park and sixty-eight per cent voted to block mining in the Choco Andino Forest. Liz Downes, Coordinator of the Ecuador Endangered Campaign at the Rainforest Information Centre discusses the significance of these decisions, environmental democracy in Ecuador and the campaign to stop the drilling. https://www.rainforestinformationcentre.org/ecuador_endangered  MusicSong for the Forests of Yasuni by Indigenous activist and defender Alex LucitanteLluvia by Mateo Kingman, a singer-songwriter of Ecuadorian Amazonian music that fuses traditional Latin American sounds with hip-hop, rock, and pop.  PhotoAlicia Cahuiya, a prominent Waorani leader and vice president of the women's branch of CONAIE (Ecuador's National Indigenous Federation). Photo provided by Liz Downes. Earth Matters #1421 Producer: Judith Peppard   

Sean O Shannessy talks with Felicity Wade from the Labor Environment Action Network about outcomes for our native forests at the recent ALP National Conference in Meanjin. Bob Browns  with trumpets and his epic speech  at the massive rally outside the conference.The North Coast Environment Council alerts us that  logging in all of  the Great Koala National Park must stop. Xavier Rudd singing at the Rally to Stop Native Forest Logging in Australia.Soozah Clark - The Power of the Trees: Lock On! Songs to Save Australia's Forests | N.E.F.A. (bandcamp.com)Earth Matter Number #1419 was presented and produced by Sean O Shannessy  and Bec Horridge. 

With the effects of climate change being felt around the globe, a small grassroots civil resistance movement is reforming, and they are called Rising Tide.We spoke with Shaun Murray and 19 year old Alexa Stuart from Rising Tide, about what this is all about and how you can get involved with the People's Blockade of the world's largest coal port on November 24th.Visit risingtide.org.au for more info.Featuring music from woderful queer, Filipino and Wiradjuri artist, Mo'Ju. 

Uncle Bunja Smith says he wants "to see a permanent voice to parliament so we may be able to close the gap” Uncle Bunja is asking people to find out about The Voice referendum coming up on October 14th, dodge the misinformation flying about, and join the Yes campaign. 43 climate organisations and groups representing a movement of over two million Australians  signed a public letter supporting YES to the Voice. Hear this statement. Find out about The Voice here   and here : Everything you need to know about the Voice. - ABC NewsGuest: Uncle Bunja Smith is a recognized Walbanga Elder in his community of the greater Yuin nation, on the south coast of New South Wales. He is involved in a lot of things that happen in his community, especially aged and home care for Aboriginal people.Music: by emerging Djaarmby  Band playing  new music for the Yuin nation and us all. Music | Djaarmby Band (bandcamp.com)Djaarmby Band  is from the Yuin nation on the south coast of NSW and Canberra. The song "Five Tribes'  soon to be released, written by Darren Rix on guitar and vocals, Warren Saunders  on base and didge, Goo Cee playing  guitar, drums by Richard Ploog.  Djaarmby Band is  launching an EP soon.Statement from Climate Groups and list of supporting groups: Climate Movement Supports Yes to the Voice (envirojustice.org.au)

"Save the bees" has become an environmental catch cry – but with honeybees colonies on the rise, what bee species are in need of saving and how should we go about saving them?This episode we chat with Dr Kit Prendergast about invasive bee colonies and their impact on Australia’s ecosystem. We also dive into Dr Prendergast’s research into bee hotels and their efficacy in helping support native bee populations in the backyard and bush.You can find The Conversation article referenced in todays show here: https://theconversation.com/the-feral-flying-under-the-radar-why-we-need-to-rethink-european-honeybees-207153And you can find the referenced research into bee hotels here: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11252-023-01381-5.pdf?pdf=buttonImage credit to Dr Prendergast: https://twitter.com/BeeBabette/status/1309777512587644929/photo/2 

Saving Westernport Bay: A community takes on AGL On October 17th 2017 AGL announced it would install a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) in Westernport Bay on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. We re-visit the story of the Save Westernport Campaign, broadcast on 3CR in June 2021, to look at what citizens are up against when they take on large corporations to protect the environment and the planet.  We hear fromAunty Dyan Summers, Bunurong Elder, Bunurong Land Council Save Westernport Campaign committee members (2017-2021)Candy Van Rood, PresidentJane Carnegie, Vice PresidentJulia Stockigt, Sect'y  Chris Atmore: Environmental LawyerSacha Guggenheimer: Marine scientistBelinda Lewis: Anthropologist Music:  Marty Williams Experiment Photo courtesy Julia Stockigt Earth Matters Episode #1415Produced by Judith Peppard

Australia has a nuclear waste problem. A 2021 national inventory found Australia’s low and intermediate waste has a combined volume greater than seven Olympic swimming pools. The government does not seem to be providing a community driven solution to this problem, instead taking a “decide and defend” model of proposing new waste facilities without proper community consultation. This is the case in the Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC v Minister for Resources [2023] court case heard earlier this month, in which traditional owner group Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation, successfully overturned a proposal for a new waste facility in the Kimba, South Australia. Earth Matters spoke with Emeritus Professor Ian Lowe about the court case and where Australia needs to go next in terms of storage of nuclear waste material.This episode includes audio from a Barngarla campaign video found here: https://vimeo.com/659125887 You can read Professor Lowe’s article on The Conversation here: ttps://theconversation.com/the-kimba-nuclear-waste-plan-bites-the-dust-heres-what-went-wrong-and-how-to-do-better-next-time-211344  

Environmental Dimensions of the 'war on drugs' We investigate the environmental dimensions of the war on drugs and the international drug prohibition regime.  Liliana Davalos, an evolutionary biologist from Stony Brook University in New York, tells us how growing coca crops in Colombia for the international drug market began and the impact it’s had. https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-06-24/colombias-forests-silent-victims-of-the-war-on-drugs.html Neil Woods, former undercover police officer, author, member of Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP) and the newly established Drug Policy Reform and Environmental Justice Coalition, describes the wealth and power of multinational drug networks, how whole countries can be corrupted and the impact on the environment.https://www.newthinking.com/sustainability/environmental-dimensions-of-drug-prohibition-and-corruptionhttps://www.search.org.au/neil_woods_drug_wars_or_new_laws Breaking newshttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/13/im-not-afraid-ecuadors-assassinated-presidential-candidate-who-fought-the-cartels Referenceshttps://english.elpais.com/international/2023-06-24/colombias-forests-silent-victims-of-the-war-on-drugs.htmlhttps://www.newthinking.com/sustainability/environmental-dimensions-of-drug-prohibition-and-corruptionhttps://hir.harvard.edu/aerial-fumigation-in-colombia-the-bad-and-the-ugly/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/20/colombia-cant-resume-coca-aerial-spraying-for-now-court-rules  Additional audioHistory.comhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-K60XXaPKw Al Jazeerahttps://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/20/colombia-cant-resume-coca-aerial-spraying-for-now-court-rules  Photo: Flavia-carpioP3PFi8T UnsplashMusic: El Liso en Aleyo  by Louis Towers Earth Matters #1413 Produced by Judith Peppard 

Australia is preparing for war, but is there an alternative?Margaret Reynolds from the Women's International League of Peace and Freedom joins the show to discuss what AUKUS means for Australian society and environment, from a feminist perspective.What are the alternatives? How did this all come about, and what can we do to stop it. All this and more on Earth Matters.Please support the work of WILPF via their crowdfunder to work with young folks to stop AUKUS.

Hear Rod Taylor co author of a new book The Path to a Sustainable Civilization with Mark Diesendorf .with Ecopella environment choir singing  “Lets Pretend” and “My Kyoto”. “Break the bonds of corporate state capture. “The way out of our black hole is to build social movements to pressure to government and big business, to weaken the power of vested interests and strengthen democratic decision-making.This must be done with actions on climate, energy, natural resources and social justice.Our goal is an ecologically sustainable, socially just civilisation.”                                                                             Book webpage  The Path to a Sustainable Civilisation – This civilisation is broken. Let's fix it.“Its conclusions about the need for social movements to fight the corporate capture of our politics seem particularly relevant.” —Bill McKibben, Schumann Distinguished Scholar, Middlebury College, and author of The End of NatureMark Diesendorf is Honorary Associate Professor in the Environment & Society Group, School of Humanities & Languages at UNSW Sydney Rod Taylor is a freelance science  writer, journalist . His book, Ten Journeys on a Fragile Planet (2020), has received strong positive reviews and been the subject of numerous public appearances.  Links  Book webpage  The Path to a Sustainable Civilisation – This civilisation is broken. Let's fix it.                         Australian Democracy Network            Ecopella environmental choir website: Albums available.Earth Matters #1411was produced by Bec Horridge

As Victoria and Tasmania become the last two states in Australia to implement a cash for container deposit scheme Earth Matters reflects on the community effort to get the policy. We speak with Jeff Angel, director at community environment group Boomerang Alliance, exploring the corporate influence of Big Beverage, state politics and necessary next steps for recycling infrastructure in Australia. Boomerang Alliance started as a group dedicated to local action for container deposit system and has since grown to be a network of 55 national, state and local organisations. Interested listeners can find out more about their campaigns on their website and social media.

 Community says NO but seismic blasting in the Otway Basin one step closer as TGS/SLB Environment Plan released for public comment  On Thursday, July 13th, TGS/SLB advised stakeholders that the national regulator, NOPSEMA, has accepted as complete their Environment Plan for the Otway Basin 3D Multi-client Marine Seismic Survey. The Environment Plan has just been made available to the public and communities have 30 days to send comments on the 1,438 page document to TGS/SLB. Today on Earth Matters environmentalists and activists tell us about the impact the proposed seismic blasting will have on the Otway Basin, what they are doing to stop it and problems with the consultation processes of gas companies and their representatives.  We hear from:Yaaran Counsins-Bundle, Gundjitmara Whale Dreaming Custodian from SOPEC, the Southern Ocean Protection Embassy Collective Louise Morris, Oil and Gas Campaign Manager, Australian Marine Conservation Societywww.marineconservation.org.au Annie Ford, National Campaign Manager, Surfrider Foundation Australiahttps://www.surfrider.org.au/ Simon Nash, Fisher from Port Campbell, southwest coast of Victoria Craig Garland, Fisher in northwest Tasmania Ben Druitt, environmental campaigner, Port Fairy  

Small Island Developing States and the climate crisis In our final episode of the 'Loss, Damage, and Denial' miniseries, Jacob speaks with Tristan Ward, a social and behaviour change officer at UNICEF from Barbados, about the climate losses and damages facing the Caribbean and the need for climate finance. We also hear from Netta Maiava, a young Samoan Pacific Climate Warrior, about the need to centre First Nations perspectives in climate solutions.  Photo: Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has been a strong advocate for more climate finance for small island developing states.  Produced by Jacob Gamble Earth Matters Episode #1408 

Valuing the world's disappearing kelp forestsKelp forests are disappearing around the world and in Australia due to warming oceans, pollution and other human impacts.In this episode of Earth Matters we speak with Aaron Egar, marine scientist at the University of New South Wales about his research on the value of kelp forests, the Kelp Forest Alliance and Kelp Forest Challengehttps://theconversation.com/a-forgotten-and-neglected-ecosystem-covers-a-third-of-earths-coastlines-with-a-collective-value-of-500-billion-203908 We also hear from Deborah Wace, a botanical artist, fabric designer and professional print maker from Tasmania who uses kelp and other endangered Tasmanian plants in her designs to show their beauty, tell their stories and why they neredto be protected.http://deborahwace.com https://news.mongabay.com/2022/07/scientists-strive-to-restore-worlds-embattled-kelp-forests/ Photo credit: iStock-150671961 Kelp Forest Music:  Let the Franklin Flow by Goanna (Gordon Franklin Wilderness Ensemble) Earth Matters Episode #1407Produced by Judith Peppard   

The Knitting Nannas were outside Forestry NSW demanding an end to the destruction of our forests that provide ecosystem services and species.  They also offer some caring advice and hope to young people.  In Canberra, outside the Japanese Embassy more Nannas, climate and forest defence groups ask the Japanese government to reconsider its green transition strategy as it means burning more of our  forests, coal and gas. Petition to End Native Forest Logging in Australia: 20,000 signatures needed by July 1st, 2023End Native Forest Logging Now - Bob Brown Foundation Music:     Morning in the Australian Bush: Andrew Keoch and Sarah Koschak      Green Odyssey: Pierre Perez-Vergara  Links: Knitting Nannas – Saving the land, air and water for the kiddies (knitting-nannas.com) Coastwatchers     See Facebook :             Knitting Nannas for Native Forests - South Coast Loop                                          Knitting Nannas in the MUD                                                 Birdlife Shoalhaven,                                                   Treading Lightly Inc,                                                  Knitting Nannas for Native Forests - South Coast Loop,                                                  Brooman State Forest Conservation Group,                                                  Knitting Nannas Against Gas Manyana                                           Move Beyond Coal Canberra                                          Canberra Forest Alliance                                                                                                   Earth Matters #1406 was produced by Bec Horridge

According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Australians used 3.4 million tonnes of plastics in 2018-2019.This week Earth Matters looks at two tools in the fight against plastic waste, revisiting the benefits of cash for containers policy and learning about potential uses for plastic eating micro fungi. Guests include Robert, from community group Cash for Containers, and researcher Amira Farzana Samat from the University of Sydney. Ms Samat's coauthored paper on microfungi can be found here. 

Last month Victoria announce the end of native forest logging in the state would be brought forward to Jan 1 2024. And just this week, a whale is entangled in a shark net in Queensland. This week on Earth Matters we have Isaac Carne– Campaigner for Goongerah Environment CentreLeroy Johnson – Barkindji Malaygangapaa MusicianLauren Sandeman – threatened species campaigner for Sea Shepherd Australia. Earth Matters Episode #1404 produced by Megan Williams

Home to exquisite landscapes, rich culture, and the world’s tallest peaks, the mountainous communities that inhabit the Himalayas face an existential threat. Described as the ‘water tower of Asia’, the glaciers that feed ten of Asia’s major rivers are melting faster, amid a warming climate and increasingly unpredictable rain and drought. It’s posing a threat to lives and livelihoods, and contributed to the deadly 2022 floods in Pakistan. Jacob speaks with climate activists Shreya K.C. (Nepal), Irfan Ulllah (Pakistan), and environmental historian Dr Ruth Gamble, about how the region is experiencing loss and damage, the need for climate finance, and the importance of local governance.In partnership with the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition, Earth Matters is bringing stories from climate vulnerable regions in the world under a mini series ‘Loss, Damage, and Denial’. 

HR23: Preventing drug-related harm; protecting human rightsStrength in Solidarity was the theme of the Harm Reduction International Conference held in Naarm/Melbourne from April 16th to 19th this year. Policy makers, advocates, people who use drugs, academics and service providers called for an end to the international war on drugs and the punitive policies that have a devastating effect on some of the world’s poorest people and on the environment.We hear from:Rachel Stephen-Smith, ACT Minister for Health on the move to decriminalise possession of small quantities of drugs for personal useKirsten Han, from the Transformative Justice Collective in Singapore, working to end the death penaltyNilawan Pitakpanawong, Thai Drug Users Network, on the Mobile Methadone Program for Drug Users in Ethnic groups in Northern ThailandDiego Andres Lugo-Vivas, academic and activist from CET Academic programs in Colombia on the environmental impact of the war on drugs To hear Helen Clark, Chair of the Global Commission on Drug Policy, address the Harm Reduction International Conference go to the following link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktUr6GWZAcYPhoto: Northern Thailand waranont-joe-UnsplashProduced by Judith PeppardEarth Matters #1402

On this episode of Loss, Damage, and Denial, Jacob speaks with Tongan law student Soane Tupola about how climate change will affect his island home, and his hopes for a climate positive future.We speak with Mahealani Delaney from the ANU Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions on how the broader region will be impacted socially, environmentally, economically, and culturally by the climate crisis.Magdalene Johnson, a youth climate activist from the Marshall Islands, discusses the work of her organisation Jo-Jikum in combatting rising sea levels.

Earth Matters speaks with Sweltering Cities, a campaign in Sydney and Melbourne seeking  to empower communities experiencing extreme heat by lifting up stories of lived experience and building community organizing campaigns around local impacts and public health.  Earth Matters speaks with Executive Director of the campaign, Emma Bacon on the data surrounding heatwaves and the need for an intersectional community led response to cooling our cities as we prepare for summer.  Sweltering Cities can be found at: https://swelteringcities.org/

Forest campaigners Avi Mahaningtyas and Patrick Anderson talk about the importance of recognising forest peoples rights in  Indonesia, the  30 by 30 Biodiversity Convention, the effectiveness of tropical timber boycotts and certification, the success of lobbying financiers,  the effect of social media, and the slow food movement.Guests:  Avi Mahaningtyas is a     board member of the. Shas been working in the non government sector in Indonesia for the last 25 years. Her main focuses have been environmental policy and practice, community business development, women’s empowerment, indigenous peoples rights and governance reform. Avi is an environmental consultant and knowledge facilitator.  Patrick Anderson, is with The Rainforest Information Centre and is a policy advisor with the Forest Peoples Programme, a human rights group that supports forest peoples’ struggles throughout the wet tropics Music Nathan May: Its gotta start somewhere 2023LinksMission and Values - Rainforest Action Network (ran.org) The Rainforest Information CentreProfile: Patrick Anderson’s career in environmental and human rights movements - New MandalaForest Peoples ProgrammeForest Politics in Indonesia: Drivers of Deforestation and Dispossession | FPP (forestpeoples.org)  

Last month millions of fish washed up dead in Menindee as blackwater starve the river of oxygen. Barb Quayle of the Barkindji Elders Council in Menindee speaks in the days after the fish kill and for lesbian visibility week, we remember an important anti nukes campaign on the mid 90s Guests:Barb Quayle – Barkindji Elders Council MenindeeKirsten Blair – Attended the Jabiluka Blockade & works with Mirarr PeopleGeoff Looney – Photographer and bird watcher Earth Matters Episode #1398 produced by Megan Williams Photo courtesy of https://www.fluidfronts.com/

Despite contributing the least to global emissions, Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the most climate vulnerable regions in the world. With economic dependence on agriculture, high levels of poverty, and political instability in some regions, a more unstable climate will exacerbate existing issues. Young people are leading action on the climate crisis, but there are growing calls for more funding from the Global North.  On today’s Earth Matters, we speak to two climate activists, Kondwani Mubisa from Malawi and Kaigama Ismael from Cameroon, about the climate losses experienced in Sub-Saharan Africa. In partnership with the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition, a global network of young climate activists advocating for climate finance, Earth Matters will be highlighting youth perspectives on loss and damage across the world. 

 The Resistance Rocket Frog and Ecuador's anti-Mining Campaign Liz Downes chats with Judith about the reasons behind the recent proliferation of mining companies in Ecuador,  the impact it's having on the people who live there and on the environment in one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Liz Downes is the coordinator of the Ecuador Endangered Campaign at the Rainforest Information Centre (RIC) and a member of the Melbourne Rainforest Action Group (MRAG). Liz spent two months in Ecuador in late 2022, meeting with communities to find out how mining is affecting their land and their water, hearing their concerns for the future if mining continues and what they are doing to stop it.  STOP PRESS: A win for local communities against the Llurimagua mining project in the Intag Valley in Ecuador https://news.mongabay.com/2023/03/ecuador-court-upholds-rights-of-nature-blocks-intag-valley-copper-mine/  The Australian mining footprint in Ecuadorhttps://aidwatch.org.au/campaigns/australian-mining-footprint-in-ecuador/ The naming of the Resistance Rocket Froghttps://www.amphibians.org/news/resistance-rocket-frog-ecuador/   

Last year the Federal government announced a First Nations Clean Energy Strategy aimed at ensuring First Nations people have a say in energy policies and programs in the transition to net-zero. The first roundtable with First Nations leaders was held last week in the Pilbara.How did it go and what are the steps needed for such a system overhaul? This week Earth Matters speaks with Ruby Heard from the First Nations Clean Energy Network about where our conversations and policies on energy need to go to ensure that Australia’s transition towards a Net Zero future is fair for everyone. 

From the Women's Climate Congress:   Presenting evidence of First Nations climate impacts on country.  The case of the Waratah Coal mine, climate & human rights. Part Two This is the second part about the Youth Verdict  win. In a  recent historic ruling The Queensland Land Court rejected Clive Palmer's proposed coal mine on the Bimblebox Nature Reserve.   This ground breaking case was a test for Queensland’s new human rights act. Hear  how the case was framed as a First Nations case,  presenting evidence of First nations Impacts on country by inviting the court onto country.  Alison Rose, Patricia Julien, Lala Gutchen, and Murrawah Johnson are  in conversation with Womens Climate Congress Founder, Dr. Janet Salisbury. Alison Rose is a Solicitor within the Safe Climate (Coal and Human Rights) team working on ground-breaking climate litigation at the Environmental Defenders Office Ltd (EDO). She was the lead solicitor for the Waratah Coal Mine case. Alison is also a member of the Women’s Climate Congress Steering Circle (aka Board).  Patricia Julien is the Secretary for The Bimblebox Alliance (TBA) and part of the legal communications team for the Alliance with EDO. She has a background in physical geography, microclimatology, rangeland hydrology & ecology, and was formerly the Coordinator of Mackay Conservation Group where she prepared submissions on the environmental impacts of coal mining, and regional and coastal planning and development policies.  Lala Gutchen is an Erub Meuram Woman from Erub Island, Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) where the rising sea is eating away at her villages and sacred sites. She was one of the witnesses in the case against the Waratah Mine. In a historic first, Lala gave evidence on Country in accordance with their traditional protocols. Judge Kingham and the legal counsel travelled to the Erub Meuram tribal waters and visited Merad Sand Kay (also known as Underdown Island) with Traditional Owners who showed them how climate change has directly harmed their Country. Lala is also a strong advocate for Erub Mer language and has been recognised as a Young Champion by First Language Australia.  Murrawah Johnson is the First Nations program lead for Youth Verdict. She is a Wirdi woman from North and Central Queensland, where the Wiri/Wirdi language dialect ties to the broader Birri Gubba Nation. Murrawah also has ties to Kangalou, Kullilli, Iman, Mununjali, and Bigambul Peoples. She holds ties to Wangan and Jagalingou country as a Wirdi Traditional Owner, and has worked on Aboriginal rights litigation in the Federal Court and Supreme Court of Queensland; lobbying State and Federal governments, and international financial corporations; submits to UN agencies and rapporteurs on human rights breaches; and building research and policy agendas. She also works on community-level Indigenous and climate justice strategies; and has facilitated First Nations solidarities in CANZUS countries. LINKSWomen's Climate Congress (womensclimatecongress.com)(link is external)Youth taking Clive Palmer's Waratah Coal to Court | Youth Verdict*In memory of Emeritus Professor Will Steffen (1947–29 Jan 2023), whose scientific evidence to the Land Court was so influential Earth Matters #1396 was produced by Bec Horridge 

In a  recent historic ruling The Land Court rejected Clive Palmers proposed coal mine on the Bimble Box Nature Reserve. This ground breaking case was a test for Queensland’s new human rights act. Hear  how the case was framed as a first nations case  presenting evidence of first nations impacts on country. Alison Rose, Patricia Julien, Lala Gutchen, and Murrawah Johnson will be in conversation with Womens Climate Congress Founder, Dr. Janet Salisbury.Alison Rose is a Solicitor within the Safe Climate (Coal and Human Rights) team working on ground-breaking climate litigation at the Environmental Defenders Office Ltd (EDO). She was the lead solicitor for the Waratah Coal Mine case. Alison is also a member of the Women’s Climate Congress Steering Circle (aka Board).Patricia Julien is the Secretary for The Bimblebox Alliance (TBA) and part of the legal communications team for the Alliance with EDO. She has a background in physical geography, microclimatology, rangeland hydrology & ecology, and was formerly the Coordinator of Mackay Conservation Group where she prepared submissions on the environmental impacts of coal mining, and regional and coastal planning and development policies.Lala Gutchen is an Erub Meuram Woman from Erub Island, Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) where the rising sea is eating away at her villages and sacred sites. She was one of the witnesses in the case against the Waratah Mine. In a historic first, Lala gave evidence on Country in accordance with their traditional protocols. Judge Kingham and the legal counsel travelled to the Erub Meuram tribal waters and visited Merad Sand Kay (also known as Underdown Island) with Traditional Owners who showed them how climate change has directly harmed their Country. Lala is also a strong advocate for Erub Mer language and has been recognised as a Young Champion by First Language Australia.Murrawah Johnson is the First Nations program lead for Youth Verdict. She is a Wirdi woman from North and Central Queensland, where the Wiri/Wirdi language dialect ties to the broader Birri Gubba Nation. Murrawah also has ties to Kangalou, Kullilli, Iman, Mununjali, and Bigambul Peoples. She holds ties to Wangan and Jagalingou country as a Wirdi Traditional Owner, and has worked on Aboriginal rights litigation in the Federal Court and Supreme Court of Queensland; lobbying State and Federal governments, and international financial corporations; submits to UN agencies and rapporteurs on human rights breaches; and building research and policy agendas. She also works on community-level Indigenous and climate justice strategies; and has facilitated First Nations solidarities in CANZUS countries.LINKSWomen's Climate Congress (womensclimatecongress.com)Youth taking Clive Palmer's Waratah Coal to Court | Youth Verdict*In memory of Emeritus Professor Will Steffen (1947–29 Jan 2023), whose scientific evidence to the Land Court was so influential 

CoP27 held last November in Sharm el-Sheikh reached a landmark agreement to establish a loss and damage fund.Rich countries have agreed to bear some of the costs for permanent and irreversible climate impacts experienced by poorer, less developed nations.But what does loss and damage look like in the 'Global South'?Jacob spoke with Ugandan climate activist Nyombi Morris and Rwandan ecofeminist Ineza Grace, about the climate crisis, its impact on women and girls, and their thoughts on the loss and damage fund. 

PEP11 and the impact of underwater noiseThe gas-drilling proposal known as “Petroleum Exploration Permit 11” or PEP 11, is back on the agenda despite opposition from the community and environmental groups. The project covers 4,500 square kilometres of ocean from Newcastle in the north to the Sydney suburb of Manly.Sam Hepburn, professor in environmental law from Deakin Law School at Deakin University, takes us through the arguments against PEP11Graeme Shannon, a zoologist from Bangor University in Wales in the UK , describes the impact of anthropogenic or human made noise on marine animalsLindy Weilgart, from Dalhousie University in Canada and a Senior Ocean Noise Expert with Ocean Care, looks at the weakness of existing noise regulations and their failure to protect marine mammals such as whales and the ocean's ecosystems.https://www.ccb.se/publication/underwater-noise-the-neglected-threat-to-marine-life Earth Matters episode #1391Produced by Judith Peppard

Did you know that Emissions from native forest logging in south-eastern Australia are greater than Australia’s domestic aviation industry? This episode we speak with Dr Jennifer Sanger from environmental research group, Tree Projects. Dr Sanger discusses three new reports tracking the carbon footprint created by native logging in Southeast Australia and the efforts being taken by the logging industry to hide this carbon cost. We also check-in with Sue McKinnon from Kinglake Friends of the Forest to get an update on KFF and Environmental East Gippsland’s success in court last year. We discuss the need for greater transparency in the Victorian government’s plan to phase out native logging and the citizen science efforts underway in 2023 to ensure Victoria’s forests stay protected. You can get involved in surveying and following the group at their website, Kinglake Friends of the Forest .  

Threats to Australia's wild bees Around sixteen hundred and fifty species of bees indigenous to Australia have been identified through western science and it’s estimated that well over a thousand are yet to be described. As bulldozers clear even more land and wildfires decimate the bush, Australia's native bee species are being added to the IUCN Red List and there are fears that more will be lost. Across Australia people are working to eductae the public about our incredible native bees, conducting research to find out more about them and creating safe havens to protect them. Judith speaks with Paul Craft-Burragun from Burragun Aboriginal Cultural Services, Kit Prendergast, native bee ecologist and science communicator, James Dorey ecologist, evolutionary biologist and taxonomist at Flinders University and Emma Cutting, author of the Melbourne Pollinator Corridor Handbook. Thank you to Vicki Powys for permission to use of the sound of the Lipotriches flavoviridis wild bee buzz-pollinating a native Solanum flower recorded in the Capertee Valley in  New South Wales and published in 2016. Links to guests' publications and information discussed in the program Paul Craft-Burragunhttps://www.burragun.com.au/ Kit Prendergasthttps://www.beethecure.com.au/product/creating-a-haven-fo-native-bees-kit-prendergast-book/ James Doreyhttps://www.publish.csiro.au/book/7786/ Emma Cuttinghttps://theheartgardeningproject.org.au/shop/p/melbourne-pollinator-corridor-handbook Earth Matters Episode #1389Produced by Judith Peppard   

The climate emergency will continue to bring fire, floods, and extreme weather events all across the world— but not everyone is going to be affected in the same way.Communities that are white and wealthier are conventionally better resourced to deal with the ramifications of an increasingly unstable climate, while poorer communities, who often face overlapping crises will be left more vulnerable.Jacob speaks with Grace Vegesana, the Climate & Racial Justice Director at the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, and Lia Mai Torres, the Executive Director of the Center for Environmental Concerns Philippines, about the intersectional impacts of climate change.

Takesa  explains  her connection to  the forest she lives in on Yuin Country, NSW,  the  impacts  of taking trees and why  Australian forests need protection now more than ever.  Later in the show Joslyn gives us practical advice on doing   roadside banner events  that  make your message visible to  passing  cars. Music: Morning in the Australian Bush:  Andrew  Skeoch and Sarah KoschakEarth Matters Episode #1387 was produced by Bec HorridgeEvents Saving Bulga Forest & Beyond - Online Info session | FacebookLinks:  Brooman State Forest Conservation Group | Facebook              Friends of the Forest | Facebook               Bob Brown Foundation - Action for EarthArticles : NSW forests face uncertain future as ‘desperation’ builds over major parties’ inaction over logging | Logging and land-clearing | The Guardianhttps://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-06/native-forest-logging-protests-north-coast-nsw-election/101934810            Earth Matters #1387 was produced by Bec Horridge

Carbon offsets have underpinned Australia's climate policies for the last decade. But the credibility of the carbon credits market has been tarnished with allegations of fraudulent credits, and questions over what constitutes a carbon offset, with one category called 'avoided deforestation' paying landholders not to clear trees they had permits to clear.So is the carbon market just another tool for greenwashing? Or a necessary step in the slow march to net zero?Jacob speaks with carbon-neutral farmer Mark Wootton, and environmental investigator from the Australian Conservation Foundation Annica Schoo. Earth Matters #1386 was produced by Jacob Gamble

 The sustainability movement likes to tout self-promoted actions of recycling and zero waste, but are these movements possible for everyone? This week we problematise the lack of inclusivity in the sustainability movement for those living with a disability.  Speaking with Professor of social inclusion Simon Darcy, Earth Matters looks critically at "Eco Ableism" and where the sustainability model needs to go, to be accessible to all. Professor Simon Darcy profile and publications. Poverty of Plastic Bans 2019 reserach paper Earth Matters #1385 was produced by Eiddwen Jeffery and guest producer Alex. 

From the Martuwarra Fitzroy River in North West WA to the Darling Baaka River in Far West NSW.Remote communities are seeking control over disaster information and flood management as questions are raised about government handling of flooding on major rivers. Guests:Dr. Anne Poelina – Chair of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River CouncilGraeme McCrabb – Menindee Resident  Support the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council's Fundraising efforts at www.martuwarra.org/donate Earth Matters Episode #1384 produced by Megan Williams

This week Earth Matters explores how uniting Indigenous world views with emerging legal concepts offers a strengthened calls for rights for nature.  It’s a republication of 2DRY FMs Water Watch episode from World Water week in 2022, featureing Prof. Anne Poelina, a Kimberley, Nyikina Warrwa Indigenous scholar and chair of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council and Dr Erin O'Donnell from the Melbourne University School of Law speaking at a webinar by Resources, Environment and Development Group at the Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University.  With thanks to the Crawford School of Public Policy for permission to redistribute their webinar. The full presentation is available at https://youtu.be/kixgWtkDHPA Support the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Councils Fundraising efforts at www.martuwarra.org/donate Earth Matters Episode #1383 produced by Megan Williams

At a time when the world has moved from global warming to 'global boiling' according to the UN Secretary General, all eyes are on COP 28 (UAE, Dec 2023) for the world to take the actions needed to dramatically reduce carbon emissions. In this Women's Climate Conversation online event WCC founder Janet Salisbury was joined by three women who are bringing ambitious agendas to COP28 to secure the climate: Katrin Geyer joined us from London, England and is the Environmental Advisor, Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. She will speak about WILFP's proposal to include military emissions into the COP negotiations.Anna Reynolds is the Lord Mayor of Hobart will tell us how, with her role as a member of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), she was the first Mayor in the world to pledge support for the Mayors Declaration for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Natalie Sifuma joined us from Nairobi and is Head of Communications, SHE Changes Climate. She will speak of the push by SCC to secure 50:50 representation of women at all levels of COP negotiations including the Presidency and in all country delegations.  Earth Matters #1422 was produced by Bec Horridge.     Thankyou to the Women's Climate Congress for permission to make an Earth Matters podcast from their online conversation.

Jo Dodds, co-founder of Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action observed at COP27 that stories from victims of extreme climate impacts help depoliticise discussions aimed at solving the global heating crisis. She also  talks of her group's landmark successful legal case  ordering the Environmental Protection Agency of NSW  to act on the climate crisis. Links Bushfire Survivors for Climate ActionMusic | Sophia Fletcher (bandcamp.com) Earth Matters #1382 was produced by Bec Horridge

 Biodiversity on the line at COP 15The COP 15 UN biodiversity meeting held in Montreal Canada in December 2022, was seen as a "last chance" to save the nature upon which the world depends. The resulting Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework here announced on December 19th is being celebrated as an historic first step and will be watched closely into 2023 to see how and what it delivers. On Earth Matters we hear more about COP 15 and speak with three people working  on biodiversity issues in different ways: Nathaniel Pelle, nature campaigner with the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), discusses the potential of COP 15; Ben Cooke, researcher with the Centre for Urban Research at RMIT University, looks at the limitations and poor resourcing of areas protected for conservation in Australia; and Rodney Carter, CEO of the Dja Dja Wurrung Group, speaks about the Galk-galk Dhelkunya, the Forest Gardening Strategy, based on traditional knowledge, conservation and respect for country.Nathaniel Pelle, Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF)https://www.acf.org.au/Ben Cooke, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT UniversityYou can find Ben's paper here Rodney Carter, CEO of the Dja Dja Wurrung Grouphttps://djadjawurrung.com.au/ Photo credit: Anne Nygård UnsplashEarth Matters #1381 was produced by Judith Peppard 

Japan is not doing great when it comes to climate action. Absent from COP27, awarded "the infamous 'fossil' award and leading a revitalized push by for Nuclear energy, there is a lot to be desired for a healthy climate. To better understand it Earth Matters presenter Eiddwen speaks with Japan Friends of the Earth (FOE) campaigners Houze and Ayumi. Their conversation looks at FOE's anti-nuclear campaign, concerns of overdevelopment, grassroot action and the similarities between Japan and Australia. More information for FOE Japan can be found at their website at: https://foejapan.org/en/ Earth Matters #1373 was produced by Eiddwen Jeffery

Violet Coco is out on bail after recieving a 15 month sentance for blocking a lane of traffic on Sydney Harbour Bridge. On Earth Matters we hear from her acting solicitor Eddie Lloyd on the precedent this case sets, constitutional challenges and advice for future protests in NSW.We also hear from Ray Woods, a Wiradjuri Elder living in Hay of the floods that have come through his Country recently.  Photo credit to Violet CocoEarth Matters #1379 was produced by Megan Williams.

Rikki Danks;  a Karanjini Gundanji women talks from COP27 in Egypt. She wants compensation for first Nations people impacted by climate change and poor resource  extraction decisions To protect country and prevent global heating Rikki wants fracking out of the Beetaloo Basin and land management handed back to traditional owners, as a simple and effective way to protect country  and climate for everyone.Earth Matters #1377 was produced by Bec HorridgeLinksFracking's Environmental Impacts: Earthquakes - Greenpeace USADoes fracking cause earthquakes? | U.S. Geological Survey (usgs.gov)Chefs, doctors and real estate developers among new coalition calling to rid kitchens of gas cooking - ABC NewsAndrew 'Twiggy' Forrest's energy company AIE signs lease for Port Kembla gas terminal - ABC NewsAndrew Forrest company drops WA Canning Basin gas exploration plans over climate concerns | Energy | The GuardianNSW Fast-Tracks Andrew Forrest Backed Gas-Hydrogen Port Kemb (globalenergyworld.com)Government backs NSW gas-fired power plant | The Canberra Times | Canberra, ACTMounting Scientific Evidence Rekindles Fracking Health Concerns – Mother Jones 

Sybil Disobedients: Aprons, agitprops and climate protest You may have seen them on your telly or in front of the AGL building in Melbourne’s CBD in their hooped skirts and yellow aprons...moving slowly, floating to the beat of a single drum, calling out the government’s continued support for the fossil fuel industries that are destroying the planet. This week on Earth Matters you’ll meet them, the XR Westernport Sybil Disobedients. We hear how it all started, why they do it and what they hope to achieve:  Jeannine Wilson, Talei Kenyon, Annemarie Dalziel, John Lorkin, Hannah Lewis, Julie Edgerton and Jamie Edgerton Earth Matters #1375 was produced by Judith Peppard

The 3rd year of La Lina compounding with the Indian Ocean Dipole has been unrelenting on communities across eastern Australia. In the southern Murray Darling Basin, thousands of homes have been damaged along the Murray and in the Northern Basin there's big flows on the way.  On Earth Matters we hear from 2 women in different communities living with or preparing for flood.  Tuesday Browell from Torrumbarryand Lorraine Looney from Menindee The program closes with interview with Indigenous people from from around the world attenting the COP 27 Climate Conference in Sharm el-Sheikh Egypt. Sourced from https://rights.culturalsurvival.org/ Earth Matters #1374 was produced by Megan Williams   Interviews were conducted and produced by Dan Schulz of 2DRY FM Photo credit: www.fluidfronts.com 

Building Power While the Lights Are Out: Disasters, Mutual Aid, and Dual Power Part 2While climate catastrophe escalates globally, mutual aid movements are interconnecting and building their power from below. Engaged in decentralised disaster relief, rooted in solidarity, and offering real-world systemic alternatives through dual power strategies, while meeting the survival needs of their communities.Part one of a panel discussion to celebrate the book release of a new anthology called Building Power While the Lights Are Out: Disasters, Mutual Aid, and Dual Power, from Rebel Hearts Publishing.Featuring:editor Jimmy Dunson  (MADR)and contributors:Suncere Ali Shakur (formerly Common Ground Relief, now MADR)Janet Kent (ROAR) LISTEN TO PART 1 This audio was sourced with thanks from a webinar hosted by Firestorm collective. Earth Matters #1373 was produced by Nicky Stott 

One of Victoria's most iconic rivers, the Birrarung (also known as the Yarra River), is a site of beauty and contradiction. The river is a vital water source for surrounding ecosystems, a reminder of what some of Melbourne looked like pre-colonisation, and a place of respite for many people living in the city. Pollution and neglect has left its environmental health under threat, with 18 out of 25 environmental health indicators rating poorly in the latest State of the Yarra Report. Jacob speaks with Rob Hyatt (Koorie Heritage Trust), Jack Norris (historian and archaelogist), and Charlotte Sterrett (Yarra Riverkeeper) about the river's cultural, historical, and ecological significance as well as the challenges that lie ahead in the river's management. Earth Matters #1372 was produced by Jacob Gamble. 

Al Oshlack talking about the work  of the Indigenous Justice Advocacy Network. Insider stories from the epic conservation battles at Timbarra, Iron Gates, the North Lismore Plateau and more. He also discusses developer company attempts to bankrupt indigenous land custodians and protesters, in order to disempower them in the courts. Links:Contact the Indigenous Justice Advocacy Network on ijanoffice gmail.com  0415140410Earth Matters #1371 was produced by Bec Horridge

Earth Matters speaks with Raelene Cooper from the Save Our Songlines campaign against over-development of the Murujuga in Burrup Peninsula, Western Australia. The campaign has been vocal against the Woodside Scarborough Gas plant and more recently a proposed Urea fertilizer plant. Raelene details the campaign, discusses solutions for the region and talks about the need for proper consent and consultation with First Nations people in any development across Australia.To follow the campaign, check out the Save Our Songlines website and social media. For those interested, a paper published earlier this year also details how industrial emissions from projects could risk degrading rock art at the Burrup.Featured image of Murujuga National Park. Wikikpedia Commons, Marius Fenger 2017  Earth Matters #1370 was produced by Eiddwen Jeffery

Building Power While the Lights Are Out: Disasters, Mutual Aid, and Dual Power Part 1While climate catastrophe escalates globally, mutual aid movements are interconnecting and building their power from below. Engaged in decentralised disaster relief, rooted in solidarity, and offering real-world systemic alternatives through dual power strategies, while meeting the survival needs of their communities.Part one of a panel discussion to celebrate the book release of a new anthology called Building Power While the Lights Are Out: Disasters, Mutual Aid, and Dual Power, from Rebel Hearts Publishing.Featuring:editor Jimmy Dunson  (MADR)and contributors:Suncere Ali Shakur (formerly Common Ground Relief, now MADR)Janet Kent (ROAR) LISTEN TO PART 2 This audio was sourced with thanks from a webinar hosted by Firestorm collective. Earth Matters #1369 was produced by Nicky Stott 

 Calls to stop seismic surveys in the Otway Basin First Nations peoples, environmental groups and fishers were alarmed at the news that international oilfield services company Schlumberger and energy data provider TGS are seeking approval to conduct 3D seismic surveys in a huge area of the Otway Basin off the coasts of Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia here. The proposed area is approximately 7.7 million hectares, potentially the largest 3D survey in history, in an area of critical importance to endangered marine life and commercial fisheries. Find out why First Nations peoples, environmental groups and fishers on the southwest coast of Victoria are calling for a halt to new and expanded seismic blasting in the Otway Basin. GuestsCat Dorey: Marine scientist, Australia Marine Conservation Society  www.marineconservation.org.au Markus Nolle: Chair, Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Op Lisa Deppeler: Otway Climate Emergency Action Network https://www.ocean.org.au/ Yaraan Couzens-Bundle: Gunditjmara Whale Dreaming Custodian and Coordinator of the Southern Ocean Protection Embassy Collective (SOPEC). Petition to stop Seismic Surveys in Australian waters:https://www.aph.gov.au/e-petitions/petition/EN4404 https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/aug/24/biggest-seismic-testing-for-oil-and-gas-at-odds-with-australias-net-zero-push-activists-sayhttps://theconversation.com/opening-10-new-oil-and-gas-sites-is-a-win-for-fossil-fuel-companies-but-a-staggering-loss-for-the-rest-of-australia-189374https://amp.theguardian.com/environment/2022/sep/01/south-african-court-bans-offshore-oil-and-gas-exploration-by-shell Earth Matters#1368 is produced by Judith Peppard

Breaking this week, Origin announced it is divesting 100% of its interests in the Beetaloo Basin in the Northern Territory and we dip into the history books to remember the story of Land Rights in the Mutawintji National Park.  Guests:Naish Gawen from Environment Centre Northern TerritoryLeroy Johnson, Malyangaapa Barkindji Wimpitja Episode 1361 produced by Megan Williams

Cultural Burning on Kangaroo IslandGuest presenter Nicky Page speaks with Tagalaka man Victor Steffenson from Firesticks Alliance, and Kangaroo Island resident Lara Tilbrook about the cultural burn project taking place in the north-west of Kangaroo Island earlier this year in response to the devastation of the 2019 bushfires. Earth Matters #1366 was produced by Nicky Page

Benny Zable is a radical performance and visual artist. Benny wears  a gas mask and white gloves. Have you seen him?  He has been present at many camps to defend nature: Save The Franklin, Stop Roxby Uranium mine, to stop the Whitehaven Coal Mine, Stop Adani, Occupy Wall Street and numerous campaigns to keep Uranium  in the ground and for peace.Today Benny gives us the secret of staying so productively active year after year. He also describes arcology; the principle of building living spaces and towns that nurture community in harmony with the natural world.  Correction: Apologies: Benny was not a visual designer at the Aquarius Festival . He went to the festival "to do my thing  with friends from Melbourne" but had  "nothing to do  the 73 official festival." Earth Matters Episode #1365 was  produced by Bec HorridgeLinksArcosanti | The World’s First Arcology Prototype & Urban LaboratoryBENNY ZABLE - Political Activist and Performance ArtistThe Benny Zable Story (nimbinaustralia.com)Benny Zable – While I rememberGreedozer Meets Fossil FoolThe Deadly Art of Activism, Perfected Over 4 Decades (filmsforaction.org) 

Since colonisation the Great Barrier Reef has been the subject of national interest and identity. It’s also been subject to misinformation and politicisation. In 2019 The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority reported the health of the Reef was very poor.  Threats remain increasingly severe coral bleaching events, cyclones, and outbreaks of pest species. There is a mix of voices speaking up and at times over one-another to determine how the Reef should be best understood and managed. We speak to Dr Zoe Richards Senior Research Fellow, School of Molecular and Life Sciences (MLS) at Curtin University on a recent misinformation campaign around coral cover. You can also read Dr Richards’ article in The Conversation.We also speak to environmental historian Rohan Lloyd about the ongoing politicisation of the Reef. You can read Rohan’s work in The Conversation and 2016 paper “Coral Battleground? Re-examining the ‘Save the Reef’ campaign in 1960s Australia”.  Earth Matters #1364 was produced by Eiddwen Jeffery

Elizabeth Russell-Arnot on the environmental focus of her arts practiceGuided soundscape with Tasmanian artist and academic Elizabeth Russell-Arnot about the environmental focus of her arts practice making gardens out of recycled rubbish including "sculpture from the skip". This soundscape was originally published on the Prima Donna Podcast. Earth Matters #1363 was produced by Nat Grant  

Vic Youth Parliament e-waste bill & eco-anarchist Greek updateGuest Producer Jacob Gamble in conversation with high school students who developed a bill on effective e-waste management as part of the YMCA Youth Parliament program this year. As well as Rachel Ridley from Planet Ark and Professor Usha Iyer-Raniga from RMIT university also on the topic of e-waste.Also, Bursts at Final Straw Radio with an update from Athens-based anarchist squatter Alex on wind turbines greenwashing, wildfire impacts & privatisation of public spaces in rural Greece Earth Matters #1362 was produced by Jacob Gamble & Final Straw Radio

“Disallowance denied”Floodplain Harvesting Regulations Stand in NSW Parliament After years of contentious debate, regulations to licence floodplain harvesting in NSW were released on July 1 and faced a fourth disallowance motion, this time in the NSW Lower House. This week on Earth Matters we hear from the Member for Murray Helen Dalton, who moved the disallowance, speeches from Parliament and President of the Darling River Action Group Ross Ledra. Guests:Helen Dalton MP – Member for MurrayRoss Ledra – President of the Darling River Action GroupRecordings supplied by the Parliament of NSW. Earth Matters Episode #1361 produced by Megan Williams

Micky Ryan has been fighting in court for eleven years to stop residential development on his traditional land: Sleeping Lizard Mountain also known as  North Lismore Plateau.  Micky descries the strong significance of the Sleeping Lizard Mountain to the Bunjalung Nation. On NAIDOC day  2022 the village of Crabbe’s Crk in Northern NSW sends love and music to all from the community hall.  Guests:Uncle Micky Ryan, Widjabul-Waibul Tribe  Bundjalung Elders Council PresidentAuntie Robin Stone, BundjalungCindy Mebbingarri Roberts, Widjabul Tribe of the Bundjalung NationUncle Lewis Walker, Wahrla-Bal Bygal Tribe of the Bundjalung NationUncle Artie Williams, [Bundjalung] sings old time songs with guitar.

Dee Mould tells how she clambered  into a boat and rescued people through windows and from rooftops during the dark night the Lismore floodwater kept rising . She lost almost all her things to the filthy flood water. To protest against government inaction to reduce CO2 and climate chaos, Dee travelled to Sydney and  dumped flood damaged possessions outside Scott Morrisons house .Dee has found her activist community to be a key source of support as she first cleaned and rebuilt her own house,  and now helps others get a warmer home with the Insulate Lismore community project. Contributions to Insulate Lismore can be made here: Fundraiser by Dee Mould : Insulate lismore (gofundme.com)Music :  Kryatjurr of Desert Ahd   "Unbearable Nightmares of Heat and Desertification " albumn               the track: "Ghosts of Rotting Ecosystems Haunt our Refuge ".               find them  on Bandcamp at : https://kryatjurr.bandcamp.com/album/unbearable-nightmares-of-heat-and-desertification             Soundbed: Blossum Collumn. Bass guitar:  Richard Ploog, Vocals: Bec Horridge.Earth Matters  #1358 was produced by Bec Horridge

Wild deer pose a growing threat to Victoria's biodiversity, cultural heritage, and state infrastructure. With an estimated population of one million deer, the Victorian government has published a new Deer Strategy  outlining a regional partnership approach to the state's deer problem. Earth Matters speaks with conservationists Alex Maisey (Sherbrooke Lyrebird Survey Group) and Peter Jacobs (INVASIVES Species Council) about their thoughts on the recent plan and what needs to be done to address this pest.Cover image  

Draft Water Sharing Plans in NSW are on public exhibition until early July, but the NSW Minister for Water Kevin Anderson has asked the Minister for Environment to sign off on the plans before public consultations are set to close.   This week on Earth Matters we hear from Lower Darling Resident and former citrus farmer Alan Whyte, and NSW Independent MP Justin Field. Guests:Alan Whyte – Lower Darling Resident and former citrus farmerJustin Field – NSW Independent MP Earth Matters Episode #1355 produced by Megan Williams

Tiwi Islands v Santos, Vic anti forest protest bill & Blockade Australia updateJacob Gamble touches base with Jason Fowler from the Northern Territory Environment Centre about Santos drilling for oil off the tiwi islands. Priya Kunjan gets an update from Tuffy at Goongerah Environment Centre about the Victorian government’s new anti-forest protest bill.Carly Dober speaks with Jarrah at Blockade Australia about upcoming actions Earth Matters #1354 was produced by Carly Dober, Priya Kunjan & Jacob Gamble

"The urgent plan  to restore our catchment  is the only way to reduce flood heights in Lismore."                                                                                                                              John Corkill           John Corkill  was  dismayed when he heard that the Nationals response to the devastating and expensive Lismore floods is to increase height of the existing flood levees that hold water out of the business district of central Lismore.  The levee was called a lemon when it was first built and a lemon it has proved to be.  Dr Corkill  knows that money and planning would be better spent on planting and regenerating trees  in the catchment of the entire flood area to reduce flood heights in Lismore. Links: Australian Rainforest Seeds, Mark Dunphy, Steve McAlpin, Paul Nelson, Michelle Chapman, Hugh Nicholson, 9781486311507 (csiro.au) Once a lemon, always a lemon say Big Scrub critics of Lismore flood levees – The Echo  

Unsettling Climate Colonialism Pt 3: Indigenous ActionPart 3 of a three part show with Indigenous Action hosts Bearcat and Klee in conversation with anarchaqueer Onkwehon:we organizer Amanda Lickers about land trauma and the extractive ways the climate justice movement perpetuates white supremacy, capitalism, and colonialism.You can support Amanda’s work hereListen to part 1 of this show hereListen to part 2 of this show hereThis audio was sourced via creative commons, with thanks, from Indigenous Action Media—support the important work that they are doing here  Earth Matters #1352 was produced by Nicky Stott

Unsettling Climate Colonialism Pt 2: Indigenous ActionPart 2 of a three part show with Indigenous Action hosts Bearcat and Klee in conversation with anarchaqueer Onkwehon:we organizer Amanda Lickers about land trauma and the extractive ways the climate justice movement perpetuates white supremacy, capitalism, and colonialism.You can support Amanda’s work hereListen to part 1 of this show hereListen to part 3 of this show hereThis audio was sourced via creative commons, with thanks, from Indigenous Action Media—support the important work that they are doing here  Earth Matters #1351 was produced by Nicky Stott

Unsettling Climate Colonialism Pt 1: Indigenous ActionPart 1 of a three part show with Indigenous Action hosts Bearcat and Klee in conversation with anarchaqueer Onkwehon:we organizer Amanda Lickers about land trauma and the extractive ways the climate justice movement perpetuates white supremacy, capitalism, and colonialism.You can support Amanda’s work hereListen to part 2 of this show hereListen to part 3 of this show hereThis audio was sourced via creative commons, with thanks, from Indigenous Action Media—support the important work that they are doing here  Earth Matters #1350 was produced by Nicky Stott

 On this week’s Earth Matters we get an update on the lower Darling/Baaka and thier floodplain that haven't got the water we'd expect despite the exceedingly wet conditions, but thats about to change.  Guests:Sarah Moles – water advocate for over 25 years and member of the Lifeblood Alliance Graeme McCrabb – Menindee Resident Music sample from Bush Witch Productions Earth Matters Episode #1349 produced by Megan Williams

The Leadbeater Possum was named Victoria’s state fauna in 1971.  Yet despite this status the Leadbeater possum exists in a state of extinction. This episode Earth Matters investigates the combination of Fires, Logging and State inaction that threaten Victoria’s “Forest Fairy” possum. Guests include Professor David Lindenmayer and President of Friends of the Leadbeater Possum, Steve Meacher. Resources references in todays show:Lidenmayer, 2017 report, “Improving the design of a conservation reserve for a ctitically endangered species” (ANU article)Meacher, 2014 article “What was the real purpose of LPAG”Meacher, Wilderness society, 2019 paper “Abandoned: Australia’s forest wildlife in crisis” Image: 25g juvenile male Leadbeaters Possum (photo: Emma Campbell) Earth Matters #1348 was produced by Eiddwen Jeffery

When forest activist, Susie Russell heard that friends in flood devastated Lismore had lost everything they owned and were hungry,  she swung into action  to help. The North East Forest Alliance used their mobile kitchen equipment and skills to host a tent café in the centre of flooded Lismore serving hot food for weeks on end. “We’ve been here a bit over a week now, and apparently we’re the only sit down cafe left standing in Lismore :-). Lots of displaced people and work crews coming through each day for a feed and coffee/tea/chai. Also lots of local support with people donating food, cakes, soups, stews … and did I mention cakes! However, we do need a little tip up of cash to get us through another 2 weeks - anything you can spare would be most appreciated!” Susie Russell tells the café story and describes how mature forest  filters rainwater and slows floodwaters. Earth Matters #1347 was produced by Bec HorridgeLinks:Facebook Trees not Bombs CafeCafe Fundraiser     https://gofund.me/91844ad4Koor Mail fundraiser : https://gofund.me/26ef7126Flood help Northern Rivers Services 2 — Flood Help Northern Rivers (floodhelpnr.com.au)

Feminist Navsharan Singh reflects on the crucial role of women workers in mobilising the 2020/2021 Indian farmers and agricultural workers strike, and film maker/activist Navkiran Natt reflects on the success of resistive counter measures by the farmers movement against government driven media propaganda during the strike  This audio was sourced with thanks from the Oxford Real Farming Conference  Earth Matters #1346 was produced by Nicky Stott

Priya Kunjan speaks with ANU researcher Bhiamie Williamson on the disproportionate vulnerability of Indigenous peoples to climate change & mitigation strategies.And Jacob Gamble speaks with John Cook from the Monash Climate change  Communication Research Hub about systemic climate misinformation. [Image sourced from Seed Mob: You can support their important work by donating here] Earth Matters #1344 was produced by Priya Kunjan & Jacob Gamble

As floodwaters recede in the Northern Rivers, the federal budget offers little to those facing the impending climate crisis. This week on Earth Matters we hear from Elly Bird, coordinator with Resilient Lismore, the grassroots community lead recovery initiative happening in Lismore and Matt Rose the Economy and Democracy Program Manager at the Australian Conservation Foundation.Support the flood recovery at floodhelpnr.com.auEarth Matters #1343 was produced by Megan Williams

Preparedness: an anarchist perspectivePart 1 of a two part show with activist, musician, author and podcaster Margaret Killjoy, host of How to Live Like the World is Dying, on the concept of preparedness, or “prepping,” from an anarchist perspective.This interview recording was sourced, with thanks, from anarchist digital community centre It’s going Down.Episode #1342 was produced by Nicky Stott

Forest Corporation in NSW has been caught and fined for logging hollow trees in NSW.Opposition is rising to Rio Tinto’s application to log The Northern Jarrah forests  in Western AustraliaAustralian Conservation Foundation has published an investigation exposing  the cumulative impact of the government’s individual decisions to approve the destruction of the habitat Australia’s threatened species need to survive.Links: The Coastwatchers Association IncThe Australian Conservation FoundationThe Western Australian Forest AllianceEPettion to stop loggging.      Click Here: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/la/pages/epetition-details.aspx?q=quge-8rdRlyn4PTcuMj_PA&fbclid=IwAR3IejiqRBMu_CrICUmganzheA7NOaIb6b0jjQNajA8CcSHsFcajikLFloUEarth Matters No #1341 was produced on the lands of the Yuin Nation by Bec Horridge

Preparedness: an anarchist perspectivePart 1 of a two part show with activist, musician, author and podcaster Margaret Killjoy, host of How to Live Like the World is Dying, on the concept of preparedness, or “prepping,” from an anarchist perspective.This interview recording was sourced, with thanks, from anarchist digital community centre It’s going Down.Episode #1340 was produced by Nicky Stott

Since early 2010s climate action has been increasing in the court room both internationally and here in Australia. Each case challenges the environmental laws and systems we live in and can set new precedents and mandate for Governments to be pushed towards climate action. This episode of Earth matters recaps climate crisis litigation from 2021 and asks where to next? To answer the question the episode features a review of 2021 legal cases as well as guest features from  Fiona Lee of the Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action and Jonathon Hunyor, CEO of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre to discuss the significance of climate litigation in creating action on the environment. Other resources used in this episode include: Melbourne University Climate Change Litigation Database, Climate Change Case Chart - International and articles Climate litigation in Australia and Climate of Change in the Courtrooms, can the courts save us. For those interested in further information on climate change court cases, check out new podcast series Damages.  Episode #1339 was produced by Eiddwen Jeffery

Guest presenter Phuong speaks with Emma Cutting from The Heart Gardening Project about the vital importance of creating insect friendly wildlife corridors and community gardens in urban areas, and RMIT researcher Katherine Berthon about protecting native bees by nurturing their essential urban habitats. Earth Matters #1385 was produced by Phuong Tran

An Outback Oasis roars with life as flood waters move through the Murray Darling Basin. The Darling-Baaka River and Menindee Lakes are gushing at long last. This week we hear from Barkindji and Malyangaapa man David Doyle, a cultural educator and  bush foods enthusiast.And an anonymous fisherman, as he reels in a golden perch.  Music by Leroy Johnson, Barkindji Malyangaapa musician. Episode #1336 was produced by Megan Williams.

Kuruma Marduthunera woman Josie Alec on Traditional Owners deep concerns in WA’s Pilbara region with Woodside’s dangerous new gas project at Murujuga on the Burrup Peninsula. Sasha and Greg from Blockade Australia about the alarming increase in aggressive and repressive tactics from police and courts against climate defenders who engage in frontline direct action. Earth Matters #1336 was produced by Rosie Isaac & Mallika Murthy

Three young Queenslanders have stepped up their fight to protect the Great Barrier Reef by writing to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee,They urge the icon be listed as ‘in danger’ due to the severe risk it faces from climate change, and the federal government’s ill-founded reliance on, and prolonging of, fossil fuels. Hear the hopes and frustrations of  these  community leaders,  who ask Minister Ley to revoke Adani’s coal mining licence….. to save the reef they love.Guests:  – Claire Galvin, 20,   [Gimuy/ Cairns]                   Ava Shearer, 17,   [Port Douglas]Music: “Beds are Burning” originally by MIDNIGHT OILwith Missy Higgins on vocals  was  released February  2020- as a A Bushfire Charity Flash Record by Amanda Palmer & Friends missy higgins - vocalsamanda palmer - piano, vocals & autoharpbrian viglione - drumsjherek bischoff - electric bass & guitarSoundbed: "TIme Break", Andy Paine, Politics of PossibilityEarth Matters #1335 was produced by Bec Horridge

Young intersectional feminists re-imagining climate justice [Encore]This week on Earth Matters Part 2 of a two part series envisioning radical futures with young intersectional climate feminists at Climate Week 2020 with global advocacy organization WEDO.Moderators: Mara Dolan  l  Andrea Vega TroncosoSpeakers: Sanam Amin l Frances Roberts-Gregory l Maggie Mapondera l Maria Alejandra Escalante l Patricia Miranda WattimenaThis audio was sourced, with thanks, from a Climate Week 2020 webinar by WEDO.Earth Matters #1334 was produced by Nicky Stott

Young intersectional feminists re-imagining climate justice [Encore]This week on Earth Matters Part 1 of a two part series envisioning radical futures with young intersectional climate feminists at Climate Week 2020 with global advocacy organization WEDO.Moderators: Mara Dolan  l  Andrea Vega TroncosoSpeakers: Sanam Amin l Frances Roberts-Gregory l Maggie Mapondera l Maria Alejandra Escalante l Patricia Miranda WattimenaThis audio was sourced, with thanks, from a Climate Week 2020 webinar by WEDO.Earth Matters #1333 was produced by Nicky Stott

Centering fisher folk narratives: World Forum of Fisher Peoples Pt 2Part 1 of a webinar recorded last year by the World Fish Centre featuring small scale fisheries spokespeople from around the world, challenging one sided colonial narratives and centring fisher folk narratives.Moderator: Kate Bevitt (World Fish Center)Speakers: Dr Dyhia Belhabib (Eco Trust Canada), Mohammed Arju (Sagar Seba), Libby Drew (On Our Radar) and Dr Prateep Nayak (Vulnerability to Viability Global Partnership)Earth Matters #1332 was produced by Nicky Stott

Centering fisher folk narratives: World Forum of Fisher Peoples Pt 1Part 1 of a webinar recorded last year by the World Fish Centre featuring small scale fisheries spokespeople from around the world, challenging one sided colonial narratives and centring fisher folk narratives.Moderator: Kate Bevitt (World Fish Center)Speakers: Nadine Nembhard (World Forum of Fisher Peoples & Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations/CNFO) and Dr Dyhia Belhabib (Eco Trust Canada)Earth Matters #1331 was produced by Nicky Stott

North East (NSW) Forest Alliance update: RFA court case & Redbank RebootDailan Pugh from North East (NSW) Forest Alliance updates listeners on the upcoming court case against the federal government for Regional Forest Agreement breaches. And also how Australia's worst ever polluting coal power station—the notorious and previously decommissioned Redbank Power Station at Singleton—is aiming to get back in business by recklessly hacking and burning native forests for biomass, as the declining wood chipping industry seeks alternative (unsustainable and unprofitable) ways to prop up itself up—even in the face of climate catastrophe. Earth Matters #1330 was produced by Nicky Stott

Jonica Newby author reading from her latest book Beyond Climate Grief: A journey of love, snow, fire and an enchanted beer can. She tells the story of a man left battling flames with two buckets as the houses in Mallacoota Victoria burned around him. Caroline Le Couter: ex politician reflects on the role of theatrical actions as created by  Extinction rebellion on our city streets. Max Cumi tells why he occupied the massive  crane at Newcastle  the world’s biggest coal export harbor.   Music:Sophia Fletcher Extinction is Forever from her new album “Steps Leading to You “ Songs of Disappearance, 53 of the rarest species in Australia that are on the brink of extinction. Anthony Albrecht, a PhD student at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and co-founder of The Bowerbird Collective, is part of a group of academics, musicians and conservationists that has created the album Blossom Column: Original  soundbed.  "Breakout".  Vocals, Bec Horridge, Bass Guitar: Richard Ploog

Heal Country, Heal Climate series NAIDOC 2021Pursuing Global Justice (part 3) is from a 3 part episode, and the speakers explore  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander climate change priorities, extractive industries in context of colonisation and facilitate the exchange of unique Indigenous land and water knowledge systems.Presenter: Cathryn Eatock (Gayiri & Badtjula)Guests:Pastor Ray Minnecon (Kabikabi & Gurang-Gurang)Kado Muir (Wati)Dr Virginia Marshall (Wiradjuri & Nyemba)Pursuing Global Justice (Part 1) LISTENPursuing Global Justice (Part 2 ) LISTENThe Heal Country, Heal Climate webinar series is a collaboration between the Indigenous Peoples’ Organisation Australia & Better Futures Australia and includes five episodes:Episode 1 Custodians of CountryEpisode 2 Healing our waterwaysEpisode 3 Healing our landsEpisode 4 Community healingEpisode 5 Pursuing global justice Earth Matters #1328 was produced by Nicky Stott

Heal Country, Heal Climate series NAIDOC 2021Pursuing Global Justice (part 2) is from a 3 part episode, and the speakers explore  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander climate change priorities, extractive industries in context of colonisation and facilitate the exchange of unique Indigenous land and water knowledge systems.Presenter: Cathryn Eatock (Gayiri & Badtjula)Guests:Pastor Ray Minnecon (Kabikabi & Gurang-Gurang)Kado Muir(link is external) (Wati)Dr Virginia Marshall (Wiradjuri & Nyemba)Pursuing Global Justice (Part 1) LISTENPursuing Global Justice (Part 3 ) LISTENThe Heal Country, Heal Climate webinar series is a collaboration between the Indigenous Peoples’ Organisation Australia & Better Futures Australia and includes five episodes:Episode 1 Custodians of CountryEpisode 2 Healing our waterwaysEpisode 3 Healing our landsEpisode 4 Community healingEpisode 5 Pursuing global justice Earth Matters #1327 was produced by Nicky Stott

Heal Country, Heal Climate series NAIDOC 2021Pursuing Global Justice (part 1) is from a 3 part episode, and the speakers explore  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander climate change priorities, extractive industries in context of colonisation and facilitate the exchange of unique Indigenous land and water knowledge systems.Presenter: Cathryn Eatock (Gayiri & Badtjula)Guests:Pastor Ray Minnecon (Kabikabi & Gurang-Gurang)Kado Muir(link is external) (Wati)Dr Virginia Marshall (Wiradjuri & Nyemba)Pursuing Global Justice (Part 2) LISTENPursuing Global Justice (Part 3 ) LISTENThe Heal Country, Heal Climate webinar series is a collaboration between the Indigenous Peoples’ Organisation Australia & Better Futures Australia and includes five episodes:Episode 1 Custodians of CountryEpisode 2 Healing our waterwaysEpisode 3 Healing our landsEpisode 4 Community healingEpisode 5 Pursuing global justice Earth Matters #1326 was produced by Nicky Stott

Heal Country, Heal Climate series NAIDOC 2021Community Healing (part 3) is from a 3 part episode, and the panellists explore the impacts of global warming on country & burning, rising desert temperatures and how remote communities are defending Country against the climate catastrophe.Presenter: Pastor Ray Minnecon (Kabikabi & Gurang-Gurang)Guests:Leeton Lee (Thungutti, Bundjalung & Mualgal)Ernie Dingo (Yamatji)Jonathan Hermawan (Bundjalung & Luritji)Community Healing (Part 1) LISTENCommunity Healing (Part 2 ) LISTENThe Heal Country, Heal Climate webinar series is a collaboration between the Indigenous Peoples’ Organisation Australia & Better Futures Australia and includes five episodes:Episode 1 Custodians of CountryEpisode 2 Healing our waterwaysEpisode 3 Healing our landsEpisode 4 Community healingEpisode 5 Pursuing global justice Earth Matters #1325 was produced by Nicky Stott

Heal Country, Heal Climate series NAIDOC 2021Community Healing (part 2) is from a 3 part episode, and the panellists explore the impacts of global warming on country & burning, rising desert temperatures and how remote communities are defending Country against the climate catastrophe.Presenter: Pastor Ray Minnecon (Kabikabi & Gurang-Gurang)Guests:Leeton Lee (Thungutti, Bundjalung & Mualgal)Ernie Dingo (Yamatji)Jonathan Hermawan (Bundjalung & Luritji)Community Healing (Part 1) LISTENCommunity Healing (Part 3 ) LISTENThe Heal Country, Heal Climate webinar series is a collaboration between the Indigenous Peoples’ Organisation Australia & Better Futures Australia and includes five episodes:Episode 1 Custodians of CountryEpisode 2 Healing our waterwaysEpisode 3 Healing our landsEpisode 4 Community healingEpisode 5 Pursuing global justice Earth Matters #1324 was produced by Nicky Stott

Heal Country, Heal Climate series NAIDOC 2021Community Healing (part 1) is from a 3 part episode, and the panellists explore the impacts of global warming on country & burning, rising desert temperatures and how remote communities are defending Country against the climate catastrophe.Presenter: Pastor Ray Minnecon (Kabikabi & Gurang-Gurang)Guests:Leeton Lee (Thungutti, Bundjalung & Mualgal)Ernie Dingo (Yamatji)Jonathan Hermawan (Bundjalung & Luritji)Community Healing (Part 2) LISTENCommunity Healing (Part 3 ) LISTENThe Heal Country, Heal Climate webinar series is a collaboration between the Indigenous Peoples’ Organisation Australia & Better Futures Australia and includes five episodes:Episode 1 Custodians of CountryEpisode 2 Healing our waterwaysEpisode 3 Healing our landsEpisode 4 Community healingEpisode 5 Pursuing global justice Earth Matters #1323 was produced by Nicky Stott

The lead up to the global climate chaos meetup in Glasgow saw escalating actions from Extinction Rebellion and Blockade Australia.The theme was Duty of Care to kids from the harm of climate disruption impacts. In Canberra empty white prams pushed by people dressed for a funeral circled the forecourt of Parliament house in a  day and night week long walking meditation. Midweek, giant burning koalas blocked the Parliament House ring road while Scot Morrison and Susan Ley impersonators glued themselves to the white line in the middle of the road. At the weeks end the  23 prams paraded together led by Uncle Albert Hartnett. He talks of solidarity between eco activists and aboriginal people and calls  for participation in the 50th birthday of the Aboridginal Tent Embassy in  January 2022, in Canberra. Guests:           Uncle Albert Harnett, Fire Keeper, Aboriginal Tent Embassy                        Diyan Coe, Caretaker, Aboriginal Tent Embassy                        John Wurker, Andy, Violet, and people from Extinction Rebellion, ACT                        Clancy: Blockade Australia This week's show is #1322 and was produced by Bec Horridge

Heal Country, Heal Climate series NAIDOC 2021Healing Our Lands (part 3) is from a 3 part episode,and the panellists explore ways of collectively looking after Country and the panellists explore ways of collectively looking after Country and the impacts of mining development and legislative changes to state heritage acts, including the right to veto, native title and free prior and informed consent. Presenter: Dr Virginia Marshall (Wiradjuri & Nyemba)Guests:Anthony Watson (Nyikina Mangala, Karajarri, Yawuru and Jabirr Jabirr)Kado Muir (Wati)Adrian Burragubba (Wangan & Jagalingou)Healing Our Lands (Part 1) LISTENHealing Our Lands (Part 2 ) LISTENThe Heal Country, Heal Climate webinar series is a collaboration between the Indigenous Peoples’ Organisation Australia & Better Futures Australia and includes five episodes:Episode 1 Custodians of CountryEpisode 2 Healing our waterwaysEpisode 3 Healing our landsEpisode 4 Community healingEpisode 5 Pursuing global justice Earth Matters #1321 was produced by Nicky Stott

Heal Country, Heal Climate series NAIDOC 2021Healing Our Lands (part 2) is from a 3 part episode, and the panellists explore ways of collectively looking after Country and the panellists explore ways of collectively looking after Country and the impacts of mining development and legislative changes to state heritage acts, including the right to veto, native title and free prior and informed consent. Presenter: Dr Virginia Marshall (Wiradjuri & Nyemba)Guests:Anthony Watson (Nyikina Mangala, Karajarri, Yawuru and Jabirr Jabirr)Kado Muir (Wati)Adrian Burragubba (Wangan & Jagalingou)Healing Our Lands (Part 1) LISTENHealing Our Lands (Part 3 ) LISTENThe Heal Country, Heal Climate webinar series is a collaboration between the Indigenous Peoples’ Organisation Australia & Better Futures Australia and includes five episodes:Episode 1 Custodians of CountryEpisode 2 Healing our waterwaysEpisode 3 Healing our landsEpisode 4 Community healingEpisode 5 Pursuing global justice Earth Matters #1320 was produced by Nicky Stott

Heal Country, Heal Climate series NAIDOC 2021Healing Our Lands (part 1) is from a 3 part episode, and the panellists explore ways of collectively looking after Country and the panellists explore ways of collectively looking after Country and the impacts of mining development and legislative changes to state heritage acts, including the right to veto, native title and free prior and informed consent. Presenter: Dr Virginia Marshall (Wiradjuri & Nyemba)Guests:Anthony Watson (Nyikina Mangala, Karajarri, Yawuru and Jabirr Jabirr)Kado Muir (Wati)Adrian Burragubba (Wangan & Jagalingou)Healing Our Lands (Part 2) LISTENHealing Our Lands (Part 3 ) LISTENThe Heal Country, Heal Climate webinar series is a collaboration between the Indigenous Peoples’ Organisation Australia & Better Futures Australia and includes five episodes:Episode 1 Custodians of CountryEpisode 2 Healing our waterwaysEpisode 3 Healing our landsEpisode 4 Community healingEpisode 5 Pursuing global justice Earth Matters #1319 was produced by Nicky Stott

 Dr Mary Graham explains aspects of the relationalist ethos and the law of mutual obligation: “The environment looks after us,   keeps us alive and keeps us human and then we are  obliged  to do that back. ”    Dr Michelle Maloney decolonises her own mind and has hints for others: “What kind of culture thinks that trashing the joint and moving on is Ok ? and that’s  what colonization has been”.  Dr Mary Graham a Kombu-merri and Wakka Wakka person from SE Queensland and Dr Michelle Maloney  National Convenor,  Australian Earth Laws Alliance are working on a book together titled: “Future Law”. How indigenous first laws, the relationist ethos and ecological governance   can   be a foundation for our future .” This talk is one of the continuing Women's Climate Conversations. Their National Congress of Women is coming up in November  Guests: Adjunct Professor Dr Mary Graham (Kombu-merri and Wakka Wakka person from SE Queensland) Dr Michelle Maloney (Co-Founder and National Convenor, Australian Earth Laws Alliance) Thank you to Women's Climate Congress founding members Dr Janet Salisbury [also a Bee nerd] and Kirsten Anker for forming these interviews.NEWSFLASH!   Women's Climate Congress is hosting an upcoming: National Congress of Women. Day One — Women Rising. Why Women? Why Now?  Tuesday 30th November 2021, 10.00-4.30 pm.Program and registration are now live!  Details are on the National Congress of Women website.  https://www.nationalcongressofwomen.com/LINKS:WOMEN'S CLIMATE CONGRESS   Australian Earth Laws AllianceThis week's show is #1317 and was produced by Bec Horridge

Indigenous Science: Water knowledge systems [ENCORE}Brad Moggridge, Kamilaroi man & geologist, and Tyson Yunkaporta of the Apalech Clan from Western Cape York, and author of Sandtalk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World, are two Indigenous scientists speaking about exploring water knowledge systems and stories.Recorded live at Bush Heritage Australia's Bush Nights: Stories from the water event at the Brunswick Mechanics Institute on February 13th, 2020. Earth Matters #1314 was produced by Nicky Stott & Michaela Stubbs

Heal Country, Heal Climate series NAIDOC 2021Custodians of Country (part 3) is from a 3 part episode, which covers the role and relationship of First Nations Peoples as Custodians of Country, custodial obligations and responsibilities, traditional Law and perspectives, and international Indigenous rights to self determination protocols.Presenter: Cathryn Eatock (Gayiri & Badtjula)Guests: Pastor Ray Minnecon (Kabikabi & Gurang-Gurang)Chris Bonney (Narrunga, Gunditjmara, Ngarrindjeri & Adnyamathanha)Bruce Pascoe (Yuin)Dr Virginia Marshall (Wiradjuri & Nyemba)Custodians of Country (Part 1) LISTENCustodians of Country (Part 2 ) LISTEN The Heal Country, Heal Climate webinar series is a collaboration between the Indigenous Peoples’ Organisation Australia & Better Futures Australia and includes five episodes:Episode 1 Custodians of CountryEpisode 2 Healing our waterwaysEpisode 3 Healing our landsEpisode 4 Community healingEpisode 5 Pursuing global justice Earth Matters #1313 was produced by Nicky Stott

The Northern Territory Government recently changed the water act when they passed the Territory Economic Reconstruction Bill, to boost economic recovery through the pandemic. It opens the door to new developments and it's not welcome news for all Territorians This week on Earth Matters we hear from Dr Cathy Laudenbach manager at Merrepen Arts and senior artist Kieren Karritpul. Both based in the small community of Nauiyu on the Daly River.  Later in the show we hear from Dr Kirsty Howey Co-director of the Environment Centre of the Northern Territory Stay up to date with NT water laws athttps://www.ecnt.org.au/ And support Merrepen Artshttps://merrepenarts.com.au/  This weeks program was produced by Megan Williams

The Women's Climate Congress is a new project that asks: How can womens rising transform our response to climate change?  And they  call to the women of Australia to join them. Earth Matters presents part of their Womens Climate Conversation bringing  us  two science communicators: Former Catalyst presenter Jonica Newby talks about ways to deal with,  rock bottom  climate grief. She draws from her book Beyond Climate Grief: A journey of love, snow, fire and an enchanted beer can [March 2021] concluding:   " The antidote to climate anxiety is action." Author Rebecca  Huntley  picks some gems from her book  How to Talk About Climate Change in a Way That Makes a Difference  Interviewed by Janet Salsbury and Lyn Stephens founding members of The Womens Climate Congress Link:  WOMEN'S CLIMATE CONGRESS - Women's Climate Congress - home (womensclimatecongress.com) This week's show is #1311 and was produced by Bec Horridge  

Heal Country, Heal Climate series NAIDOC 2021Custodians of Country (part 2) is from a 3 part episode, which covers the role and relationship of First Nations Peoples as Custodians of Country, custodial obligations and responsibilities, traditional Law and perspectives, and international Indigenous rights to self determination protocols.Presenter: Cathryn Eatock (Gayiri & Badtjula)Guests: Pastor Ray Minnecon (Kabikabi & Gurang-Gurang)Chris Bonney (Narrunga, Gunditjmara, Ngarrindjeri & Adnyamathanha)Bruce Pascoe (Yuin)Dr Virginia Marshall (Wiradjuri & Nyemba)Custodians of Country (Part 1) LISTENCustodians of Country (Part 3 ) LISTEN The Heal Country, Heal Climate webinar series is a collaboration between the Indigenous Peoples’ Organisation Australia & Better Futures Australia and includes five episodes:Episode 1 Custodians of CountryEpisode 2 Healing our waterwaysEpisode 3 Healing our landsEpisode 4 Community healingEpisode 5 Pursuing global justice Earth Matters #1310 was produced by Nicky Stott

Heal Country, Heal Climate series NAIDOC 2021Custodians of Country (part 1) is from a 3 part episode, which covers the role and relationship of First Nations Peoples as Custodians of Country, custodial obligations and responsibilities, traditional Law and perspectives, and international Indigenous rights to self determination protocols.Presenter: Cathryn Eatock (Gayiri & Badtjula)Guests: Pastor Ray Minnecon (Kabikabi & Gurang-Gurang)Chris Bonney (Narrunga, Gunditjmara, Ngarrindjeri & Adnyamathanha)Bruce Pascoe (Yuin)Dr Virginia Marshall (Wiradjuri & Nyemba)Custodians of Country (Part 2) LISTENCustodians of Country (Part 3 ) LISTEN The Heal Country, Heal Climate webinar series is a collaboration between the Indigenous Peoples’ Organisation Australia & Better Futures Australia and includes five episodes:Episode 1 Custodians of CountryEpisode 2 Healing our waterwaysEpisode 3 Healing our landsEpisode 4 Community healingEpisode 5 Pursuing global justice Earth Matters #1309 was produced by Nicky Stott

The fight to protect native forests intensifiesIn 2019 the Vic Gov supposedly committed to winding down the native forest logging industry with a 2030 end-date. But now they've sneakily proposed more than 3000 changes to the logging industry code of practice, while rushing through a completely inadequate public consultation period (now ended). Many of the proposed changes are highly technical and complex, and will require further analysis to see if they weaken environmental protections.Fourteen Victorian environment groups have written to the state enviro minister D’Ambrosio, urging an extension of the ridiculously insufficiant 28-day deadline for community feedback on the proposed changes. Friends of the Earth Melbourne (FoE Melb), Rubicon Forest Protection Group, Goongerah Environment Centre (GECO), Kinglake Friends of the Forest and Friends of the Leadbeater’s Possum also held an urgent public meeting that was attended by more than 100 concerned community members. This reflects a recent increase in support numbers for forest protection networks more broadly, and is indicative of the groundswell of public outrage currently burgeoning right across Australia—as the last fragile pockets of native forest that remain on this continent are being ruthlessly destroyed.This week on Earth Matters Chris Schuringa (GECO) explains why the Vic Gov's 2030 'end-date' is spurious, and highlights how the proposed code changes have exacerbated community concerns about the precious few remaining fragments of native forest in East Gippsland, which—incredibly—are still being destroyed by logging right now, despite the widespread devastation there since the 2019-2020 bushfires.We also hear from Mat Morgan (Bass Coast Climate Action Network) and ground supporter Darcy from Alberton West State Forest Blockade about the ongoing campaign by local communities there to protect this vital diversity corridor between Wilsons Promontory on the coast and the Strzelecki Ranges—and also Mat's epic tree-sit & arrest earlier this week. Submissions for the codes changes have officially closed, but you can still send objections directly to the enviro minister. Check out the FoE Melb guide and example submission.You can also attend FoE Melb's Aug 17 meeting and/or get involved with local forest protection collectives in your area. Earth Matters #1308 was produced by Nicky Stott

'We actually can't live without trees. They keep everything going' (Peter Vadiveloo)Guest presenter Nicky Page chats with volunteer facilitator Anna Markey about her work with Climate for Change—a volunteer-powered, not-for-profit organisation networking Australia wide to support communities to deal with climate crisis by facilitating face-to-face conversations about climate change while working in groups.Singer/songwriter and environmental & social justice activist Peter Vadiveloo presents his fabulous song called ‘Fight for the Trees’—and explains why he felt compelled to write it.petervadiveloo.com.auhttps://petervadiveloo.bandcamp.com/https://soundcloud.com/peter-vadivelooBIg Gig for Tarkayna EventsNaarmTrouwunna/Lutruwita Earth Matters #1307 was produced by Nicky Page & Nicky Stott

Floodplain harvesting in the Murray-Darling Basin is under the spotlight once again.A new inquiry in the NSW Upper House will seek to determine if the practice of taking floodwater off the floodplain without a licence is legal.This week we hear from Barkindji Man Badger Bates on the importance of floods, Honorary Senior Lecturer of Environment and Society at the Australian National University Matthew Colloff about floodplain harvesting practices and policies and NSW Greens MP and chair of the NSW Upper House Select Committee Cate Faehrmann. Inquiry Info:https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/listofcommittees/Pages/committee-details.aspx?pk=274#tab-membersMake a submission:https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/listofcommittees/Pages/committee-details.aspx?pk=274#tab-submissions

When we are parched by heatwaves, fires rage and smoke clogs the air we all want to be safe. The South Coast Health and Sustainability Alliance  in Moruya has retrofitted an old church to be a bush fire, heatwave, and storm haven for vulnerable people. It's also a repair cafe fixing items for reuse, and is putting solar panels on rooftops. Katheryn Maxwell also talks about the social justice issues raised by the rollout of cheap to run—but expensive to buy—electric vehicles, calling for a "cash for clunkers" program in a few years to let low-income earners enjoy the cost-cutting benefits of electric vehicles. She raises the need to subsidise simple ways to make rental housing warmer in winter to improve the health of tenants.   Music : Liam Oconnell : Branch Stack Records – raps from south eastern Australia (wordpress.com)             Jambis: In the Shed. with Darren Rix, Warren Baker and RIchard Ploog This week's show is #1305 and was produced by Bec Horridge Links: Southcoast Health & Sustainability Alliance - SHASA News:NSW south coast in mourning after horrific end to the year | About Regional ‘We thought it wouldn’t affect us’: heatwave forces climate reckoning in Pacific north-west (msn.com) BREAKING: 134 dead in Vancouver alone from unprecedented heat. Numbers in the rest of North America & Siberia still unreported - expected to climb significantly. Temperatures in some places have been recorded at 121F (49.5C) in areas unprepared for #ExtremeHeat. This is a #ClimateEmergency. From World ‘must step up preparations for extreme heat’ | Climate change | The Guardian 

'Enough is enough', says Gomeroi Woman Polly Cutmore from Moree Community. 'It's Time!'Gomeroi Woman Polly Cutmore from Moree Community speaks about her ongoing concerns for community health and safety from the threats of fracking and coal mining, and the long interconnected and intergenerational impacts of colonisation; desecrating Country and spreading disease. Earth Matters #1304 was produced by Nicky Stott

Young intersectional feminists re-imagining climate justiceThis week on Earth Matters Part 2 of a two part series envisioning radical futures with young intersectional climate feminists at Climate Week 2020 with global advocacy organization WEDO.Moderators: Mara Dolan  l  Andrea Vega TroncosoSpeakers: Sanam Amin l Frances Roberts-Gregory l Maggie Mapondera l Maria Alejandra Escalante l Patricia Miranda WattimenaThis audio was sourced, with thanks, from a Climate Week 2020 webinar by WEDO.LISTEN to Part 1 hereEarth Matters #1303 was produced by Nicky Stott

Young intersectional feminists re-imagining climate justiceThis week on Earth Matters Part 1 of a two part series envisioning radical futures with young intersectional climate feminists at Climate Week 2020 with global advocacy organization WEDO.Moderators: Mara Dolan  l  Andrea Vega TroncosoSpeakers: Sanam Amin l Frances Roberts-Gregory l Maggie Mapondera l Maria Alejandra Escalante l Patricia Miranda WattimenaThis audio was sourced, with thanks, from a Climate Week 2020 webinar by WEDO.LISTEN to Part 2 hereEarth Matters #1302 was produced by Nicky Stott

Please give what you can during our annual Radiothon fundraiser—You can donate now online and pledge your donation to Earth Matters —or call the station on 03 9419 8377 Radiothon 2021 Live Show: PLUS CRN edition of La Via Campesina Then & Now Check out our once a year "live in the studio" 3CR Radiothon Show with all the Earth Matters crew together—Bec Horridge, Megan Williams and Nicky Stott. Highlighting the voices of Arabunna Elder Kevin Buzzacott & Kamilaroi Elder Polly Cutmore at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra. Also Wiradjuri Elder Ray Woods and Nyikina Warrwa woman Dr Anne Poelina. As well as an update with Chris Schuringa from Goongerah Environment Centre on the recent Errinundra blockade victory and upcoming actions.  PLUS BONUS CRN show (starts at 29 mins) This week on our Weds 6am repeat slot and also on the Community Radio Network at other radio stations around Australia (who also play Earth Matters) we featured the history and current actions of the La Via Campesina food sovereignty and agroecology movement (a global network of peasant and small farmers organisations and unions); plus an update on the staunch peasant resistance in Colombia against recent horrific opppressions by brutal rightwing paramilitary & large landowners. With guests: Paul Nicholson, La Via Campesina founder Nuri Martinez, La Via Campesina & National Peasants Union (FENSUAGRO)  This audio was sourced with thanks from a webinar kindly recorded during the fabulous Oxford Real Farming Conference 2021—check it out!   Earth Matters #1301 was produced by Nicky Stott    

Between land clearing, climate changed induced bushfires and native forest logging our cute and cuddly koala have had a rough trot.  Michael Jones from 2NVR interviewed Susie Russel from North Coast Environment Council, and NSW MPs Justin Field and Cate Faehrmann Episode #1300 was produced by Megan Williams Donate to Earth Matters this radiothon via https://www.givenow.com.au/crowdraiser/public/earthmattersradiothon2021

EARTH MATTERS RADIOTHON 2021: Please give what you can during our annual Radiothon fundraiser—You can donate now online and pledge your donation to Earth Matters—or call 03 9419 8377 Protecting through reconnecting with ecopsychology & eco art therapy Guest presenter Terri Dry from 3CR's Brainwaves program engages in conversation with eco-psychologist & eco art therapist Deb Punton, from the Port Phillip EcoCentre about how our mental health and the health of the planet are indivisible.Music: 'Mother Earth' (track) by Liliian Allen Earth Matters #1299 was produced by Terri Dry, Cailin Thompson & Nicky Stott

The School Strike 4 Climate Australia movement is back on the streets!Tens of thousands of students are back on the front line with mass climate strikes for the first time since Covid hit last year—and young Indigenous & POC activists are front and centre in the fight. This episode amplifies just some of their powerful speeches and words from 'School Strike 4 Climate Australia' May 2021 rallies across the country.Speakers (from both Meanjin & Djubuguli/Cadi rallies):Lisa Sipaia Baker & Pelepesite Matangi Pacific Climate WarriorsMark Kabay-Saleh Our Islands Our HomeMusic:'My Island Home' (Tribute); Christine Anu, Zaachariaha Fielding, Emma Donovan & NGAIIREThis week's show is #1298 and was produced by Nicky Stott

Something's fishy in water management. This weeks episode brings you two special productions - Baaka the Forgotten River and In Murky Waters. Feast your ears on art and activism for the Darling Baaka.Guests:In Murky WatersBadger Bates, Proud Barkandji manKate McBride,Tolarno StationAlan Whyte, former citrus grown from WentworthGo to https://www.inmurkywaters.com.au/ for moreBaaka - the Forgotten RiverJustine Muller, ArtistMonica Kerwin, Proud Barkandji womanGo to https://www.mymaitland.com.au/event/barka-the-forgotten-river/ for exhibition details Music:No Baaka, No Barkandji by Leroy Johnson, Barkindji/Malyangaapa Man This week's show is #1297 and was produced by Megan Williams

Tomorrow Movement & the Sunbury against Toxic Soil CampaignGuest presenter Eiddwen Jeffery chats with Desiree Cai all about the new Tomorrow Movement—a broad collective focused on climate & economic justice for young people.And our other guest presenter Paddy Dobson gets an update from Chris O'Neil from the Sunbury against toxic soil campaign in Naarm, about their ongoing battle against what is shaping up—potentially—to be Australia's biggest toxic soil dump. Music: Anarka & Poppy, All that is shattered, 'If it dies, we die' This week's show is #1296 and was produced by Nicky Stott

People of the Pacific Islands are already feeling the ravages of climate change - be that loss of food production as sea levels rise, the erosion of shorelines, king tides, and the increased occurrence and severity of cyclones.  But Pacific Islanders are speaking out. So on today’s show we are tuning-in to Pasifika voices and amplifying their messages.    This episode we feature 'Winston' a podcast about the cyclone that hit Fiji in 2016. Winston is prodiced by Am Kanngieser and features poems written and read by Atueta Rabuka, Krystelle Lavaki Danford, Amelia Rigsby and Peter Sipeli.  So pull up a seat and get ready to listen.    Earth Matters #1295 (#1129) was produced by Teishan Ahearne. 

Since 2016 Lake Menindee has laid desolate, dry as a bone. But this week flows returned and with them hope for people and the environment. This week on Earth Matters we talk to 5th generation farmer Kate McBride about the filling of Menindee Lake and activist Tuesday Browell about the Darling Baaka Convoy Today's show No. 1294 was produced on the lands of the Barkindji people by Megan Williams.

Five months ago  Bones and friends halted logging in Olney State forest with a blockade camp across the road.  Earth Matters visited this quiet camp in lush rainforest humming with gliders, goannas, black cockatoos and lyre-birds.  Bones knows that if the camp packs up the loggers will be back to cut the trees and  further fragment the forest. Thus Bones stays. Having twice survived stage 4 cancer  and now disabled, living in the forest for the trees and animals is where Bones wants to be. Winiata is there too, singing sublime and supporting as always.    Meanwhile other forest logging blockades are springing up in the Newry State Forest, NSW,  in the Tarkine, Tasmania and on the Errinundra plateau East Gippsland, Victoria. The  North East Forest Alliance is calling for an immediate 10% reduction in wood supply commitments to north-coast sawmillers from public forests  because of the widespread death of trees due to the Black Summer bushfires, as well as a freeze on any new commitments. Guests: Bones and WiniataMusic: Winiata Links: Forest Defence NSW | Facebook           Camp Olney | Facebook           Environmental Blockading in Australia and Around the World - Timeline 1974-1997 - The Commons (commonslibrary.org) Todays show No. 1293 was produced on the lands of the Darkinjung people by Bec Horridge.

 Climate urgency spawns more pledges to disrupt using non-violent civil disobedience. Sergei, Greg and The Treason March supporters are walking from Sydney to Canberra along the edge of the  Hume Highway. " Their signs say:  "  Climate Crisis: We Will Starve @LASTGENERATION "    " We are F%U£ED, We are young. We are coming"    "Climate Criminals Kill Kids" They are calling on people to  join them in a future event  using non- violent civil disobedience to block the Hume Highway  that takes most traffic between the power hubs: Sydney and Canberra, to force the laggard Australian government to take urgent  action on climate change. This Earth Matters reveals the values and motivation that would call  on people to block a highway.  It is important that the Australian people and government understand why many people  who are very concerned  about global warming impacts, including ecological and social collapse are now engaging  in non violent civil disobedience.  They are getting in harms way in order to stop a greater harmer. As Sergei Rebel says : "Its time to do something  because with 510 ppm equivalents of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, 3 degrees of warming is locked  in, and  what is often omitted from the narrative of global warming is what that actually means.  That means our young people in the future will be rounded up and sent to war. What that  means is there is going to be mass migration  of people and unfarmable land to live on. What that means is social collapse. What that means is massive rape and slaughter of my generation,  the people that are alive today.  Its 2021  and the future they have been warning us about is here and its up to us to get it  the way of this death machine; which  of course is  non violent civil disobedience which involves arrest and prison.  This is called getting in harms way in order to stop a greater harmer. So  am calling on all young people to join me." Isabell is organising with  Blockade Australia. She explains the urgent need to immediately avoid climate tipping points of no return. This urgency and her values led her to adopt climate activism as her work  in order to  act on what she knows is true and bring about the needed change. Guests: Sergei, Lesley, Greg: Treason March,  @LASTGENERATION                            Isabell:  Blockade Australia Music: Andy Paine: Song: Your Mission, Album: The Politics of Possibility Find it on "Bandcamp" Links: Blockade Australia             Last Generation | Facebook            Last Generation  Last Generation News: Seriously ugly: here's how Australia will look if the world heats by 3°C this century (theconversation.com)  This weeks show  #1292 was produced by Bec Horridge

What if the government stopped you from sharing videos of police violence? Or spied on your private communications? And did it in the name of keeping you safe?  These are some of the possible outcomes of the Federal government’s proposed Online Safety Bill. The Bill would give broad and unchecked powers to the Australian eSafety Commissioner to censor the internet and further extend the government’s ability to intercept our private communications.  Environmental activists and campaigns might not be mentioned by the government, but there is a history of politicians and police framing activism as a criminal threat. And there’s nothing to stop them from using the Online Safety Bill to do just that.  And then later on the show, it’s 150 years since the Paris Commune. What can those 19th century revolutionaries teach us about our digital world today?     Guest: Lizzie O'Shea (Digital Rights Watch).    Links:  'Explainer: The Online Safety Bill' Digital Rights Watch  'The Judgment of Paris: Facebook vs. the Communards' Lizzie O'Shea  '#HeyASIO: data retention and the threat to activism' Earth Matters October 2015     Earth Matters #1291 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

Interview with Aric McBay about Full Spectrum Resistance (part 2)Part two of a two part interview with farmer, anarchist, organiser and author Aric McBay, on his book Full Spectrum Resistance—an historical overview on building movements, actions and strategies for change.In a fascinating and in depth interview with Bursts from The Final Straw Radio, McBay covers the climate justice movement and it’s unique potential for facilitating widespread interconnectivity and synthesis between other social movements.In this concluding episode McBay & Bursts examine why single issue movements are not conducive to full spectrum resistance in the struggle for climate justice, and discuss how intersectional movements have been more successful in this regard.They also critique vanguard valorisation and consensus decision making; and McBay reflects on his time with the Deep Green Resistance movement and the transphobia issue.LISTEN TO PART ONE HERE*Audio sourced, with thanks, from The Final Straw Radio  This week's show is #1290 and was produced by Nicky Stott

Interview with Aric McBay about Full Spectrum Resistance (part 1)Part one of a two part interview with farmer, anarchist, organiser and author Aric McBay, on his book Full Spectrum Resistance—an historical overview on building movements, actions and strategies for change.In a fascinating and in depth interview with Bursts from The Final Straw Radio, McBay covers the climate justice movement and it’s unique potential for facilitating widespread interconnectivity and synthesis between other social movements.Based on the concept of common ground—and using successful examples from the South African anti-apartheid movement, the women’s suffrage movement, the US civil rights movement, and Wet'suwet'en land rights and anti-pipeline solidarity campaigns—McBay outlines aspects of full spectrum resistance in building social movements; including diversity of tactics, cooperation between people using different tactics, solidarity between movements and intersectional approaches.LISTEN TO PART TWO HERE*Audio sourced, with thanks, from The Final Straw Radio  This week's show is #1289 and was produced by Nicky Stott

Vaccine Apartheid: People before Profit90% of people in the global south won't be vaccinated for up to several years due to corporate profiteering. Millions are predicted to die—while the risk of the spread of mutations increases for all of us—just so that Big Pharma can make a Big Profit.This episode features various speakers from the global People’s Vaccine Alliance at an online rally earlier this month to call out the injustice and greedy stupidity of vaccine-nationalism, vaccine-racism and vaccine-apartheid. (Take action to support this campaign)The People's Vaccine Alliance are calling for unconditional global vaccine-equity, and are urging that those of us who are living with a glut of privilege in the global north really need to be fighting for the kind of systemic change that puts all people first; and all profits...pretty much never. Speakers:Sonia Adesara (medical doctor & activist, UK)Baba Aye (from the global union federation—Public Services International)Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo (Health Officer, nursery & midwifery training College, Ghana)Isabelle Jani-Friend (health & culture writer & disability activist) Dr. Thabo Cecil Makgoba (Anglican archbishop of Cape Town)Caroline Lucas (UK Greens politician) *Audio sourced, with thanks, from the People’s Vaccine AllianceThis week's show is #1288 and was produced by Nicky Stott  

Koalas are in crisis.  To save Koalas we must come together. Long time campaigner Sue Arnold says:  "We need a national protest over what's happening to our koalas."Koala scientist Kara Youngentaub talks about the science behind the importance of saving habitat that is correctly assessed as the right habitat for Koalas. Music: Song for the Koala by Dave Norman Envirofolk | Dave Norman (bandcamp.com)Links: Australians for Animals          Koalas in Crisis: FacebookBerejiklian Government's latest koala plan out of touch with reality (independentaustralia.net)by Sue Arnold 9th April 2021 Updates: Koalas in Crisis Facebook Blog                                                                Earth Matters #1287 was produced by Bec Horridge  

Save Westernport From AGL Westernport Bay is an internationally significant wetland, home to a great diversity of marine life and endangered birds. But AGL plans to build a gas terminal in the heart of the bay.  Today on Earth Matters we speak to the President of Save Westernport and a nature conservation campaigner from the Victorian National Parks Associate about the community campaign that has mounted against this proposed gas development. Guests: Candy Van Rood (Save Westernport); Shannon Hurley (Victorian National Parks Association).Show links: https://savewesternport.org/https://environmentvictoria.org.au/campaign/stop-agls-dirty-gas-plan-for-our-bay/#WetsuitsforWesterport Earth Matters #1286 was produced by Megan Williams.  

Every year, approximately almost 5,000 people die in Australia as a result of exposure to toxic air pollution. Environmental Justice Australia has released two new reports: The People’s Clean Air Action Plans for Victoria and New South Wales. Calling on State governments to immediately act on the worst sources of toxic air pollution. Namely, coal-fired power stations, vehicle emissions and wood heaters.  Guests: Bob Vickers (GP in Singleton, NSW); Bronya Lipski (Lawyer EJA).   Links:  The People’s Clean Air Action Plans (EJA)  Coal power's toxic health toll (Earth Matters #1102 August 2017)  Workers responding collectively to bushfire pollution (Earth Matters #1128 January 2020)    Earth Matters #1285 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.   

The Last Forests: It's blockade time again folks!Chris Schuringa from Goongerah Environment Centre speaks with Nicky Stott about how concerned community members & activists up in the Errinundra Plateau have been putting themselves on the frontline to protect some of the last unburnt forest of East Gippsland from being logged.Juliet Fox speaks with staunch tree-sitter Issaac Carne just before he is arrested last week up in the canopy at the Errinundra blockade.And Guest presenter Andy Paine from Paradigm Shift at 4ZZZ in Brisbane speaks with Miranda Gibson from Forest Defence NSW at the Camp Olney blockade, in the Olney state forest near Newcastle, about how we need to look at "The Forest Campaign" as, 'not just a particular patch, but as a broader perspective of native forests across Australia that has been going on for decades. And how—more than ever—we just need to get in there and protect those last remaining patches before we lose them all'. This week's show is #1282 and was produced by Nicky Stott

Is Lake Torrens the next Juukan Gorge? Lake Torrens in South Australia is a sacred site and place of deep cultural significance to Kokatha, Adnyamathanha, Kuyani and Barngarla peoples. However government approval has been granted to exploratory drilling company Kelaray (a subsidiary of Argonaut Resources) to begin drilling at this vulnerable site.This week on Earth Matters guest producer Joy Lothian from Aboriginal Way Radio at Radio Adelaide speaks with Kokatha Senior Lawman Andrew Starkey and the CEO of SA Native Title Services Keith Thomas about the very deep concerns that Traditional Owners and communities in this region have regarding this latest exploratory mining project at Lake Torrens. This week's show is #1281 and was produced by Joy Lothian

A  well organised, new project bringing beautifully designed, inexpensive ​Climate Action Now Signs to the people promises to help wake Australia up to the need for urgent climate action now. This project came out of the disastrous fires of Black Summer 2019 on the NSW South Coast. As the fires raged Jed Johnson noticed people were putting up homemade Climate Action Now signs on farm gates....but some didn't look great and all were different. He thought uniform signs would have more impact as they are easily recognised, creating a mass effect showing that many, many of us want to pull our weight as a nation in cutting CO2 emissions and are not content with the lack of adequate climate policy.Find out how to get Climate Action Now signs for yourself and your group. We join families from Nth Rosedale,  who lived through the horrific fires that burnt some of their homes to the ground as they ran for shelter on the beach. They are waiting for a truck from the Australian National Museum to arrive to pick up relics of Black Sumer: a melted aluminum fishing tinny boat and melted water pump from the destroyed home of Jack Egan and Cath Bowden. On the unmelted half of the boat is a  large yellow and black painted sign that says Climate Action Now. Links:Climate Action Now signs  [CAN]    cansign.org.auWith Our Own Eyes Eurobodalla | FacebookMusic: Emerging Canberra composer  Dom Novakovic:     Earth Matters #1282 was produced by Bec Horridge

Invasion Day Naarm 2021: Dawn service & rally highlightsHighlights from the Invasion Day dawn service and rally in Naarm (melbourne) this week including ceremony, speeches, music and the honour call to the countless victims of Victorian massacres during the Frontier Wars. Earth Matters #1281 was produced by Nicky Stott

There’s so many things we had to stop and put on hold when COVID hit. But one thing that didn’t stop was the relentless resource extraction of mining and forestry.    On today’s show we hear about two campaigns that are challenging governments who have been trying to use COVID as a cover for destruction.    First up we hear from Yuyun Harmono, Climate Justice Campaign Manager at the Indonesian environmental network, WALHI.    And then later in the show, Chris Schuringa from the Goongerah Environment Centre gives us an update on the fight to save East Gippsland forests in Victoria.    Guests: Yuyun Harmono (WALHI Indonesia); Chris Schuringa (GECO)    Links: Indonesia’s Law on Job Creation: The Omnibus Law - APHEDA.    Earth Matters #1280 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

False Promises & Real Solutions: Part 2Part two of a two part series with long time anti-geoengineering watch orgs—ETC Group & Friends of the Earth crew fighting against geoengineering and "net zero" greenwashing by global north governments, big fossil fuel industries and their neo-liberal allies.In this episode Dipti Bhatnagar argues that big picture climate crisis is not just a technical problem and it can't be solved solely by technical solutions—but rather by people power & energy sufficiency through just transition. Speakers:Dipti Bhatnagar, Friends of the Earth InternationalTom Wakeford (Moderator), ETC GroupGopal Dayaneni, ETC Group, Climate Justice Alliance & Hands of Mother Earth Campaign Sara Shaw, Friends of the Earth InternationalMusic: Anarka & Poppy, All that is shattered, 'If it dies, we die' Earth Matters #1279 was produced by Nicky StottLISTEN to False Promises & Real Solutions: Part 1 here*audio sourced with thanks from a 2020 COP26 protest webinar organised by Scotland & UK based COP 26 coalition 

We must start cooling the planet.Walter Jehne and Cindy Eiritz explain how to restore the Earth s hydrological cooling system AND restore the “soil carbon sponge” offering resilience to global heating. The Soil Carbon Sponge is porous, well-aggregated soil rich in plant roots, diverse life forms, nutrient availability, air, and often holding lots of water. Building up the Soil Carbon Sponge draws down massive amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere AND regenerates our soils AND enhances agricultural productivity and human health. Walter describes how forests can be managed so that logs and other fuel on the forest floor is rotted down by fungi assisted by the nitrogen in animal poo and wee and other animal activity like the 150 holes a padymelon can dig in a night.Guests: Walter Jehne is an internationally known Australian soil microbiologist and climate scientist. Founder of Healthy Soils Australia and Founder/Director of Regenerate Earth               Cindy Eiritz: Strategic Director, Regenerate earthMusic:  Encounter by the River : composed and played by Dar Shelton. Find more here on  SoundclickTranscript:  [follow the link to Soils for Life website who have made a two page transcript of the interview:https://soilsforlife.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Earth-Matters-Interview-Transcript.pdfLinks: Regenerate Earth A short paper by Walter Jehne: "The practical drawdown of 20 billion tonnes of carbon back into soils annually, to rehydrate bio-systems and safely cool climates"  Regenerate Earth Facebook Page Regenerate Earth website: https://www.regenerate-earth.org/ 4 per 1000 initiative:  https://www.4p1000.org/ Earth Matters #1221 was produced by Bec Horridge in December 2019

Sydney's newest suburbs are too hot to live inTemperatures in western Sydney, home to 2.3 million of Sydney’s poorest residents, are already peaking at unliveable highs. Bureau of Meteorology weather stations in Sydney’s west have recorded 10 of the hottest ever years in the last 15 years, but urban heat researcher Sebastian Pfautsch says poor design means temperatures in built-up areas are up to 8C hotter than BoM records. He says we need to radically rethink how we design our suburbs, because climate change is already affecting Sydney's most vulnerable hard. This week's show is #1277 and was produced by Else Kennedy

 When Polly Cutmore   heard that Minister Susan Ley had approved the 850  gas fracking wells in the Pilliga  she  immediately  took a detour to   Canberra to rally  against the announcement. She talks of her peoples battle to survive  recent persistent  heatwave  temperatures in Nth Western NSW around her  hometown of Moree. We chat about  the importance of allies  giving financial and other  support in our shared struggle to protect country. On 27th November 4 days after Minister Susan Leys dreaded announcement,  hundreds of people  in Canberra, Sydney , Melbourne and Brisbane protested to stop fracking in  the Pilliga.  Annie, Chris and  Gill from the  Knitting Nannas & Friends For Freedom From Fossil Fuels  express why they  are appalled at the coalitions decision to bankroll fracking .Uncle Kevin Buzzacott  talks about the persistent demolition of sacred sites by unwelcome mining companies in his  Arabunna nation .Guests: Polly Cutmore  Gamilaroi elder from Moree               Gill, Chris, Anni: Knitting Nannas & Friends For Freedom From Fossil Fuels               Uncle Kevin Buzzacott: Arabunna Elder:  Veteran campaigner against uranium mining.Poem: "Enough,  by Mary GudrumSong: Cathie O Sulllivan Song of Artesian Water - Cathie O'Sullivan by undercovermusicThis week's show is #1275 and was produced Bec HorridgeLinks:Groups:Knitting Nannas & Friends For Freedom From Fossil FuelsNewsHundreds rally in Australian capital cities against the $3.6bn Narrabri gas project | Indigenous Australians | The Guardian

The practice of diverting floodwaters into private storages is being legislated in the NSW northern Murray-Darling. What will this mean for environment and communities that depend on it. We speak with Charlee-Sue Frail Ngemba Woman and advisor to the Dharriwaa Elders Group in Walgatt and hear excerpts from a presentation by water consultants Slattery & JohnsonHave your say on Floodplain harvesting until Dec 20. Handy Submission buide posted tohttps://healthyriversdubbo.com/2020/12/16/floodplain-harvesting-in-nsw-make-a-quick-online-submission/Episode 1275 was produced by Megan Williams

The ground is cracking and subsiding, water is vanishing, wetlands are being drained, and habitats are destroyed.    Why?    Because successive New South Wales governments have allowed mining in Sydney’s water catchment, and now two of those mines are set to be expanded.    But the community is fighting back.    This week we speak with Kaye Osborn from the Protect Our Water Alliance about coal mining in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, and its effect on the environment and Sydney’s water supply.    Guest: Kaye Osborn (Protect Our Water Alliance)    Earth Matters #1274 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

False Promises & Real Solutions: Part 1We've all heard the extremely disturbing hype about geoengineering as a so-called solution for climate change—but how much do we really know about it? Where did it come from? Who started it—and why? Why does it totally suck? Why is it sooo sinister? And what can we do about it? What are the genuine and viable alternatives that will actually fix up our climate—and our entire human society—for real?Get the full story from long time anti-geoengineering watch-groups—ETC Group & Friends of the Earth crew—fighting against geoengineering and "net zero" greenwashing by global north governments, big fossil fuel industries and their neo-liberal allies.Part one of a two part series.Moderator: Tom Wakeford, ETC GroupSpeakers:Gopal Dayaneni, ETC Group, Climate Justice Alliance North Turtle Island & Hands of Mother Earth Campaign Dipti Bhatnagar, Friends of the Earth International Sara Shaw, Friends of the Earth International Music track: Godspeed You! Black Emperor, F# A# ∞, 'Dead Flag Blues' Earth Matters #1273 was produced by Nicky StottLISTEN to False Promises & Real Solutions: Part 2 here*audio sourced with thanks from a 2020 COP26 protest webinar organised by Scotland & UK based COP 26 coalition  

A young ecologist, Mark McVeigh, took his super fund REST to court over its failure to consider the risk of climate change to his investments. Today on Earth Matters we hear about this historic legal win through the courts and how its changing your superannuation fund for the better. Guests: David Barnden, Equity Generation LawyersMark McVeigh, 25 year old ecologist who challenged his super fund in federal court See REST's statement herehttps://rest.com.au/why-rest/about-rest/news/rest-reaches-settlement-with-mark-mcveigh This week's show is #1272 and was produced by Megan Williams

Follow the Money: federal budget recapIn the federal budget announced last month, A$52.9 million was allocated to expanding Australia’s gas industry, and an extra A$8.7 million was slipped to NSW’s Vales Point power station.The announcements have added new urgency to community efforts to protect the Beetaloo Basin from fracking in the NT and are meeting with resistance from renewable energy advocates across the country. This episode we hear from Dr Brad Smith, campaign director at Nature Conservation Council about resistance to Vales Point upgrades, Dan Robins from Protect Country Alliance about the campaign for the Beetaloo, and Nicky Ison, Energy Transition Manager at World Wildlife Fund about what the budget offers for the renewables industry. Guests: Dr Brad Smith, campaign director, Nature Conservation CouncilDan Robins, Protect Country AllianceNicky Ison, Energy Transition Manager, World Wildlife Fund This week's show is #1271 and was produced by Else Kennedy

What detoxes CO2 out of the air, regenerates the soil, needs little pesticide or water and helps prevent deforestation?Hemp is a strain of Cannabis Sativa that contains only a trace of the psychoactive THC. Numerous products come from hemp including paper, cloth, medicines, food, building materials and animal feed. Yet in Australia we grown little hemp and import these hemp products.Regeneration boffin and soil scientist Walter Jehne with Nimbin Hemp Embassy and Hemp Party campaigners: Caroline Todd and Michael Balderstone outline some of the benefits of growing this age old multi-use plant and how the war against recreational Cannabis has stopped and held back Australian farmers from growing it in Australia to the detriment of the forests, soils and the climate.This weeks show No. 1270 was produced by Bec HorridgeLinks:Regenerate Earth Nimbin Hemp Embassy Hemp PartyAgrifutures Hemp growers surveyMusic:NAIDOC 2019 Redfern March video by Peter Boyle from Green Left.  This weeks show No. 1270 was produced by Bec Horridge 

Indigenous Environment Network: Soil not OilThe Indigenous Environmental Network presents at the Soil not Oil conference 2020 on Indigenous traditional farming, loss of biodiversity and disease, and changing paradigms away from a fossil fuel economy.Moderator: Tom Goldtooth (Dine'-Dakota & Indigenous Environment Network Director)Guests:Ed Mendoza (Xikano-Nahuatl Indigenous market farmer/permaculturalist, teacher & activist); Linda Black Elk (Dukha-Catawba ethnobotanist & food sovereignty activist) Dallas Goldtooth (Isanti Dakota-Dine’ and & Indigenous Environment Network Campaign Organiser)Earth Matters #1273 was produced by Nicky Stott*webinar audio sourced with thanks from the Soil not Oil Conference  

Against Eco-fascism: an environmentalism without nature [encore]    We often think of environmental politics as inherently progressive and humane.  But from more mainstream far right parties with a presence in national parliaments to marginal but equally dangerous lone actors and dispersed groups organising on the internet, environmental questions are growing in importance  and are becoming central to their political platforms.  The environmental movement  with a liberatory outlook needs to be vigilant against the increased use of ecological concerns by rightwing governments and fascist groups alike.  This week on Earth Matters, we speak to Nic Beuret. An academic and activist, based in the UK, who has written on the issue of the far right and ecological politics in the era of climate change.   Earth Matters #1268 (#1209) was produced by Teishan and Alex.

The Martuwarra or Fitzroy River in the Kimberely, WA, is one of the last pristine rivers on Earth, but farming magnates are seeking to open up this unique ecosystem to irrigation and undermine decades of community action to protect this river system.  Guests: Dr Anne Poelina, Nyikina Warrwa Traditional Owner and Chair of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River CouncilMartin Pritchard, Director of Environs KimberleyMonique Barker, Campaign Coordinator of Kimberley - Like Nowhere Else Sign the petition to protect the Martuwarra - Fitzroy Riverhttps://www.environskimberley.org.au/protect_fitzroy This week's show is #1267 and was produced by Megan Williams

12 months on from the start of last year's horror bushfire season, four experts discuss what we can learn from last summer's fires to better protect not just property and assets, but Australia's biodiversity and threatened species in future fire seasons.'The impacts (of the fires) on biodiversity is greater than any other single event in our lifetime... They've set back years of work by individuals, community groups and governments on the recovery of nature in Australia...These bushfires were a dreadful event, but they were also an opportunity. They show us the future, a dystopia we need to try to prevent.'- Professor John Woinarski, Deputy Director of the Threatened Species Research Hub Original webinar hosted by: Threatened Species Recovery Hub Guests: John Woinarski, deputy director, Threatened Species Recovery HubOliver Costello, Bunjalung man and CEO, Firesticks AllianceVanessa Westcott, ecologist, Bush Heritage AustraliaDavid Karoly, leader, Earth Systems and Climate Change Hub

Guardians of the Forest: Indigenous youth global call outThis week on Earth Matters four young indigenous rights activists from around the world discuss impacts of COVID on their communities, and on their environmental campaigns and struggles. They put the call out for young people around the world to unite now in solidarity and fight the global establishment in the face of climate crisis. (recorded webinar)Moderaters: Xiye Bastida (Mexican/Chilean climate activist) & Isaias Hernandez (Queer Brown Vegan)Guests: Maria Jose Bejarano de Oliveira (Chiquitano Nation & Confederation of Indigenous Peoples of Bolivia & COICA—Coordinator of Indigenous Organizations of the Amazon River Basin)Walela Txai Surui (Paiter Suruí lawyer & Indignoeus rights activist)Jakob Siringoringo (Batak Toba & Indigenous Peoples' Alliance of the Archipelago)Militza Flaco (Emberá Nation & Embera Wounaan Youth Organization of Panama) Earth Matters #1265 was produced by Nicky Stott*audio sourced with thanks from a webinar by Guardians of the Forest & Youth 4 Nature to amplify and promote the “Roots that heal” fundraiser to support the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities

The school strikers for climate action are back!   Rosie and Jimmy will tell you clearly what  they want.  Into the lawns of Parliament House Canberran,  they plant hundreds of  placards made by school students  protesting against Morrisons gas led recovery and for renewable energy.  " I have had to miss out on my school and learning  so that I can do the job the adults are  meant to be doing."  Jimmy,School Striker                     When the challenges we face seem huge, it is reassuring to talk to some who has been campaigning  longer than most.  Margaret Blakers advises  on why legal responsibility for  the environment  must  ultimately remain with the  federal government   and not  be handed over to the state governments.          "It has to be on the desk of the prime minister  of the country if koalas are going to be sent extinct."   Margaret Blakers                                 She calls for a referendum on the environment and stares down the gas led recovery outing it as expensive  and  "stupid". Guests: Margaret Blakers              School Strikers: Jimmy and Rosie:  Music: The Formidable Vegetables: The Climate Movement Links:Womens Environmental Leadership Australia  School Strike for Climate Australia Earth Matters    #1264 was produced by Bec Horridge

Not-so-golden rice: Agro-imperialism in a time of COVID-19 (Part 3—Final)The Gates Foundation funded project ‘Golden Rice’ is an unnecessary and unwanted GMO technology driven by big agriculture corporations purely for profit. It endangers agrobiodiversity, self-determination and community health in the global south. Agroecologists & small-medium/peasant farmer networks have been campaigning against the propagation and commercialisation of Golden Rice since the mid-2000s via protest and direct action resistance.But in the looming COVID-19 recession—as the UN predicts the worst global food crisis in more than 50 years—corporate agri-imperialists are shamelessly taking advantage by amping up Golden Rice hype as a “solution” to the worsening hunger and malnutrition associated with the pandemic.This is the final episode of a three part series featuring concerned activists from the Stop Golden Rice Network speaking at an urgent online forum to commemorate the International Day of Action Against Golden Rice. Speakers:Sarojeni Rengam (Pesticide Action Network Asia Pacific) on anti GMO & Stop Golden Rice resistance movement.Neth Daño (ETC Group) how big tech philanthro-capitalists like the Gates Foundation are commandeering global food systems.  Earth Matters #1263 was produced by Nicky StottLISTEN to Not-so-golden rice Part 1 hereLISTEN to Not-so-golden rice Part 2 here

At the beginning of the pandemic the Morrison Federal government announced the creation of the COVID commission. Stacked with mining and fossil fuel interests, it’s little surprise that now in September the government is pushing what it calls a ‘gas led recovery.’ But could a different COVID recovery be possible - or maybe even necessary?  On this week's show we talk with Dylan Goldsworthy from Workers for Climate Action Melbourne, about why we need to be organising in our workplaces and across our unions to fight for a just and sustainable future.  And then later in the show, it’s been 20 years since the protests against the World Economic Forum meeting in Melbourne, known as s11. We dig into the archives and listen back to 3CR’s coverage of the movements that came together with the message that another world is possible.  Earth Matters #1262 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.  Links:  Globalisation Unplugged  The NT Fight Against Fracking  School Strike for Climate  Materials for unionists for September 25  Workers for Climate Action Melbourne  

NSW Upper House inquiry underway into impacts of dams in Murray Darling fast tracked by NSW Gov.The Murray-Darling supports RAMSAR wetlands and critical ecosystems for endangered fish & migratory birds and supplies food for millions. So whether you live near a project, downstream or elsewhere in Australia these projects effect you! This week on Earth Matters we hear from community members opposing the Wyangala Dam and Macquarie Re-regulating Weir as well and the NSW State Upper House Greens MP chairing the inquiry.Make a Submission by Sept 22ndhttps://www.melbournefoe.org.au/no_new_damsLearn more about Wiradjuri Culturehttps://burambabili.org/ GuestsMel Gray - Healthy Rivers DubboRaymond Woods - Wiradjuri ElderCate Faehrmenn - NSW Greens MPShow #1261 was produced by Megan Williams 

Not-so-golden rice: Agro-imperialism in a time of COVID-19 (Part 2) The Gates Foundation funded project ‘Golden Rice’ is an unnecessary and unwanted GMO technology driven by big agriculture corporations purely for profit. It endangers agrobiodiversity, self-determination and community health in the global south. Agroecologists & small-medium/peasant farmer networks have been campaigning against the propagation and commercialisation of Golden Rice since the mid-2000s via protest and direct action resistance. But in the looming COVID-19 recession—as the UN predicts the worst global food crisis in more than 50 years—corporate agri-imperialists are shamelessly taking advantage by amping up Golden Rice hype as a “solution” to the worsening hunger and malnutrition associated with the pandemic. This is Episode 2 of a three part series featuring concerned activists from the Stop Golden Rice Network speaking at an urgent online forum to commemorate the International Day of Action Against Golden Rice. Cris Panerio from the farmer-led network MASIPAG in the Philippines speaks about the history of Golden Rice field trials and where the controversial GMO editing technique CRISPR has been used—and reminds us that locally grown, organic food continues to offer a far superior source of nutrition, biodiversity and sustainability than any GMO product.Earth Matters #1260 was produced by Nicky StottLISTEN to Not-so-golden rice Part 1 hereLISTEN to Not-so-golden rice Part 3—Final here

200 Years in Antarctica: Australia's bicentenary development plans On the 200th anniversary of the first European sighting of Antarctica, Australia is planning the biggest single development in Antarctic history. In this episode we talk to Shaun Brookes, environmental researcher at the University of Tasmania, about what the development is and what environmental impact it could have. We speak with conservation biologist Rachel Leihy from Monash University about the cumulative human impact on Antarctica over the last 200 years. We hear from environmental historian Adrian Howkins, author of Frozen Empires: an environmental history of the Antarctic Peninsula, about how countries have historically used scientific research to claim land on the continent. We also speak to Andrea Kavanagh from Pew Charitable Trusts about why a global commitment to create marine protected areas in the Southern Ocean has stalled. Earth Matters #1259 was produced by Else Kennedy

A new report titled  "The extinction crisis in Australia's cities and towns " has just been released by the Australian Conservation Foundation.It shows that there a lot of threatened plants and animals in Australian urban areas  and just how much forest habitat and grasslands in and on the edge of our towns  and cities is destroyed for development  under Australia's weak national environment laws.  Jess Abrahams, a campaigner witth  the Australian Conservation Foundation, talks about the species at stake and what we can do to help strengthen laws  meant to protect species. We turn to the work of urban land care that restores habitat: the work of Friends of Mount Majura. Waltraud tells how the group started a mountain of land care work thirteen years ago, problems with too many grazing Eastern Grey Kangaroos and misuse by people making trails and building huge cubbies.Music: Light Sprinkle featuring Richard Ploog. Groom Epoch,               Scalar Trails ‎(CD, Album)Mind Kontrol Records Links:"The extinction crisis in Australias cities and towns: How weak environment laws have let urban sprawl destroy the habitat of Australia’s threatened species." August 2020, The Australian Conservation Foundation.

Not-so-golden rice: Agro-imperialism in a time of COVID-19 (Part 1)The Gates Foundation funded project ‘Golden Rice’ is an unnecessary and unwanted GMO technology driven by big agriculture corporations purely for profit. It endangers agrobiodiversity, self-determination and community health in the global south. Agroecologists & small-medium/peasant farmer networks have been campaigning against the propagation and commercialisation of Golden Rice since the mid-2000s via protest and direct action resistance.But in the looming COVID-19 recession—as the UN predicts the worst global food crisis in more than 50 years—corporate agri-imperialists are shamelessly taking advantage by amping up Golden Rice hype as a “solution” to the worsening hunger and malnutrition associated with the pandemic.This is Episode 1 of a three part series featuring concerned activists from the Stop Golden Rice Network speaking at an urgent online forum to commemorate the International Day of Action Against Golden Rice.Speakers: Kartini Samon GRAIN (Indonesia) provides overview & background info on the corporate agenda behind the "philanthropic" facade that is the primarily Gates Foundation funded Golden Rice project.Cris Panerio MASIPAG (Philippines) intros the nitty gritty on the issues with the Golden Rice GMO.Earth Matters #1257 was produced by Nicky Stott LISTEN to Not-so-golden rice Part 2 hereLISTEN to Not-so-golden rice Part 3—Final here

On today’s show, Raj Patel helps us un-pack the history of capitalism, and how it has radically altered the ecology of this planet. Patel is the co-author, with Jason W. Moore of the book 'A History of the World in Seven Cheap Things : A Guide to Capitalism, Nature, and the Future of the Planet'  This episode we hear Patel outline these 7 cheaps, and he explains the crisis capitalism is facing. In this crisis Patel encourages us to see the possibility of a world beyond capitalism.   Earth Matters #1256 (#1139) was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

"Leave Our Lakes Alone" - Darling-Baaka Community Says NoThe Menindee Lakes in far west NSW are the site for large water savings project under the Murray Darling Basin Plan. After seeing this unique ecosystem decline over the past 2 decades, the local community is fiercely opposed to any changes that would leave the lakes with less water. Tom Kennedy Broken Hill City Councillor and publicity officer for the Darling River Action Group and Jane MacAllister community organiser for water for the Nature Conservation Council of NSW and Councillorfor Wentworth Shire join us to discuss the projects. This week's show is #1254, and was produced by Megan Williams. 

‘Once in a decade chance’: Australia’s environment law review and why it mattersLidia Thorpe, Gunai/Brabwauloong/Briakaloong/DjapWurrung/Gunditjmara Greens Senator;  and Suzanne Milthorpe, Environment Law campaigner for the Wilderness Society discuss what’s wrong with Australia’s environment laws, the government’s plans for a hasty fix in regards to the ongoing Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act review, and why it might not solve the problem.Music by The Black Ducks - 'People of the Mountains and the Sea' (Desert Pea Media) Earth Matters #1254 was produced by Else Kennedy

Non-violence verses direct action: We need both!Leslie James Pickering, Burning Books co-owner & former ELF spokesperson, and radical treatise 'Eco-Warriors' author Rik Scarce, debate non-violent civil disobedience versus direct action tactics like property destruction. The audio in this week's episode was sourced from The Final Straw Radio, and was recorded at November 2017 Burning Books community conversation between Scarce and Pickering about property destruction & definitions of violence; terrorism labels & repercussions of militancy; concerns around alienating the wider community and the radical ecological movement.  Music: ¡TchKunG! New Earth Rising; Dan Kemp, 'In Defence of Direct Action'  Earth Matters #1253 was produced by Nicky Stott 

Jenny Weber  works alongside Bob Brown. She takes us to the heart of the  campaign to save Tasmania's Tarkine wilderness where 20 people recently occupied tree sits. Bunnings hardware store  has just vetoed sourcing any timber form Vic forests, as the forestry corporation  has been found to be logging illegally. Jenny explores the implications of this for the push to persuade consumers not to buy Australian native timber or paper made from it ....and stop native forest logging altogether in Australia. Kalang Koala has six demands for the premiere of New South Wales.                         You guessed it : Number One is Protect Koala Habitat Guests: Jenny Weber: Bob Brown  Foundation                                        The Kalang Koala: Kalang Forest, NSW  Music - Avenue of Giant Redwoods: Jerren Wilson,            - Tarkine Dawn: Listening Earth  Earth Matters #1252 was produced by Bec Horridge Links Bob Brown Foundation    https://www.bobbrown.org.au/ 

NT Fight Against FrackingThe Federal government's National Covid-19 Coordination Commission (NCCC) has proposed a boost to the country's economy through an increase to the gas industry.Wiradjuri and Noongar woman Edie Shepherd (Original Power) and Daniel Robins (Protect Country Alliance) discuss the current situation in the Northern Territory with communities around the Territory alread opposing fracking projects. We talk about the potential impacts of a boost to the industry and what's happening on the ground.   This week's show is #1251 and was produced by Em Gayfer 

Cloud Frightening: Techno-spin & false solutionsLouise Sales (FoE Emerging Tech Project) & Silvia Ribeiro (ETC Group) discuss environmental, safety and green washing concerns of global proportions over ongoing open air testing of a geoengineering technique known as cloud brightening on the Great Barrier Reef.These tests are part of a $326 million project funded by fossil fuels corporates including BHP, Rio Tinto, Orica, Boeing & Qantas. They contravene a number of transnational conventions and moratoriums that Australia is a signatory to—including free, prior & informed consent of more than 70 First Peoples owner groups. See also: Hands off Mother Earth campaignEarth Matters #1250 was produced by Nicky Stott 

Extractive industries threaten Indigenous heritage across this continent and the Shenhua Watermark Coal Mine is no exception.Gomeroi woman Dolly Talbott has taken the Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley to court over her decision to approve the Shenhua Watermark coal mine despite the fact it will destroy sacred sites with "immeasurable value" on her Country.   Guests: Gomeroi woman Dolly Talbott and Rana Koroglu, Special Counsel for NSW Environmental Defenders Office  Links:Call Environment Minister Sussan Ley's office on 02 6277 7920Email Environment Minister Sussan Ley  More info from the Environmental Defenders OfficeSupport the work of the Environmental Defenders Office Episode #1249 was produced by Megan Williams

"Police violence is an environmental justice issue...Abolition should be a demand of environmental justice." - Nick Estes.    This week we bring you an edited extract from a wide-ranging discussion between Indigenous academics Kim TallBear and Nick Estes, who locate the current uprising in the United States within a larger context of capitalism and colonialism, and a long history of resistance.    Guests: Kim TallBear; Nick Estes.    Links:Indigenous Resistance Against Oil Pipelines During a Pandemic [video]  The Red Nation  'Native American DNA: Tribal Belonging and the False Promise of Genetic Science' by Kim TallBear.  'Our History Is the Future: Standing Rock Versus the Dakota Access Pipeline, and the Long Tradition of Indigenous Resistance' by Nick Estes.    Earth Matters #1248 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

Environmental Racism: BIPOC in climate movementsPatrisse Cullors—climate justice & decarceration activist— and one of the original founders of the Black Lives Matter movement— speaks with Khristen Hamilton, from Zero Hour, about the impacts of environmental racism.Also, Extinction Rebellion youth network activists Fiona Jarvis & Cynthia Leung from XR New York City and Krissy Oliver-Mays from XR Charlotte—speaking on a panel about the representation of People of Colour in the climate justice movement. (above audio was recorded, with thanks, during a virtual event organised for Earth Day this year by Climate Strike and Stop The Money Pipeline Coalitions)Also, check out this podcast of the 3CR live broadcast from the Melbourne Black Lives Matter rally to protest Aboriginal deaths and violence from police & state brutality (and to support current George Floyd/BLM protests in the US) organised by Warriors of Aboriginal Resistance, and held on Saturday 6th June 2020 at vic parliament. Earth Matters #1247 was produced by Nicky Stott 

BirdLife Australia has launched a campain calling for logging to stop in the habitat of  the critically endangered Swift Parrot. Armed with Forestry Harvest Plans we take a drive into a partially burnt State Forest near Ulladulla, NSW that is due to be logged.   A forest defender describes how to use the harvest plans to find out if the loggers break rules about protecting animals and plants. Recent Research by Dr Jen Sanger and team  confirms  that logging increases the intensity of  forest fires. Guests:        Dr Jen Sanger Ecologist.:  Founder of The Tree Projects, and Research Fellow at the School of Geography and Environmental Sciences, University of Tasmania.                     Sean Dooley, BirdlifeAustralia                    Forest Lovers and Defenders Song: Feel It,   Teymori Earth Matters #1246 was produced by Bec HorridgeLinks  Bellingen Environment Centre  

First People First: Pay the RentGunai & Gunditjmara activist Lidia Thorpe speaks with Teishan Ahearne about the ongoing impacts of colonisation on Country, and her vision for how non-indigenous allies in the environment movement can do better to unite with and support the struggles of First Nations peoples.Also, what the Victorian state government’s sneaky moves with extractive industries means for the so-called treaty process they are supposed to be engaged in, as well as Djap Wurrung Embassy blockade and Pay the Rent campaign updates.Earth Matters #1245 was produced by Nicky Stott & Teishan Ahearne.  

This week we’re looking at the fight to save Victoria’s native forests, and what the government and their logging agency are getting away with under cover of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Then later in the show, we pay respects to the late Jack Mundey and look for hope in the history of the Green Bans movement.  Guest: Chris Schuringa (GECO); Dave Kerin (Earth Worker); Jack Mundey (archival audio).  Links:  Goongerah Environment Centre 'Green Bans, Red Union' Earth Matters 25 December 2016Green bans, red union : environmental activism and the New South Wales Builders Labourers' Federation by Meredith Burgmann and Verity Burgmann  Earth Matters #1244 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.  

The Great Barrier Reef, one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet has experienced its third mass coral bleaching event in 5 years.  But what impact is this having across the whole ecosystem and what is the outlook for the future? We speak with Dr Anne Hoggett AM from the Lizard Island Research Station and Tanya Murphy from Divers for Reef Conservation. Support their workLizard Island Reef Research Foundation - https://lirrf.org/Divers for Reef Conservation - http://diversforreefconservation.com/This week's show is #1243 and was produced by Megan Williams 

Australia is known to have high quality drinking water, and standards that ensure the health and safety of the population. But is this really the whole picture? Although most Australians are accustomed to turning on the tap and safe, clean drinking water flowing out, many regions are suffering from a water crisis. With droughts creating limited water supply and contamination of the water that is available, communities are facing serious impacts. Even in cities the picture is complicated, with levels of contaminants such as lead being recorded that breach Australian water standard guidelines.  Anthony Amis from Friends of the Earth has been researching the numerous breaches to drinking water standards across Australia, and tracking these through his online map. Alison Bleaney is a doctor in St Helens, Tasmania who has been studying the impacts of pesticide contamination in the drinking water supply on human and biological health. This week's show is #1242 and was produced by Em Gayfer

Pandemic in a time of Big Oil: When holding down a blockade is an Essential ActivityThe 3 day Climate Strike Action planned for April 22-24  to coincide with Earth Day 50th anniversary was cancelled due to global lockdown, but an epic 3 day livestream was organised instead by the Climate Strike Coalition and Stop The Money Pipeline Coalition.On Day 2 First Nations pipeline resistance fighters spoke in depth about how they're still standing strong on the frontline blockades during lockdown (whilst maintaining safe physical distancing practices) to defend their land and waters in ongoing direct actions against big finance and fossil fuel industries - despite the many concerns and attacks they are facing from all sides.Guests:Angeline Cheek, Fort Peck Assiniboine & Oglala/Sioux; and Joye Braun, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe community organiser (Both from the long running Trans Canada Keystone XL pipeline resistance campaign). Tara Houska, Couchiching Anishinaabe & Giniw Collective (on resistance campaign against Enbridges Line 3 tar sands pipeline) support/DONATE Lyla June Johnston, Diné/Navajo, Tsétsêhéstâhese/Cheyenne (music)Bill McKibben, 350.org (ally) This week's show is #1241 and was produced by Nicky Stott.

As the Covid19 virus proliferates humans watch in horror at how nature can disrupt and destroy our lives. While those with a place to live retreat to their  homes the most vulnerable have no home to go to.  Some money has come from the government for rough sleepers to stay in hotels but this response is patchy and  thousands of people who are not eligible for Centrelink or other government payments are falling through gaping holes in the system. They are left vulnerable to the virus and even harder circumstances as many homeless people's services, providing food, clothes, and showers, shut down. Our guests this week are dedicated  to improving the lives of the homeless:Dr. Anne Solari: Doctor to the homeless and  Deacon at St Johns Church, Brisbane.Gerry Georgatos: Coordinator, National Suicide Prevention and Trauma Recovery Project  in conversation with Áine Ní Tighearnaigh with thanks to Transforming Perspectives show at 2xx 98.3 FM Canberra Lanz Priestley  from Sydney's 24-7 Street Kitchen and Safe Space Community and the Virtual Street KitchenEarth Matters #1240 was produced by Bec HorridgeLinks:Sydney's 24-7 Street Kitchen and Safe Space Community and the Virtual Street Kitchen.To directly buy a meal for hungry people call Lanze on his mobile: 0460410355 Powered by our ever-growing community love concern and spirit of generosity. The team at Virtual Street Kitchen thank you for your support and please know that we share your concern that people are “falling through the cracks”, Canice's Kitchen, Blanket Patrol, Blanket Patrol Western Sydney, Blanket Patrol Fairfield, Blanket Patrol Northern Beaches, Liverpool Street Kitchen Illawarra Street Kitchen Kids Giving Back, Every Little Bit Helps,

Australian waters are an ecological hotspot for sharks and rays populations. It's a fact that might concern some and be a cause for celebration for others. During times of global crisis, what can we learn from coming face to face with our biggest fears? And how do sharks keep our ocean healthy and contribute to a sustainable future?Shark enthusiast and speaker, Shannon Hurley from the Victorian National Parks Association shares her experience overcoming anxiety whilst diving with sharks and Dr Leonardo Guida of the Australian Marine Conservation Society provides an overview of the benefits of sharks to sustainable fisheries.Guest: Shannon Hurley (Victorian National Parks Association)Dr Leonardo Guida (Australian Marine Conservation Society)Earth Matters #1239 was produced by Megan Williams. 

Can we simply innovate our way out of the present climate crisis? Or do technological fixes hide another problem - that of a deeply unequal and unjust world? Until we start to understand that climate change is a also political problem we may end up carrying the problems of the present into a clean energy future.Lawyer and writer Lizzie O'Shea argues that if we are going to have a just and democratic world we need to wrestle the future of technology away from the billionaires and tech-bros and put it into the hands of the people.Guest: Lizzie O'Shea.

Doing it ourselves: Renewables & bio-hacking COVID-19As the COVID-19 pandemic escalates, the neo-lib stance on privatised & for-profit "herd-culling" healthcare has directly precipitated a drastic shortage of test kits & respirators. But the good news is that an incredible global explosion of grass-roots solidarity & self-organising initiatives are bypassing the general criminal prevarication and inaction of these governments. This week we hear from analytical chemist Bill Slavin, founder at Indie Lab – a non-profit public research space, and just one of many groups working in conjunction with a world wide network of bio-hackers & volunteer health care experts at the online platform Just One Giant Lab (JOGL) towards the manufacture and distribution of open source test kits, ventilators and 3D printed quality masks (amongst a profileration of other initiatives). *Audio sourced, with thanks, from The Final Straw RadioAlso, guest presenter Nicky Paige speaks with Lisa Lumsden at the Repower Port Augusta campaign in South Australia about how the local community there is pushing ahead with a solar-thermal renewable energy project.Earth Matters #1237 was produced by Nicky Stott

A  hundred thousands tons of woodchips and  the Eden wood chip mill burned in January bushfires. 80% of the New South Wales, South East  state forests were incinerated. Harriet Swift tells us what's happening on the ground now.  Harriet  lives in the Bega region and has been  campaigning for decades  to close the wood chip mill and end native forest logging. Music  Song of the Restless fly catcher from Morningin the Australian Bush  Paradise On Fire (Song For Australia) by Sebastian Dudko LinksNature Conservation CouncilSE Conservation CouncilMelbourne Forest GroupsSouth East  Conservation council Newshttps://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-29/logging-industry-and-nationals-call-for-burnt-timber-salvage/11903574?fbclid=IwAR0NLIFtzu1b2-gNh44fLBEK8Dp6htDahW4iU8pL_93haeb1HzQD9JcBF1o https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-01-22/bushfire-ravaged-soil-takes-up-to-80-years-to-recover/10736626

Indigenous Science: Water knowledge systemsBrad Moggridge, Kamilaroi man & geologist, and Tyson Yunkaporta of the Apalech Clan from Western Cape York, and author of Sandtalk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World, are two Indigenous scientists speaking about exploring water knowledge systems and stories.Recorded live at Bush Heritage Australia's Bush Nights: Stories from the water event at the Brunswick Mechanics Institute on February 13th, 2020. Earth Matters #1235 was produced by Nicky Stott & Michaela Stubbs

BIPOC Women’s Resistance: IWD 2020BIPOC women in the global south are necessarily at the forefront of climate activism, as it is their communities that are the most adversely affected by climate change. This week's International Women's Day show features Indigenous rights activist Daiara Tukano, of the Tukano people from the north western Amazon, on the impacts of climate fires & deforestation there.Also, Ugandan youth climate striker Vanessa Nakate and Isanti (Santee) Dakota & Ho-Chunk nations and tar sands resister Rose Whipple - who both represented as a youth organisers against fossil fuel extraction at the UN Climate Summit in Madrid last year.Audio excerpts have been sourced, with thanks, from Democracy Now Earth Matters #1234 was produced by Nicky Stott

Still threatened, Still fighting: Tassie forests frontlineLisa Searle (Bob Brown Foundation) gets us up to speed with the rapidly shifting landscape of forest activism in Tasmania - as the end of the logging moratorium that came out of the 2013 so-called forest peace deal is rapidly approaching.Closing track is 'Born in This Time', by Natalie Fallah from the N.E.F.A album Lock On! Songs to Save Australia's Forests available on BandcampEarth Matters #1233 was produced by Nicky Stott

Windara Reef Restoration: Reinvigorating ocean ecosystems Most of the continent now known as colony-Australia was once surrounded and protected for thousands of years by massive reefs built up by shellfish, providing rich breeding grounds for marine life. However colonisation has decimated these ancient reefs and rendered them extinct. So the news that thriving artificial reefs are now being built to correct this travesty is very good to hear. Guest presenter Nicky Paige speaks with Anita Nedosyko from The Nature Conservancy about how the Windara Reef Restoration project in South Australia is reinvigorating native shellfish populations and contributing to carbon sequestrationEarth Matters #1232 was co-produced by Nicky Page and Nicky Stott

 Exceptional speeches calling for climate action ring with rising anger in response to government  denial and inaction. MC: Dr Karl Kruszelnicki makes climate science segways.   Zali Stegall the Independent member for Waringah outlines her bill for an official bipartisan  climate action plan.  Bruce Shillingsworth a Muruwari and Budjiti man,  from  the north-west NSW river lands  demands:" Put the water back in the rivers" Dr Sue Wareham from the Medical Association for the prevention of war warns of conflict coming from climate extremes. Adrian Burringubba, Leader and spokesman for the Wangang and Jagalingoo family council: The fight with Adani  is not over.Bob Brown. Founder of The Greens, Former Senator  tells truth to power. Music: Jonny Huckle Links:  [Under Construction]The Peoples Climate Assembly:  https://www.peoplesclimateassembly.org/Artist - Mundagutta Bruce ShillingsworthInternational campain against Nuclear War   Medical Association for the Prevention of WarXR  Peace Australia- FacebookSave Our Coast Wangang and Jagalingou family council:  https://www.facebook.com/WanganandJagalingou/News"Zali Steggall to unveil climate change bill and push for a conscience vote for MPs": The Guardian "Closer than ever, 100 seconds to midnight: 2020 doomsday clock statement."  Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists   " The costs of War"  Brown Institute 

Invasion Day 2020 Highlights (Part2): Narm protest rally & marchPart 2 of a two part Invasion Day tribute features selected speakers from the Narm protest rally & march Earth Matters #1229 was produced by Nicky Stott

Invasion Day 2020 Highlights (Part1): Narm Dawn ServicePart 1 of a two part Invasion Day tribute features the Dawn Service in Narm last weekend, as we pay our deepest respects to all the First Nations Peoples who were massacred by British terrorists during the Frontier Wars, and all their descendants who inherited that mass intergenerational trauma.Earth Matters #1229 was produced by Nicky Stott & Michaela Stubbs

As bushfires have been raging across Australia since October last year, cities have been blanketed in toxic smoke. What are the health impacts of this? And how might workers respond to this new environmental health crisis?  On today’s show, workers responding collectively to bushfire pollution, and looking for a working class environmentalism.  Guests: Elizabeth Humphrys (UTS); Katherine Barraclough (Doctors for the Environment Australia); Bradly Dunn (dock worker and MUA delegate); Adam Mayers (public sector worker and CPSU delegate)  Links:‘Workers are on the frontline of the climate crisis, but they have the power to fight back’ ABC News‘FACT SHEET: WHS & Bushfire Smoke’ Unions ACT‘Bushfire smokeWhat are the health impacts and what can we do to minimise exposure?’ Centre for Air Pollution, Energy and Health Research'Green Bans, Red Union' Earth Matters 25/12/2016 Earth Matters #1128 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

 We are in a terrible, fiery  climate emergency. Humans and animals are in crisis. We have seen at least a billion animals die [not including billions of insects. This number is rapidly rising  as animals face starvation in destroyed ecosystems where there is no food.  Responding to this on the front line of this are the wildlife rescue groups .  They have always been there caring for injured animas and orphans. Now they are  massively  mobilizing  to leave out food and for the animals in the burnt out forest and heal those that are injured.Earth Matters brings you a glimpse of the life of  wildlife carer Belinda Hogarth _Boyd and plugs you into some  ideas and places where you too can help. Music :  Superb Wrens, Honeyeaters, Rufous Whistler, Olive backed Oriole from  'A Morning in the Australian Bush' album by Listening Earth"This week's show is #1227 was produced by Bec HorridgeLINKS:Despite the enormous devastation, the Government is taking a miserly approach to our iconic wildlife who have been decimated by bushfires.Last week, I called on the PM to fund the treatment and rehabilitation of fire-affected wildlife. We’ve now pressured Scott Morrison into action, but his announcement today of a one-off $50 million for animals is just a drop in the ocean of what’s needed. Can you join me in letting him know that simply isn’t good enough? NSW Department of Planning, Industry and EnvironmentHelping animals in emergencies: has a good list of what foods different animals eat https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-animals/helping-wildlife-in-emergencies>NSW list of licenced wildlife rehabilitation groups https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-animals/rehabilitating-native-animals/wildlife-rehabilitation-licences#rehabhttps://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-animals/helping-wildlife-in-emergencies: has lists of what to feed different animals and an app to find a free vet for injured animalsVictorian Department of Environment Land Water and PlanningWildcare Queanbeyan, NSW, : http://www.wildcare.com.au/ - this is the homepage for our group based out of Queanbeyan, NSW.  The homepage elaborates on how people can assist with food drops and Food4Wildlife Program.http://www.narg.asn.au/  - Native Animal Rescue Group (NARG), this is a sister organisation in Braidwood, NSW.https://www.wildlife-rescue.org.au/  - Wildlife Rescue South Coast , this is another sister organisation based on the south coast of NSW, Including the areas of Batemans Bay, and Moruya that have been heavily impacted by bushfires.https://www.nwc.org.au/  - NSW Wildlife Council, this is the peak body for 27 wildlife groups in NSW.  Backyard buddies is an educational sites to raise awareness around Australian wildlife. This link in particular has a good plan on how to build possum box.  WIRES: Australian Wildlife Rescue Organisation:  https://www.wires.org.au/How do I get started? Read WIRES Rescue and Immediate Care Course details for more course information and how to enrol. https://www.facebook.com/donate/462229267776154/Wombat Rescue (https://www.facebook.com/RescueWombats/) specialises in the rescue operations of wombats hit by cars or shot and left to die and Sleepy Burrows Wombat Sanctuary (https://www.facebook.com/SleepyBurrows/) is the largest bare nosed wombat sanctuary in Australia. We have partnered with a project in the Tallaganda Fire Area where we provide support feed and water to wildlife that survived the fire but are starving as there is no food source or any water left. We have been doing this for 11 weeks and counting. Will continue for probably the next 4-6 monthsWombatcare Bundanoon. Feed the wildlife fund. East Gippsland http://www.ecoshout.org.au/blog/bushfire-relief-for-east-gippsland-community-and-wildlife?fbclid=IwAR3BST_l0dN6HrMmLqd-8gYfAL6oD_wdaoGoycChADPZGTTPcbj1yVzC1dYNews:More than one billion animals killed in Australian bushfires 

Heal the Ancestors: East Gippsland bush firesElders Robbie and Mick Thorpe on 3CR’s Fire First discuss bushfires and the Law of the Land, while Mick shares his first hand account of the evacuation from the Lake Tyers Community on Gunai/Kurnai country. Also, an update from Chris Schuringa at Goongerah Environment Centre about what’s happening on the ground with ongoing fires destroying habitat, wildlife sanctuaries and homes of local front line forest protectors - just weeks after cautiously celebrating the Vic gov's pledge to end to native forest logging.Links to donate to fire relief funds:First Nations CommunitiesGoongerah Climate refugees support fundWallabia Wildlife ShelterGoongerah Wombat OrphanageEarth Matters #1226 was produced by Nicky Stott

Tiny House Warriors: Secwepemc struggleSecwepemc land protector Kanahus Freedom on how Secwepemc people are resisting the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion and ongoing impacts of colonialism & white supremacy by asserting their sovereignty via creative direct action campaigns, such as the Tiny House Warrior campaign.audio sourced with thanks from The Final Straw Radio on Archive.orgEarth Matters #1225 was produced by Nicky Stott

What does it mean when we talk of floods of migrants? Is it accurate or even useful? Or does it distract from the real floods, the disasters brought on by climate change? Lauren Piko, presents her paper “Hydraulics and flood: rhetorics and realities of fluidity in Australian cities” at the 2019 Historical Materialism Conference, held at Trades Hall in Melbourne.   Then later in the show, Nic Beuret discusses the problematic connected between environmentalist ideas of 'carrying capacity' and eco-fascist obsession with population and militarised borders. The interview is an edited extract from a longer conversation with Nic from September 2019.    Guests: Lauren Piko; Nic Beuret.   Links: 'Fighting eco-fascism' Earth Matters 15 September 2019.    Earth Matters #1224 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

As our eyes sting from the ashes of the forests,  Richard Flanagan's call for  climate action  becomes prophetic .  Extinction Rebellion rebels blockade Canberra  streets  preventing politicians from leaving Federal parliament to split for holidays, leaving climate action and leadership behind them. Guests:   Richard Flanagan, Author.                 Extinction Rebellion rebels blockading Canberra  streets Song:      Walking with Spirits by  Kai McKenzie                 Mark kai mackenzie (facebook) guitar, vocal, harmonica                Allen Murphy drums and production                Michael Henshaw Bass and technical support                 Recorded at Bagot Road Community, Darwin, Larrakia country            This week's show is #1223, and was produced by Bec Horridge.

For the love of Soil: Urban TilthDoria Robinson from Urban Tilth speaking this year at the Community Alliance for Global Justice about dismantling extractive culture. She gets the ball rolling with a crucial task that we all now face; namely, unpacking what we mean by "justice" in the context of making a "just transition", as we move towards systemic change as the logical solution to climate justice and food sovereignty.Audio sourced with thanks from Seattle Community Media on Archive.orgEarth Matters #1222 was produced by Nicky Stott

We must  start cooling the planet. Walter Jehne and Cindy Eiritz  explain how to  restore the Earth s hydrological cooling system AND restore the “soil carbon sponge” offering resilience to global heating. The Soil Carbon Sponge is porous, well-aggregated soil rich in plant roots, diverse life forms, nutrient availability, air, and often holding lots of water. Building up the Soil Carbon Sponge draws down massive amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere AND regenerates our soils AND enhances agricultural productivity and human health. Walter describes how forests can be managed so that logs and other fuel on  the forest floor is rotted down by fungi assisted by the nitrogen in animal poo and wee and other animal activity like the 150 holes a padymelon  can dig in a night . Guests: Walter Jehne is an internationally known Australian soil microbiologist and climate scientist.  Founder of Healthy Soils Australia and Founder/Director of Regenerate Earth               Cindy Eiritz: Strategic Director, Regenerate earth Music: Encounter by the River : Dar Shelton find more here on  Soundclick Transcript:  [follow the link to Soils for Life website who have made a two page transcript of the interview:https://soilsforlife.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Earth-Matters-Interview-Transcript.pdf Links Regenerate Earth A short paper by Walter Jehne: "The practical drawdown of 20 billion tonnes of carbon back into soils annually, to rehydrate bio-systems and safely cool climates"  Regenerate earth Facebook Page  4 per 1000 initiative:  https://www.4p1000.org/ Earth Matters #1221 was produced by Bec Horridge

Finally the Victorian government has acknowledged that native forest logging must end. After decades of mismanagement, financial losses and environmental destruction. The government has announced all native forest logging to end by 2030, with an immediate end to old-growth logging, and the planned protection of the Greater Glider. But the devil is in the detail, and the promises might not be kept.  Then later in the show: urban heatwaves, the silent killer of a forgotten population. Margarita Windisch has been researching the social vulnerabilities associated with urban heatwaves, looking specifically at how age and gender effects mortality.  Guests: Chris Shuringa  (GECO); Margarita Windisch. Links:  Goongerah Environment Centre - GECO De-naturalising disaster - climate change and marginalisation   Image credit: GECO. Earth Matters #1220 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

If you are starting to think that the grip of the coal and gas industry on Australian land and politics is impossible to break -take hope. New coal mines are being knocked back by the courts for their climate impacts. In February  2019   the New South Wales Land and Environment Court made  a landmark judgement  to reject a new open-cut coal mine near Gloucester in the Hunter Valley,  NSW.  For the first time one of the key reasons given was the global heating impacts of the co2 released when the coal is burned. Six months later the legal precedent was repeated when it was determined that   South Korean company’s Kepco’s plan for a coal mine in Bylong Valley cannot go ahead.   For the second time the court case considered the global heating impacts of burning coal.  Coal investors and political backers like Senator Matt Canavan, NSW Minister Rob Stokes and the Minerals Policy Council are in a spin. They are now trying to change the law to make sure no such decision is ever made again. Earth Matters joins farmers from the Bylong Valley  outside the  Korean Embassy in Canberra wanting  Kepco to sell the land in the Bylong Valley back to farmers . James gives a mini update on the mines underneath Sydney and Central Coast water supplies,  the massive proposed Shenhua mine and gas extraction in NSW.Links:Petitions:Protect Our Laws from the Coal LobbyOrganisations:Lock the GateThe Australia Institute. The Australian Student Environment NetworkClimate Action Network AustaliaList of Climate Action Network Australia member groups List of Australian Climate Action Groups (incomplete)List of Sydney  Climate Action Groups News Stories:New coal projects in Sydney's catchment on hold after panel's reports , Sydney Morning Herald. 9/11/19The Berejiklian government will pause new approvals for mining under Sydney's catchment until well into 2020 as it considers an advisory panel's report that environment groups say was too lenient as water supplies dwindle. Show  #1219  was produced by Bec Horridge

IMARC blockade live outside broadcast (Part 2)Recorded live at the (IMARC) International Mining & Resource Conference blockade in Melbourne Oct 28-31. Presenters Viv Malo & Robbie Thorpe (The Black Block) and Michaela Stubbs speak with Porobibi (West Papuan student activist); Tim (Wiradjuri anti-coal/CSG activist); Lucco (Latin American Solidarity Network); and Jessica (grass roots community activist) talking grass roots resistance against mining ecocide and genocide in West Papua, Australia, Colombia, Chile and everywhere.Earth Matters #1218 was produced by Nicky Stott

IMARC blockade live outside broadcast (Part 1)Recorded live at the (IMARC) International Mining & Resource Conference blockade in Melbourne Oct 28-31. Presenters Robbie Thorpe and Viv Malo (The Black Block) speak with Jerome Small, Aunty Vicki Abdullah (Tjiwarl & ANFA co-chair) & former greens MP & Gunditjmara & Gunai woman Lidia Thorpe on extractive industries & ecocide, and Indigenous rights & solutionsEarth Matters #1217 was produced by Nicky Stott

On today’s show we hear about Queensland’s new anti lock-on laws.  Then we get a report-back from Blockade IMARC in Melbourne and the violent police response.  Guests: Andy Paine (Frontline Action on Coal); Apsara (Blockade IMARC); Julia Dehm (MALS)    Earth Matters #1216 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

"Everything that we have been fighting for over years of our activism has been  for the  rights to be able to make decisions about what happens on our countries. .  My Country is been raped and pillaged and plundered by mining corporations  for coal in the Hunter Valley Region and for gas in Wangkumurra Country ....." "We have been fighting for the  rights to be able to stop those industries  from destroying our land and destroying what is precious to us, taking away  our rights of possession and rights of  ownership and rights of  governance over those countries. We wish to restore our rights over those over those countries . We have a sovereign right that has not ceded..." "If  non indigenous people support and help establish  structural foundations of a sovereign governance,  that allows us to be able to able invite non indigenous people to collaborate on how we best proceed  further  on a journey  that allows us to protect and preserve our countries and our living envirionment and restore our communal values again"                           Uncle Albert Hartnett                 Guests:     Uncle  Albert Hartnett a  Wangkumurra man, and   long time Aboriginal activist and rights defender was a guest   at the Australian Student Environment Network Training Camp.                                    Sylvia Gunn from the Australian Student Environment NetworkLINKS  Australian Student Environment Network: https://asen.org.au/ The next Students of Sustainability "SOS 2020"  giant environment conference will be from January 13-17 in Sydney. This week's show is #1215 and was produced by Bec Horridge

Djab Wurrung, XR & the Nueva Vizcaya BarricadeThis week on Earth Matters we hear from Djab Wurrung and Gunai sovereign Lidia Thorpe update on Djap Wurrung protection blockade; Extinction rebellion spring actions over the last two weeks, including solidarity activist Kevin Bracken on the Nueva Vizcaya barricade against Australian mining company OceanaGold in protest against their violent and destructive mining agenda; as well as the upcoming IMARC blockade.This week's show is #1214, and was produced by Nicky Stott.

Warburdar Bununu - Water Shield documentary is a new short film highlighting the fight for water rights and mining on country near Boorooloola in the Northern Territory. In this program you'll hear from the Director Jason De Santolo and community members Scott McDinney and Gadrien Hoosam and hear of their on-going fight and struggle with local mining companies and the water contamination issues now affecting the local community members and the waterways.

Mining is at the forefront of climate change, and the opposition to it is the nexus of indigenous and environmental struggles. A prime example of this is Ecuador. It’s one of the most bio-diverse countries on earth, but it’s people and environment are under threat as mining companies - many of them from Australia - are swooping in.  From Ecuador to Australia, miners, their financiers and governments are determined to destroy this planet in their pursuit of profit. Blockade IMARC Alliance are organising a mass civil disobedience protest against the conference.  Guests: Anthony Amis (Melbourne Rainforest Action Group); Maria Soupos (Blockade IMARC Alliance).  https://rainforestactiongroup.org/https://blockadeimarc.com/ Earth Matters #1212 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

 This is about  the  fate of the black throated finch  as Adani is bulldozing  some of its last natural habitat . Michael   Kane from the  Mackay Conservation Group challenges the legitimacy of using offsets to counter such habitat destruction. "Its not over yet" says Emma about the long battle to Stop Adani. She describes the ongoing prosecutions of  Adani,  campaigning to persuade companies not to take Adani contracts and community engagement for a just transition. We also go to Townsville where at dawn two Queensland women; Jo Bulmer and Wendy Tubman, locked themselves  by the neck with D shaped bike locks to the gates of the pipe manufacturer Iplex. Along with 25 climate other change campaigners ,they were demanding that Iplex withdraw the tender it  has submitted to supply pipes to Adani’s Carmichael coal project.Guests: Michael Kane, Emma Barrett: Mackay Conservation Group Links:"Adanis finch plan is approved just weeks after being sent back to the drawing board. " The ConversationEnvironmental Defenders Office Media release Adanis current management plan for the Black throated finchThis week's show is #1211, and was produced by Bec Horridge 

Mauna Kea Struggle: Aloha, Not for SaleThis week on Earth Matters we hear from Kanaka Maoli activists involved in the ongoing resistance struggle and protest blockade against the construction of a giant telescope development on Mauna Kea, which is a dormant volcano on the Island of Hawaii that is also a sacred site of deep significance to the Indigenous Kanaka Maoli people.And also, why this particular struggle has engaged so profoundly with the global Indigenous resistance network.Guests: Kealoha Pisciotta: Mauna Kea Anaina Hou; Kalamaoka'aina Niheu MD: Mauna Medic Healers Hui; Iokepa Casumbal-Salazar: Ithaca CollegeLinks:Hawaiin Environmental AllianceHawaiʻi Unity and Liberation InstituteMauna Medic Healers Hui(donate to support the front line)Audio excerpts for this episode have been sourced, with thanks, from Archive.org & Sojourner Truth & Rising Up with Sonali  This week's show is #1210, and was produced by Nicky Stott.  

Fighting eco-fascism: an environmentalism without natureWe often think of environmental politics as inherently progressive and humane.But from more mainstream far right parties with a presence in national parliaments to marginal but equally dangerous lone actors and dispersed groups organising on the internet, environmental questions are growing in importance and are becoming central to their political platforms.The environmental movement with a liberatory outlook needs to be vigilant against the increased use of ecological concerns by rightwing governments and fascist groups alike.This week on Earth Matters, we speak to Nic Beuret, an academic and activist based in the UK who has written on the issue of the far right and ecological politics in the era of climate change.Earth Matters #1209 was produced by Teishan Ahearne and Alex Kakafikas. Image credit: Bundesarchiv, Bild 183-R24553 / CC-BY-SA 3.0.

Can we simply innovate our way out of the present climate crisis? Or do technological fixes hide another problem - that of a deeply unequal and unjust world? Until we start to understand that climate change is a also political problem we may end up carrying the problems of the present into a clean energy future.Lawyer and writer Lizzie O'Shea argues that if we are going to have a just and democratic world we need to wrestle the future of technology away from the billionaires and tech-bros and put it into the hands of the people.Guest: Lizzie O'Shea.Earth Matters #1208 was produced by Teishan Ahearne. 

Adani is currently clearing trees for the construction of its Carmichael mine in Queensland.In todays show we hear Adrian Burragubba leader of the Wangan Jagalingou  family council  and  the traditional owners of the Carmichael coal mine site in Queensland.  Adani has recently made Adrian Burragubba bankrupt after several court cases with the company.  The  Wangan Jangalingou famly council  have declared their sovereign  independence and established a sovereignty camp  to practice law and custom and have  cultural ceremony on country. They  are calling  on first nations people to stand with them to protect their  cultural sovereignty. Later we hear Heather who locked on to a drill rig that had started work on the  Adani rail line. Then Anita gives  insight into what its like at the Stop Adani defenders at Camp Bimbi on Birri Country, 40ks West of Bowen, QLD. Guests:Adrian Burragubba leader of the Wangan Jagalingou  council, traditional owners of the Carmichael coal mine site.Coedie on DidgeredooHeather Simpson locked onto an Adani drill rigAnita and Sophie speaking from Camp Bimbi, Stop Adani camp 30 ks West of Bowne QLD.Song : Xavier Rudd: live recording from Camp BimbiLinks:Wangan Jagalingou Traditional Owners  Council FacebookWangan Jagalingou Family Council WebsiteFrontline Action on Coal  This week's show  #1203, was produced by Bec Horridge    

Djab Wurrung Eviction: Our Way, or the highway!The Djab Wurrung Heritage Protection Embassy blockade is facing eviction this week! For fifteen months now they have made a stand to protect more than two hundred and sixty sacred trees - of deep cultural significance and up to eight hundred years old - from being bulldozed by the Victorian state government to make way for a section of freight road between Melbourne & Adelaide that will save two minutes of driving time. Djab Wurrung have put a red alert call out NOW for people to come and support on the ground as they stand strong against the full force of the Victorian state. In the last few days hundreds of people have been visiting and staying at the camps, and this level of numbers is currently keeping the bulldozers out. So if you can make it down there over the next week, even just for the day, or longer,  Djab Wurrung say please come!!With guests: Alfred Bamblett, Lidia Thorpe, Aunty Sandra Onus, Uncle Kevin Buzzacott; and guest presenter Robbie Thorpe from Fire FirstEarth Matters #1206 was produced by Nicky Stott 

To mark the 40th anniversary of Australia's first forest blockade at Terania Creek in 1979 Earth Matters presents a program in which musicians Brenda Liddiard and Lisa Yeates reflect on the songs that came out of that event as well as from later protests at Grier's Scrub and Mount Nardi. The role of music in securing victories, unifying blockaders and spreading the word, and the way in which the songs lived on through further protests, is also discussed. The songs heard during the program are drawn from the Lock On CD, which was compiled by Andy Parks, and a documentary about the Nightcap campaign which was produced by John Seed in 1982.Guests: Brenda Liddiard (www.brendaliddiard.co.nz) and Lisa Yeates.Some of the music heard in the program, and much more besides, can be listened to and purchased via the 'Lock On! Songs To Save Australia's Forests' compilation bandcamp page. All proceeds go to North East Forest Alliance- https://nefa.bandcamp.com/releasesEarth Matters #1205 was produced by Iain McIntyre

 Cathryn Milne: Student and environmentalist: Mildura: " We need a royal commission NOW and a grass roots human movement."             There is desperation and calls for strong action  as the Darling River dries up.  This is  part three of  a  series of interviews with people who are living along the dying  Darling River: witnessing, grieving and crying out for action to bring the water back.Sarah Moles, Author  from Warwick, Qld; Speaking at the Australian Earth Laws Alliance Symposium  in October 2018:"I'm watching this space with bated breath, because I know there is more to come, and I can't wait, for a very bright light, and a very, very forensic examination to be made of what exactly has gone on." Song: The  Dying Darling by Tony Smith: [email protected] Earthling Studios is an independent production Pty./Limited Company based in Grassy Head NSW, Australia. Production staff include - Cath Eaglesham, Sally Hook, Susie Peake and Mark Merritt.  Earthling Studios Website - www.thevanishingriver.com.au   This week's show is #1204, and was produced by Bec Horridge. with heartythanks to Earthling Studios : Website : https://www.thevanishingriver.com.au/

Decolonising Anarchism: Indigenous Anarchist FederationIAF members Bombshell and insurgent e on the formation of the Indigenous Anarchist Federation, and their own personal and political histories as Indigenous anarchists situated within anti-capitalist, anti-colonialist, and anti-fascist frameworks. Also, the Indigenous Anarchist Convergence coming up August 16-18 in Flagstaff, Arizona.Audio excerpts have been sourced, with thanks, from The Final Straw Radio Links:Cutcha Risling Baldy Indigenous feminismOpen Veins of Latin America by Eduardo Galeano (en Espanol Las Venas Abiertas de América Latina)Indigenous Peoples History of the United States by Roxane Dunbar-Ortiz1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus by Charles C. MannOur History Is The Future by Nick Estes500 Years of Indigenous Resistance by Gord Hill Earth Matters #1202 was produced by Nicky Stott 

Kimberley Calling: The Frack is BackThe WA moratorium on fracking is to be lifted in the Kimberley next month, with an estimated 40,000 wells set to be drilled across the region. Meanwhile big agribusiness is making moves to put a developmental squeeze on the iconic Fitzroy River. Once again, Tradional Owners & local environment groups are putting the call out for grass roots supporters around the country to get ready to mobilise for another gigantic battle to protect the unique ecological & cultural diversity of this vast and stunningly pristine landscape. With guests: Dr Anne Poelina, Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council; Martin Pritchard, Environs Kimberley; and guest presenter Viv Malo from The Black BlockEarth Matters #1201 was produced by Nicky Stott 

Barry Stone: Employment Agent, lives on Lake Menindee in NSW.  Behind him is 15 kilometres of dry lake-bed to the other side.  As this water system  dries he knows  the actual  damage that is happening to people, communities and ecosystems.  "We out here are looking at  total destruction of  the outback of New South Wales, total destruction.  And, I'd like to say  to the city fellas, we are  not bullshitting you here.  We are living it !"An ever increasing and multiplying  crime has been occurring against our people and our habitat right under our noses for decades " [The Vanishing River website]Hear the voices of people who actually live along the Darling River and Menindee Lakes in in Western NSW:  the now dry and dusty strip that  was a  flowing waterway rich with culture. This is  part two of  a  series.Song the  Dying Darling by Tony Smith: [email protected] Earthling Studios production staff include - Cath Eaglesham, Sally Hook, Susie Peake and Mark Merritt.  It is an independent production Pty./Limited Company based in Grassy Head NSW, Australia. Website - www.thevanishingriver.com.au   Earth Matters #1100 was produced by Bec Horridge

Ask the Elders: Budj Bim ProtectionGuest presenter Will Mathews yarns with Uncle Denis Rose from the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners' Corporation about how the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape's nomination for World Heritage status gives prominence to the fact that First Nations civilisations on the continent currently known as Australia were easily amongst the first in global history to develop agriculture and industrial engineering, despite the insidious myths perpetuated by Terra Nullius. The Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is by far the earliest known industrial-scale aquaculture system (more than 6600 years old) and, even more remarkably, it is still in operation!Also, Adnyamathanha/Ngarrindjeri warrior Jacinta Koolmatrie, explains why we to need to prioritise Indigenous Elders as leaders and expert knowledge holders that can guide us safely into the eco-future.  Earth Matters #1196 was produced by Nicky Stott 

Listening to Nauru - colonialism and climate change.Over a century of phosphate mining has eaten out the small Pacific island nation of Nauru. While the mining continues, today Nauru is better known as the site for Australia's offshore detention camp incarcerating people seeking asylum. Amongst all the media coverage of Nauru, what is too often missing is the voices of Nauruans. Today on Earth Matters we're listening to Nauru, to its people and environment.Anja Kanngieser is a political geographer and sound artist, based at the University of Wollongong, NSW. Anja’s current project 'Climates of Listening' is researching environmental justice and self-determination in the Pacific, focusing on community-lead responses to climate change. Anja recently returned from Nauru and joined me in the studio to discuss the project and share some of what they heard.
Guests: Anja Kanngieser (UOW); Darius, Erena, Nodel and Ronphos (Nauru residents) Earth Matters #1197 (#1167) was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

Produced  in the  Barkindji  nation  by Earthling Studios, Executive Producer  Mark Merrit "This is serious, very seriousAn ever increasing and multiplying  crime has been occurring against our people and our habitat right under our noses for decades " [The Vanishing River website]Hear the voices of people who actually live along the Darling River and Menindee Lakes in in Western NSW:  the now dry and dusty strip that  was a  flowing waterway rich with culture. This is  part one of  a  series.Song the  Dying Darling by Tony Smith: [email protected] Earthling Studios production staff include - Cath Eaglesham, Sally Hook, Susie Peake and myself Mark Merritt.  An independent production Pty./Limited Company based in Grassy Head NSW, Australia. Email - [email protected]  Website - www.thevanishingriver.com.au   Earth Matters #1196 was produced by Bec Horridge

On this week's show we’re analysing the federal election with Elizabeth Humphrys. With growing distrust of politicians and disillusionment with the electoral system, how does the environment movement engage with anti-politics?For many, the victory of the Liberal-National Coalition at the federal election was crushing. With the polls pointing to a Labor win, their failure has lead to a scatter-fire of recriminations. But votes for the two main parties have been falling for years - and disillusionment with established politics has been on the rise. How do we make sense of these anti-political times?Links'We live in anti-political times' by Elizabeth Humphrys.Earth Matters #1195 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

Fight for the BightCoastal whale peoples from all over are concerned about oil drilling operations in the Southern Ocean's Great Bight. Norwegian multi-national Equinor released an environmental impact statement earlier this year for a proposed oil drilling site 372 km off the coast of South Australia. The document included a map showing the worst-case oil spill scenarios.Uncle Bunna Lawrie, Elder & Whale Songman, Keeper of the Songs and Laws for the Mirning people yarns up about travelling to Norway last month with a posse of non-Indigenous supporters to protest at Equinor's AGM. Earth Matters #1192 was produced by Nicky Stott 

The Extinction Rebellion demands                   1. that Governments tell the truth about the ecological crisis and declare a Climate Emergency .                  2. the creation of a war cabinet to plot the transition to zero carbon .                   3.To carry out this agenda they call for Participatory Democracy .Hear from an Australian  Extinction Rebellion participant, and hope inspiring  speeches from the  Stop Adani Convoy when it arrived in Canberra  on May 5th after an iconic journey from Tasmania to Clermont  where Adani s massive coal mine is proposedThe theme is a demand for immediate emergency speed  global action to halt co2 emissions in the face of ecological collapse.Song: Massive Attack: Hymn of the Big WheelPhoto: Extinction Rebellion VIctoriaEarth Matters #1190 was produced by Bec HorridgeLinks:Extinction Rebellion International Extinction Rebellion Australia  Extinction Rebellion Australia  Facebook  Protest in British House of Commens Bob Brown Foundation 

Sneaky, dirty business: BHP Olympic Dam expansionBHP is up to their old tricks again, trying to expand their dirty uranium mine and sneaky industrial practices, by spinning it with the tired old hype that it will create jobs. But even a cursory glance at their recent track record as an employer shows that looking after workers is not really part of their game plan.Arabunna Elder & Law Man Uncle Kevin Buzzacott has long lead the fight against this toxic mine and remains forefront of resistance to this latest threat to Arabunna & Kokatha lands & water. He joins Robbie Thorpe on 3CR's Fire First program, to yarn up about how the ongoing fight to protect country needs all of our support, everywhere.Earth Matters #1189 was produced by Nicky Stott  

Passing the torch: A history of nuclear survival in the PacificFrom 1946 to 1998 world players in the nuclear armaments industry conducted more than two thousand nuclear test explosions around the world, including more than 310 nuclear tests that were conducted on Indigenous lands and water, in the Pacific region, by the United States, Britain & France.Protests, direct action campaigns & lobbying against nuclear testing and for the rights of survivors were organised from the 1950s, and continues to this day. Pacific Islands based journalist & researcher Nic Maclellan explains how many of the old-school nuclear testing survivor rights activists are now sadly passing on; but also how there is hope in a new generation who are rising up and taking on that same fight.Earth Matters #1188 was produced by Nicky Stott & Jan Bartlett 

This week we welcome you to a program with our guest Shannon and he yarns about his own initiative the MY EXTREMELY LONG WALK. And this walk from Melbourne to Canberra is to create awareness and change for climate action.

On the 26th of January 2019 at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy  in Canberra in a a yurt,  I interviewed three women from Wilora ...  a small town just off the Stuart Hwy 300 ks North of Alice Springs .This is the area of the last state sanctioned massacre in Australia in 1928. The women  are from  the Kaytetye aboriginal group in Central Australia and are raising the alarm, again, about the unsafe levels of  uranium  and other dirty solutes in their bore drinking water. This unjust situation has been going on for far too long as successive governments fail to act .  Not far away a new mine proposal at Mount Peake causes concern over fragile and little understood groundwater sources.  Now a crowd fundraiser has been started to bring water tanks, a filtration system,  life, peace of mind  and health to Wilora Find the ChuffedfFundraiser : Wilora Kwatye  here : https://chuffed.org/project/wilora-waterPresenter: Bec Horridge. Guests: Rebecca Numina, Aunty Janey, Christine Kngwarraye  Palmer, Mercedes ZankerHistory: https://twistedhistory.net.au/tag/kaytetye-people/    Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority: Mount Peake Assesment report News:https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/jun/20/uranium-in-remote-communities-water-puts-peoples-lives-at-risk> Earth Matters #1186 was produced by Bec Horridge   

'Our History is the Future.' Nick Estes on the Long Tradition of Indigenous ResistanceNick Estes is Kul Wicasa, a citizen of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. His new book is ‘Our History Is the Future: Standing Rock Versus the Dakota Access Pipeline, and the Long Tradition of Indigenous Resistance’Taking the movement at Standing Rock as his starting point, he traces the traditions of Indigenous resistance that led to the #NoDAPL movement and he considers what it means for the future of environmental and indigenous struggles.Audio for today's episode courtesy of The Peoples' Forum NYC.Earth Matters #1187 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

The vision of the  Aboriginal carbon foundation  is to catalyse life-changing, community prosperity through carbon farming.The main method used is a return to traditional ways of burning off savanna.  Savanna burning is about reducing emissions from fire by burning in the early dry season when fires are cooler and patchy.Rowen Foley talks about pioneering this  indigenous carbon credit scheme that values culture and  100% indigenous to indigenousways of working; where there is no white guy checking on things.Guest:  Rowan Foley is manager of the Aboriginal Carbon FoundationSong: Jimmy Little: White Fella, Black FellaBackground guitar: Winiata PuruWith thanks to David Pennay, and all contributers and supporters of the "Savanah Burning" animation.More information at the Aborignal Carbon Foundation website and the animation "Savanna Burning" : http://aboriginalcarbonfoundation.com/savanna-burning                    and  North Australia Land and Sea Management:    https://www.nailsma.org.au/programEarth Matters #1185 was produced by Bec Horridge 

this week on Earth Matters our guest JOCELYN HARTE - The Resource Recovery Officer City of Whittlesea as we yarn about environmental initiatives at the recent Whittlesea Community Festival and we are also talking about other environmental initiatives such as recent changes to kerbside recycling and how we can better reduce waste plus we yarn on the new changes coming in on the 1st of July with E waste.

On March 15th more than 1,5 million young people in 2069 cities of 125 countries across world went on strike from school calling for real climate action. In Canberra students spoke to a massive crowd overflowing from every edge of Garema Place. The speeches were some of the best I have ever heard and now Earth Matters brings some of them to you as well as music and chants. Hear the mass phone call the strikers made to Scott Morrisons office.Later in the show we join Will Douglas, the Moruya teacher, who has been suspended from teaching  for supporting the school strike.Here is the link to the fundraiser to help him stay financially afloat until his work ban by the Departement of Education has been lifted following its enquiry into his conduct. All he did was: while at a forum outside school time, recomend that students who are attending the strike register as the Student Strike requests. Go Fund Me: Click Here: Support Will Douglas, climate action not pay halt The film of the Student Strikers in Canberra 15 March 2109,  will soon be at  Utube Channel: Rebecca Horridge:  MAY24, 2nd Global Climate Strike For Future 2nd Global Climate Strike For Future Australia: Facebook Event: 2nd Global Climate Strike For Future Global  Facebook Event:More information at: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_strike_for_climateEarth Matters #1182  was produced by Bec Horridge  

Hydrogen has been touted as the next technology for power storage, in both large and small scale. It’s often talked about as a green energy, but it all comes down to how the hydrogen is produced.  In February this year Victoria’s Environmental Protection Authority approved a trial project to convert brown coal to hydrogen.  Led by the multinational corporation Kawasaki Heavy Industries. It would involve building a test plant to extract hydrogen using brown coal from the Loy Yang mine, in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley, to then be exported to Japan.  It seems that both state and federal governments are again colluding to prop-up the zombie coal industry at the very time that we need to be rapidly moving away from this dirty and damaging fossil fuel.  Guests: Cam Walker (Friends of the Earth Melbourne); Wendy Farmer (Voices of the Valley).  Links:https://www.melbournefoe.org.au/epa_propsup_fossilfuelshttps://www.melbournefoe.org.au/carbon_capture_and_storage Earth Matters #1183 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

Big profits for agribusiness & military are recklessly risking the spread of a new GMO technology called Gene Drives around the world, regardless of their currently largely unknown consequences. Gene drives to genetically code mice populations into extinction are set to be released in Western Australia by the CSIRO in partnership with the US Military & WA Dpt of Conservation. Meanwhile, in Africa, bio-synthetic research organisations also funded by US Military & the Gates Foundation are rushing headlong into their own proposed field studies in two villages in Burkina Faso, in the attempt to engineer gene drive mosquitoes But grassroots farmers and environmentalists on the ground are asking, does all the hype around the conservation and health benefits of gene drives essentially amount to a stealth way to introduce this new - and profoundly dodgy sounding GMO technology - with disingenuous white saviourism and greenwashing?Guests: Lousie Sales (Friends of the Earth Australia, Emerging Tech campaign); Mariann Bassey Orovwuje (Friends of the Earth Africa & the Alliance for Food Sovereignty Africa);  Zahra Moloo, (A Question of Consent documentary).Earth Matters #1182 was produced by Nicky Stott.(This 60min podcast was originally broadcast in a 2 part episode)

The National Shark Summit 2019This week on Earth Matters a conversation on the latest from the NATIONAL SHARK SUMMIT which took place in Sydney from the 21st to the 22nd of February 2019In this program today we hear 2 different perspectives from 2 experts as we explore their interest in the national shark summit.Thanks to our guests Nicola Beynon – Head of Campaigns – The Humane Society International and Dr Leo Guida – The Senior Shark Campaigner with the Australian Marine Conservation Society.

Wadu, a Gidabal and Arakwal elder sat down with Muzz, and dozens of others, in the middle of Uki's main street to block a water extraction truck. They needed to make the point that there is nothing in water mining for locals and they want it to stop.Taking water from private land  for sale to bottled water companies is a lawless gold rush in Northern NSW. Lewis Walker: elder of the Gidabal tribe tells lyrically, in language, of his identity in the landscape, and an ancient story of drought, rain, thunder and enlightenment.  Guests:   Wadu: Gidabal and  Arakwal elder                 Murray Drechsler: host of Mystery Dingo Environmental Tours                Lewis Walker: Gidabal  elder  Song: new single from The Formidable Vegetables. "Earth People Fair"Events: Confluence A gathering about the serious business of water. Tweed Water Alliance invite you to come along to: ● Respond to the February 1 report from the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer on the sustainability of water mining for the bottling industry. ● Hear from the State election candidates from Alstonville to the border about their policy on water extraction. There will be a Q&A session. ● Ensure the water extraction industry remains under close scrutiny. ● Take action to ensure the issue is firmly on the state electoral agenda.Saturday, March 2, 2019Uki Hall, Kyogle Road, Uki, NSW.  2.00pm – 5.00pmLinks: click here.The Tweed Water Alliance: Mystery Dingo Environmental Tours     Murray Drechsler, Mobile: 0418754869News Stories"Water Mining a smokescreen say Greens" [Echo Daily]"Invasion Day: local mob head to Canberra" [Echo Daily]Earth Matters #1180 was produced by Bec Horridge

Water is Life - First Nations fight for water justiceToday, we’re bringing you First Nations voices in the fight for water. First up, the Royal Commission. Rene Woods, Nari Nari man and Chairperson the Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations (MLDRIN). Next we hear from the Water is Life convergence. The Water is Life national gathering brought First Nations people, and supporters, from around the country to Canberra this month. Calling for Aboriginal control of water and country, a stop to fracking and mining, and an end to the theft of water by large irrigators along the Murray-Darling.Vanessa is a resident of Walgett in New South Wales. A town of 2,000 people that has run out of water. They are forced to use highly salinated boar water that is not fit for human consumption.Adrian and Bradley are from Borroloola in the Northern Territory. They came to speak out against fracking on their country. Guests: Rene Woods (MLDRIN); Vanessa (resident of Walgett NSW); Adrain and Bradley (Borroloola NT).Earth Matters #1179 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

In what is a national environmental disaster this week on the program we yarn about the health of the Murray-Darling river systems. I’m joined by our guests William Brian Bates also known as 'Badger Bates' a Barkindji Traditional Owner and Elder and Grant Rigney Ngarrindjeri man whom are both living at different ends of the Murray Darling river systems and both men on country are passionate about saving the Murray and the Darling river systems. On Earth Matters we are in conversation on the Murray-Darling Basin plan latest and the impact on local traditional owners and we take a look at some of the local and national politics involved plus you’ll also hear about the latest fish kills at the Menindee Lakes which is now estimated 3 million fish dead in the water.

Part 2 of the 1080 Summit focuses on the poisons impact on dingos. Australia and New Zealand use almost 95% of the world's supply of 1080. It is rated a category 1 poison by the WHO - their most toxic category, with no known antidote. Many farmers also lose working dogs to this poison. Animal welfare groups around the world, the RSPCA, PETA, Humane Society International, Predator Defense Network all state 1080 is cruel and inhuman. "This suffering is so unacceptably intense that Compound 1080 should be prohibited" - Humane Society. LinksCoalition of Australians Against 1080 Poison Facebook Supporting organisationsEarth Matters  #1176 was produced by Bec Horridge

Coal power's toxic health toll [encore broadcast] This week we bring you a story we first aired in 2007. Coal-fired power stations emit toxic chemicals and particulates that are highly damaging to human health. And our governments - both state and federal - are failing to protect us.This is revealed in a report by Environmental Justice Australia. It’s called Toxic and Terminal and it highlights how governments and their regulators are failing the public, by allowing coal-fired power stations to emit pollutants at levels much higher than over industrialized countries - such as the United States, China and the EU.Guests: Bronya Lipski (Environmental Justice Australia); Dr. Ben Ewald (Newcastle GP); Mike Campbell (Community campaigner, central coast NSW).Earth Matters #1175 (#1102) was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

Last year the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted the UN Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas. This represents the culmination of a long historic struggle for the rights of diverse grass roots peoples around the world who continue the struggle to define their own culturally appropriate and bio-diverse foods and agriculture systems.This week three women from different parts of the world discuss how the peasant farmers and workers movement and indigenous agroecology can work to address our current global enivronmental and social crises. Guests: Dr Vandana Shiva; Gladys Serwaa Adusah (Ecumenical Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development); Susan Herawati (The People's Coalition for Fisheries Justice);  La Via Campesina peasant farmers movement. Earth Matters #1174 was produced by Nicky Stott.

This week on the program you’ll hear from John Harvey. As we yarn about 2 of his latest films. One documentary in post-production and the English name for the documentary ‘Water Shield’ about the community and the McCarthur River mine in NT in post-production and a short film WATER already released in which John Harvey continues to explore environmental issues and storytelling told through his own unique eyes of his own black lens.

Join the audience for Part Two of the Ten80 Summit into the effects of 1080 poison use in Australia.1080 poison is one of the deadliest toxins in the world. It is colourless, odourless, and one teaspoon has the capacity to kill up to 100 adults. It causes a slow, agonising death and has no antidote. It is classified by the World Health Organisation as “highly hazardous” and as a result, it has been banned in nearly every country in the world. Its primary use in Australia is to kill foxes, wild dogs and other species that are deemed “pests”. Despite countless cases of accidental poisoning, including that of beloved family pets and valuable working dogs, it is still widely used throughout our country often in ways contrary to the recommendations of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority.Links: Coalition of Australians Against 1080 Poison Facebook pageEarth Matters #1172 was produced by Bec Horridge

Earth First!  is a radical environmental network that first emerged in the United States during 1980 in response to the pro-development policies of the Reagan government. Its members adopted a "No Compromise" position which called for an end to logging and mining in old growth forests and other biodiverse places, as well as the restoration of damaged ecosystems. Music has formed a key part of the movement's culture from its inception. In this program Iain McIntyre talks to EF! musicians and activists about the role music played in campaigns, protests and gatherings during the network's early years.Guests: Valeri Wade, Mikal Jakubal, Bart Koehler, Joanne Rand.  The music played in the program is as follows- Casey Neill-Dancing on the Ruins, Dana Lyons- Turn of the Wrench, Danny Dolinger- Quittin' Time, Johnny Sagebrush Monkeywrenchin', Judi Bari and Darryl Cherney- The FBI Stole My Fiddle, Coyote Angels- Long Live the Wildlands, Joanne Rand- Choosing Sides.To find out more about EF!'s current campaigns visit earthfirstjournal.orgJoanne Rand's music can be found at joannerand.bandcamp.com and news of upcoming gigs and recordings are available from joannerandmusic.com/Earth First!'s Li'l Green Songbook can be downloaded from archive.org/details/TheEarthFirstLilGreenSongbook Earth Matters #1171 was produced by Iain McIntyre.

Dec 9 marked the seventieth anniversary of the United Nations Genocide Convention. Djuran Bunjileenee Borun MunDunDarung (aka Robert Thorpe) an Elder from both the Krautungalung Clan (Gunai/Kurnai) & Djap Wurrung Clan (Gunditjamara) in Occupied Victoria discusses the ongoing issue of how genocide is still legal in colony-Australia, despite our being signatories to the convention. Also,what the shape of proper grassroots treaty consultations with Aboriginal communities could look like - particularly when those communities have a shared understanding of the approach that they want.Earth Matters #1170 was produced by Nicky Stott.

Coming up this week on Earth Matters you'll hear post Victoria state election reaction from Matt Ruchel - Executive Director: The Victorian National Parks Association. And we take a look at the Victorian state government recent election promises as they shall deliver investment across many of our Victoria's parks and camping sites.Overall the investment is $105.6 million to create new and upgrade of 30 current camp sites plus 30 new camping grounds. And good news of a new coastal park which will be established along 40 kms located across the Bass coast line. Camping will be now FREE at some campgrounds located across our National parks and some fees removed from across most camping sites across Victoria (500 sites) with over 70 campgrounds across regional Victoria and in 19 parks around regional Victoria. Also welcome news if your a camper as also annoucned, camping fees in some other state and national parks the fees will now be half the normal cost.Despite this recent good news from the Labour government Matt Ruchel says much more is needed to be done for the environment right across the state.Want more info? The Victorian National Parks Association website at https://vnpa.org.au/   

The new  logging rules for public forests  have just been released. They are  described as disaster for old growth forests, rainforest, river health, threatened species, Koalas, and global warming.Liz and Jos camped under trees looking for owls and sea eagles, conducting citizen surveys of two NSW forests on the block be logged: Corruna Forest and the Corn Trail bushwalking path. Long time activist Margaret Blakers gives insight into why after decades of campaigning we are still not saving forests. She encourages us to jump on board the rising tide of action to stop native forest logging .  Earth Matters #1168 was produced by Bec HorridgeLinks One Stop ChopNationwide list of forest protection groups you can support.Friends of the Forest Mogo, NSW FacebookBook: The Forest WarsPetition : “End Native Forest Logging by 2020”More about Spotted Quolls News stories:North East Forest Alliance media release:  Logging Rules for Public Forests as bad as alwaysAustralia among the world's worst on biodiversity conservation 

Over a century of phosphate mining has eaten out the tiny Pacific island nation of Nauru. While the mining continues, today Nauru is better known as the site for Australia's offshore detention camp incarcerating people seeking asylum.Amongst all the media coverage of Nauru, what is too often missing is the voices of Nauruans. Today on Earth Matters we're listening to Nauru, to its people and environment.Anja Kanngieser https://anjakanngieser.com/bio is a political geographer and sound artist, based at the University of Wollongong, NSW.Anja’s current project Climates of Listening, is researching environmental justice and self-determination in the Pacific, focusing on community-lead responses to climate change.Anja recently returned from Nauru and joined me in the studio to discuss the project and share some of what they heard.Links: ‘Climate change: Nauru’s life on the frontlines’ by Anja Kanngieser 'Ruining Pacific Islands: Australia's Phosphate Imperialism' by Katerina Teaiwa. Earth Matters #1167 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

Cats kill one million birds in Australia every day. Beloved as pets, they are one of the greatest threat to Australian native wildlife.  To protect birds, bettongs, skinks and lizards in “The Bush Capital”, all Canberra’s  new suburbs require 24 hour cat containment.  This also cuts vet bills and helps neighbours get along.  We visit Di s place to look at her cat enclosure. Find out why, when you or your child fall in love with a stray  cat,  you should catch, arrange to de-sex it and become its carer.   Featuring bird songs from “A Morning in the Australian Bush” by Listening EarthEarth Matters   #1166  was produced by Bec HorridgeLinks:Contact Kathy Eyles: [email protected]  Eyles/Mulvaney report:  "Responsible pet ownership and the protection of wildlife: Options for improving the management of cats in the ACT" Who should I contact about injured wildlife? The RSPCA has links to Wildlife carers around Australia  Wildlife ACT  hot line for care of wildlife injured by cat attack in Canberra 0432 300 033  Australian Capital Territory government page about cat containment with information about which suburbs where cat containment applies.  Australian Capital Territory government page listing other regulations like desexing and micro-chippng, how many cars you can own etc.Australian Capital Territory  page for surrender of semi-owned cats and to borrow a trap for nuisance stray cats   

Forest Defenders conference Thailand.In a worsening climate for activists and civil society, 50 environmental defenders from around Southeast Asia came together in Thailand to talk about security, strategy and the situations they’re facing. As attendees explained, killings are just the most extreme form of a wide range of repressive strategies being used against activists in the region. We hear from a few of the people who spoke at the conference and from filmmaker and co-organiser Fran Lambrick, who co-founded the organisation Not 1 More after the killing of Cambodian forest activist Chut Wutty. Song - 'Land and Life' by The Messenger Band Earth Matters #1165 was produced by Jenny Denton.

Hear the insights of Ken Peters Dodd,  a sovereign  Birriah man whose  ancestors were  forced from their land west of Bowen in Queensland.  Now he has returned with his family to live on Birri country, perform ceremony  and defend it from the proposed Urannah dam,  from Adanis plans and from climate change.  Giyou Peters Dodd  gives a clear call for us all to clean up the planet.  Senator  Larissa Waters asks for a stronger indigenous voice and to clean up politics. Including a rare Whale Ceremony with Ken Peters Dodd playing didgeridoo. See the U-Tube here. Guests: Ken Peters Dodd              Giyou Peters Dodd              Senator Larissa Waters  Earth Matters #1164 was produced by Bec Horridge  Links: More info about Urannah here: Mackay Conservation Group News storiesUrannah Dam project may be a step closer Urannah Dam_ divides stakeholders

This week on Earth Matters you’ll hear how Country musician Roger Knox survived back to back plane crashes and then going on to continue to perform his music releasing albums and touring for audiences across Australia. Roger shares his personal story of the 2 plane crashes and yarns about suffering immense pain and standing strong when up against his own health battles. Rogers says the bush remedies and music has been his medicine when he overcame immense pain and being nursed by his Aunty whom treated Roger with his local traditional plant the ‘Eura’ bush medicine and Goanna Oil also helped Roger to heal over the years.Want more info? on how to access the Eura bush medicine hand made paste please contact Nicolette (evenings) 07 466 48084.

Greening 'Red October'.2017 marked the centenary of the October revolution in Russia that ultimately brought the Bolsheviks to power and lead to the formation of the Soviet Union.When we think of the USSR we often think of environmental and human tragedy. But 100 years on from the 1917 revolution it is perhaps more important than ever to re-assess the environmental record of the Soviet Union and learn from the radical thinkers, scientists and ecologists who offered a different vision for humans relationship with nature.Guest: Arran Gare (Swinburne University) Earth Matters #1162 [#1111] was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

Don't mention the emergency? Reassessing climate messaging. This week we bring you a talk given by Jane Morton about the psychology of climate messaging, recorded at the Melbourne Sustainable Living Festival in February this year.Guest: Jane Morton (Darebin Climate Action Now)Earth Matters #1161 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

30 Knitting nanas are in action, dressed in black and yellow with placards “No New Coal” on the verge of busy road; Industrial Drive in Newcastle, right next to the massive Newcastle coal export terminal.  They sing and wave; cars honk encouragement.This is just one of the Knitting Nanas adventures Nanas Gally and Carol tell of.Find out about the national Knitting Nana phenomena and how to join in.Including a new song “Listen Deep to the Land”, music and lyrics written by Dallas De Brabander, arranged by Migel Heatwole sung by choir  "Ecopella" released as a cd "Green Footprints" in March 2018Links:Put “Knitting Nana” into  a Facebook s earch and a whole list of Knitting Nanas groups around Australia will pop up.Website: Knitting Nannas Against Gas (KNAG)      https://knitting-nannas.com/ Knitting Nanas Network  :     https://knitting-nannas.com/network.phpEcopella:     http://ecopella.org/News Article:"Newcastle coal port protest: Elderly man one of 26 arrested and charged", By Gemma Najem The West Australian, Saturday, 15 September 2018 Strong Twitter handles: #ClimateEmergency  #Resist  #EndCoalEarth Matters #1160 was produced by Bec Horridge

On this weeks’s show, as the November Victorian state election approaches we discuss the dire situation of native forests in Victoria, and some wins on legal and economic fronts.First up, we hear from Lidia Thorpe, Member for Northcote and the first Aboriginal woman elected to Victorian parliament. Reflecting on what logging means for the state treaty process with First Nations in Victoria.Regular listeners will be familiar with Ed Hill, long-time forest campaigner. Emma Wasson spoke to Ed from Friends of the Earth Melbourne’s Forest Collective about current legal challenges to logging in Victoria.Guests: Lidia Thorpe (Victorian Greens); Ed Hill (FoE Melbourne Forests Collective).Song: 'Dirty Dollar' by Kev Carmody.Earth Matters #1159 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

Anthony Too and Margie Pestorius are with ten others from Stop Adani Cairns outside the Cairns convention centre where a conference for superannuation trustees is being held. They are waiting in cars for the call to converge at the building’s entrance to perform a surprise street theatre skit where a fake trustee is arrested by a fake policeman for failing to take climate risks into account.  Hear how the aim of persuading the trustees to include climate change impacts in their risk assessment was achieved.Numerous institutions and industries must tackle the implications of climate change. Find out how to make these institutions “wiggle” into leading with visible climate action.Margie Pestorius also introduces Wage Peace which provides strategic messaging and digital campaign support for campaigns and groups in the anti-militarism space in Australia: “organising “ and 'mobilising' to: #EndWarCulture  And ... #ClosePineGap #NoMoreUSwars #STOPTalismanSaber #ScrapTheF35 #LockoutLockheed #Giveemtheboot #FrontierWars #WellbeingNotWarFare #StoptheArmsTrade #closethebases #nofaithinwar Presenter : Bec Horridge,Guests: Margaret Pestorius: Stop Adani Cairns/ Wage Peace, Anthony Too: Stop Adani CairnsIncluding two recently  released songs from Narrm/ Melbourne  bands:  Songs:  “Bitter Pills”  written by Dean Lombard The Phosphenes,  'Finally, A Friendly Shore' album             “Valley of Peace”, Taymori, "Taymori" album  Earth Matters #1158 was produced by Bec HorridgeLinks:Wage PeaceWhistleblowers, Activists and Citizens Alliance (WACA)Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees Stop Adani

Meet Ingrid Marker from Mission Beach  Queensland who lived alongside endangered cassowaries becoming known as a cassowary whisperer. Horribly, all the cassowary families she knew were killed by dogs. Now Ingrid calls for new laws to control roaming dogs. The campaign to save the cassowary is part of the Place You Love Alliance, which asks for a new generation of national laws that work to protect and restore our natural environment.Crocodiles not for Profit:The Kattar Party have introduced the Safe Water Bill that wants to see crococile numbers greatly reduced through culling .At the public hearing in Cairns Gudju Gudju; Tribal elder of the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people - traditional owners of the Cairns area - describes  traditional approaches to crocodile management and attitudes toward crocs: "They do not see you as tourists; they see you as food. They have the God-given right to be there and to eat you if you are going to go into their territory. The thing is that people are not silly. We read signs that say you should not swim here because of crocodiles. If you go in and get bitten by a crocodile,  is it the crocodile’s fault? I do not think so. It is the human who cannot read the sign who has the problem."                                                                                                                             Gudju GudjuLinks:Facebook: Cassowary Keystone ConservationPlaces you love campaignCairns and Far North Environment CentreTranscript of Safer Waterways Bill 2018 public hearing in Cairns 27/08/18Earth Matters #1156 was produced by Bec Horridge

This week we hear about a landmark case in the United States that found that glyphosate, the active ingredient in the common pesticide RoundUp, causes cancer.Also this week: A new week, a new Prime Minister. But what about the Great Barrier Reef, and that odd cash splash to a little know private foundation?Guests: Peter McCallum (Mackay Conservation Group); Bob Phelps (Gene Ethics).Interviews courtesy of 3CR’s City Limits and Wednesday Breakfast programs.Song: 'Dirty Dollar' by Kev Carmody.Earth Matters #1155 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

There is a long history of resistance to old growth forest logging in Western Australia's South West. In this week's show I speak with Jess Beckerling, Convener for Western Australia Forests Alliance or WAFA, to learn more about that history and as well as current campaigning. I caught up with Dom about the Forests for Life campaign (www.forestsforlife.org.au) and later Claire who spoke about her experience blockading and a more recent shift away from civil disobedience in the movement.

Who were the first bread makers? Bruce Pascoe; Author of “Dark Emu “ has found ample evidence of Aboriginal bread making disputing  the myth that aboriginal people were unsophisticated hunter gatherers.  The evidence shows that Aboriginal people were using domesticated plants, sowing, harvesting, irrigating and storingBruce is yarning at the annual Frontier Wars Story telling camp at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra.He asks why such history, that is easily uncovered, is not part of our school curriculum and suggests the fictions we are fed about pre-colonial aboriginal people in our education are a convenient lie.Earth Matters #1153 was produced by Bec HorridgeLinks: ABC story about Bruce Pascoes Book "Dark Emu" : "Dark Emu argues against 'Hunter Gatherer' history of Indigenous Australians"Bruce Pascoes website http://brucepascoe.com.au/Frontier Wars Story Telling Camp Facebook For more information about the next Frontier Wars Story Telling Camp contact Graeme Dunstan on 0407951688  

Annette and Bruce Currie are a farming couple in Central Queensland who found that their farm water is threatened by multiple proposed coal mines. Their lives were turned upside down when they took on the proposed Alpha and Kevin’s Corner coal mines in court. Annette describes her family’s deep connection to their farm "Speculation" and the stressful impact of the court cases on family life. Bruce talks about why the mines must be stopped and calls for support. Michael Kane from Farmers for Climate Action gives some political analysis about how the LNP, Nationals and ALP must step up to protect farm water and climate.Earth Matters #1152 was produced by Bec HorridgeLinks:AIATIS  Map of Indigenous  AustraliaWangan & Jagalingou Family CouncilFarmers for Climate Action website:Farmers for Climate Action facebook:350.org  Central Queensland facebook exists to create hope, provide tools, inspire action and grow the movement for climate justice.It’s part of a 350.org international  and  national networkAlpha mine case backgroundThis case was a landmark challenge by local graziers and conservation groups against a large coal mine proposed to be constructed in the Galilee Basin of central Queensland. There are maps and a lots of information here:Kevin’s Corner  Mine case backgroundThe Kevin’s Corner Coal Mine is one of the mega-mines proposed to be developed in the Galilee Basin of central Queensland.It is being developed in parallel with the adjacent Alpha Coal Mine.  Both mines are proposed by  joint venture of GVK, an Indian company, and subsidiaries Hancock Prospecting, an Australian company. Find the case background  maps and information here: Kevins Corner and Apha  mines owned by Hancock GVK  website:              News stories : Queensland grazier loses battle with coal mega-mineQueensland court rejects Alpha Coal Project   

Today we hear from American biologist and author Sandra Steingraber, giving the keynote address to the Permanent People’s Tribunal Session on Human Rights, Fracking and Climate Change.Sandra takes a lyrical look at the interconnections between molecules, organisms, ecosystems, logistics and capitalism in the story of fracking.This is an edited extract of Sandra Steingraber’s keynote address to the Permanent People’s Tribunal Session on Human Rights, Fracking and Climate Change, in May 2018. The Tribunal held it’s hearings at Oregon State University, in the US.Recordings of the tribunal and submissions made to it from around the world can be found at www.tribunalonfracking.org Earth Matters #1151 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

This show features Zac Romagnoli-Townsend, coordinator with SEED, Australia’s first Indigenous youth climate network. He is talking about organising for the future in the climate justice movement, and provides interesting and thoughtful insights from his experience on community organising. This talk was given as part of the final plenary of the Students of Sustainability Conference 2018, held in July in Narrm / Melbourne.For information on SEED, go to their website: https://www.seedmob.org.au/

How to win against fossil fuelsBuild our movement; Make political change, Divest MoneySam La Rocca, Deputy Director of The Sunrise Project talks on courage, organising and building a movement to beat fossil fuels and win.Rachel Deans from Market Forces  explains how to switch your bank and super fund to one that does not invest in coal, oil or gas.Isaac Astill analyses our sucessful divestment campaigns.Organisations: Market Forces   Rachel Deans Contact: [email protected] PointThe Sunrise Project 

In June 2018 a federal court found that Adani  has  been negotiating with the wrong traditional owner group and that  the Juru people  not The Kyburra Munda Yalga Aboriginal Corporation are the correct group that Adani  should be negotiating with about cultural heritage at Abbott point where the company has its coal loading port.   Regardless of this  Adani has not allowed the Juru Traditional owners  to see the cultural heritage protection  work that Kyburra did, nor will Adani   grant the Juru access to their rock art, burial grounds, fish traps, ochre grounds and sacred sites to see if they are in fact protected.Court documents  show the Kyburra Munda Yalga Aboriginal Corporation hid payments by Adani and payed  its own directors up to $1,000 a day cash  for cultural heritage assessments that are now invalidated.Now the Juru have made a legal request for an order that will make Adani stop work.We hear from Juru Elder Aunty Carol about her disappointing experiences attempting to negotiate with Adani and investigative journalist Ben Smee  as he gives the recent background to several Guardian articles  he wrote about Adani and its indigenous land use agreementsHear also direct from the frontline at the gates of the Abbott point terminal in QLD, near Bowen, where dozens of activists pledged to campain to Stop Adani, where Aunty Carol tried to deliver the pledges to Adani but was turned away, where a year later a hundred people sat blocking the road and near where Juliet and Cassie locked onto a rail line to stop the coal trains.Click here to see: Map of indigenous nations Arial photo of Abbott point coal export facility and Calley Valley wetlandsOrganisations: Stop Adani Frontline Action on CoalBeyond Coal and Gas Jamboree Juru Enterprises See these articles in The Guardian-Australia: “Adani says it could start works at abbot point without traditional owners input”  “Adani coal port faces possible stop order after traditional owners object”“Indigenous group hid more than 2m in payments from Adani mining giant.” 

Green bans, red union.An archival interview with Jack Mundey [encore broadcast] This week we’re delving into 3CR’s rich archive to bring you an interview with trade unionist Jack Mundey.Jack talks about the tumultuous era of the Green Bans, and how rank-and-file unionists in the Builders Labourers Federation (BLF) took control of their union and forged links with the broader community.Guests: Jack Mundey (archival interview from 3CR’s City Limits program in 1999)Earth Matters #1147 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

This week's show is about the Djapwurrung Embassy, established to protect sacred trees threatened with destruction, north of Ballarat in Victoria. The state government want to cut down over 3000 trees as part of the Western Highway duplication project, including trees sacred to the Djapwurrung first nation. There has been a strong resistance with three camps set up to stop the road works and protect the trees, known as the Djapwurrung embassy. Music credit: 'Diamonds and Sapphires' by Racerage - https://soundcloud.com/racerage

Dissent and protest are being criminalised and suppressed around the world.The Australian government is seeking to introduce new foreign interference and espionage laws that threaten our democracy. We breakdown what this means and why the laws needs to be stopped.In Indonesia, May Day protests were met by swift repression by the police. With 69 people arrested in Yogyakarta and 4 in Bogor. This is happening in the context of increasing State repression across the country. The May Day protest were, in part, connected to a long campaign against an airport, mining and other industrial development on farmland near Yogyakarta. Guests: Cam Walker (Firneds of the Earth); Ferreira (activist in Yogyakarta, Indonesia).Links:https://www.handsoffourcharities.org.au/'The Boot on our Necks'https://www.instagram.com/palang__hitam/https://palanghitam.noblogs.org/post/category/kabar/Earth Matters #1145 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

The moratorium on fracking in the Northern Territory has been lifted. Join experts who describe the impacts this will have on the ecology, sacred sites, clean water and methane emissions. Stand beside Micklo Corpus; the traditional owner near Broome, Western Australia who sits at the gate of a frack field on his own land to remind the gas exploration company that he says “No” to fracking. Hear from experts on fracking methane emissions and water contamination. Join Keri a Katherine, NT local and president of Don't Frack Katherine, who predicts Territorians will throw out any State Government that supports fracking.Organisations:Lock the Gate Environs KimberlyFacebook sites:Frack Free Kimberly CommunityDont Frack KatherineDont Frack the Territory

La ZAD "Against the airport and its world."This week we’re hearing about the ZAD. An autonomous zone of resistance in rural France. It is the site of a 40 year struggle against a proposed airport.But it is also so much more than that. The ZAD became an autonomous zone of social experimentation. A place to create coalitions, imagine new ways of living together and meeting collective needs, and an experiment of living utopia today.With the announcement to abandon the airport, a seeming victory for the ZAD movement has thrown tensions into sharp relief, and raised the question of what it is all about. All this this as the State sweeps in with heavy police violence.Links:https://zad.nadir.org/?lang=enhttps://zadresist.antirep.nethttps://zadforever.blog/ Image credit: Nantes Indymedia. Earth Matters #1143 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

Changing the world is difficult, especially when you’re up against institutions that enjoy major political and financial power.Direct tactics of protest have played a major role in catalyzing change throughout history.We talk with six activists about non-violent direct actions that they’ve been involved in and why, from disrupting coal plants in WA to blockading the G8 summit in Germany, to stopping the chopping in NSW’s native forests.

This week on Earth Matters - Saving the Murray Darling Part 2 and Kerri-Lee is joined by guests Nicole McKay a passionate environmentalist from Nyah and Elder William Brian Bates (also known as Badger Bates_ and a Barkindji Traditional Owner and both Nicole and Badger are both passionate about saving country and the Murray and the Darling Rivers.In this show we are in conversation on the Murray-Darling Basin plan, we yarn on some of the community politics involved and you’ll hear how these two dedicated community members from Victoria and NSW are committed to saving the Murray Darling  Rivers and environment.

For many centuries the nightscape was the moon and stars.  Now we have many sources of artificial light such as street lighting, roadway lighting, stadiums, parking lots, landscaping, residential, buildings pedestrian and bicycling pathways. In this edition we find out why too much light at night is harmful to animals and humans. The new LED lighting that is currently replacing more orange lights is especially harmful and citizens must call for action now before more inappropriate LED lights are installed.Learn how well thought through outside lighting design and well designed types of lamps, that often point the light downwards, can minimize the impacts of lights at night. We point to the International Dark Sky Association as a source of information and campaigns to reduce artificial light at night.Organisations: International Dark Sky Association website                       International Dark Sky Association FacebookOur guests were presenters at the Fenner Conference for the Environment in the Shine Dome, Canberra on April 6th, 2018.

A history of the world in seven cheap things "It's easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism" - Mark Fisher Imagining the end of capitalism, that's our task on this 200th anniversary of the birth of Karl Marx, the most influential theorist of capitalism.On today’s show, Raj Patel helps us un-pack the history of capitalism, and how it has radically altered the ecology of this planet. Patel is the co-author, with Jason W. Moore of the book 'A History of the World in Seven Cheap Things : A Guide to Capitalism, Nature, and the Future of the Planet'  This episode we hear Patel outline these 7 cheaps, and he explains the crisis capitalism is facing. In this crisis Patel encourages us to see the possibility of a world beyond capitalism.Raj Patel is an award-winning writer, activist and academic. Patel also co-produces a food politics podcast, it’s called The Secret Ingredient, and it comes out of radio KUT in Austin, Texas.Audio for today's episode comes from a recording of Patel's talk at the Revolutionary University Weekend, organised by Speak Out Now, October 2017. Earth Matters #1139 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

Earth Matters looks at contemporary issues with coal mining in the Illawarra region, south of Sydney on Dharawal land. Long-wall mining, subsidence, slag heaps and polluted creeks are some of the local problems, with broader impacts on Sydney's water supply and global impacts on climate.Despite a long history of mining in the area, locals are getting organised and the tide of public opinion is turning towards renewable energy sources and jobs.Guests:Kaye Osborn, Illawarra Residents for Responsible MiningCherry Hardaker, Illawarra Knitting Nannas Against Greed

This week on Earth Matters a conversation on climate change and the environment; A Sunburnt Country a new book release on climate change in Australia with program guest Joelle Gergis an award winning climate scientist and writer from the University of Melbourne.A Sunburnt Country by Joelle Gergis is out now and available through Melbourne University Press (MUP) check out MUP the website  www.mup.com.auSpoken word piece Dear Future Generations - SORRY by Prince Ea.Music - Earth Song by Michael Jackson.

The Australian frontier wars were a series of conflicts fought between Indigenous Australians and white settlers during the Brittish colonisation of Australia.Hear from two activists who decided eight years ago  to make banners that remember the frontier war conflicts and join the Anzac march on Anzac day in Canberra to be met by a police line. Now the march has become an annual event attended by hundreds of people with similar actions springing up in other parts of Australia.  Hear  Hazel Davies: a florist activist who tells the story of the desert pea as an indigenous blood flower, the native equivalent of the red poppy as a symbol of the Frontier Wars. Hazel is teaching others to make Desert Pea wreaths to commemorate the Frontier Wars." we show to the public that here is a desperate need to tell the truth about the colonisation of this country and the devastation wreaked upon First Nations Peoples. We need to remember those who defended their rights to their country; who volunteered to fight for their country in modern wars, despite being treated as second class peoples": Sovereign UnionGuests: Ed  Hargraves from the Central Austalian Walpiri  tribe  Michael Ghillar Anderson; a Gomeroi and Euahlayi man  -one of three people who set up the Aboriginal Embassy in 1972 and  leader of The Frontier Wars March on Anzac. Sovereign Union Australia  Hazel Davies: florist activist working with the Desert Pea as a symbol to commemorate the Frontier Wars; making wreaths and cloth poppies with children and adults as an educational and healing activity. Graeme Dunstan: master  bannermaker; an organiser who has contributed his banners to every Frontier Wars March on Anzac  Peacebus.com Ned  Hargraves, Michael Ghillar Anderson, Hazel Davies, Graeme Dunstan Facebook: Frontier Wars Camp 2018 Thanks to Wikipedia for the information about The Frontier wars:Quarterly Essay : Mark McKenna: Moment of Truth; History and Australia’s FutureU-Tube of 2017 Frontier Wars March on Anzac 

The Radioactive Exposure Tour is a road trip exploring nuclear Australia, past and present, and forging connections for the ongoing campaigns to keep uranium in the ground, to stop unwanted and unnecessary radioactive waste dumps and to eliminate nuclear weapons.Tune in to the Rad Tour 2018 to hear about the inspiring resistance taking place beyond the city, and some special snippets from Rad Tour Got Talent.The Rad Tours have been organised by Friends of the Earth for more than 30 years.Earth Matters #1135 was produced by Gem Romuld.

On this week’s show, we listen to a wide ranging conversation between best-selling author and journalist Naomi Klein and comedian Aamer Rahman. Recorded just days after Donald Trump won the 2016 US presidential election, they discuss race and the colonial mindset in a post-Trump world and reflect on what this means for environmental organising in Australia and Canada. You can watch the full conversation - and many more - at the Wheeler Centre's website. Earth Matters #1134 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

Dr Jackie Kelly  is one of the many people who dedicate their time and are committed to better environmental outcomes for the health of our rivers and wetlands. And today we’re in conversation with Kelly on the latest on the Murray-Darling Basin plan from an environmental perspective, the politics and you'll hear how community members from all over the country are passionate about saving the mighty Murray Darling Rivers and the wetlands.

In this edition of Earth Matters we look at the costs of war to the environment through habitat destruction, nuclear test fallout, chemical pollution, weather manipulation, depleted uranium, and  CO2 emissions. Our guests unpack the staggering financial cost of war and question the proposed development of a large subsidised weapons export industry in Australia.  Together we broach the question: how we can end the endless wars and build a more positive, sustainable future? The Independent and Peaceful Australia Network   The Medical Association for the Prevention of War. Wage Peace International Campain to Abolish Nuclear Weapons

Changing light bulbs isn’t stopping climate change so people are breaking their own addictions to coal and doing it for themselves. 1.8 million rooftops in Australia have solar panels. Solar Citizens are campaigning to grow and defend that, and increase access to the renewable revolution.A sinister collusion of business and government is again wreaking havoc on the environment. NSW land-clearing laws are letting landowners bulldoze willy-nilly, shrinking the remnants of native bushland that we desperately need to keep standing. The Nature Conservation Council of NSW is on the front foot.Guests:Kristy Walters, NSW Community Organiser for Solar CitizensDaisy Barham, Campaigns Director at the Nature Conservation Council of NSWEarth Matters #1131 was produced by Gem Romuld.

Exploring SeedbanksAustralia is home to two seed banks and coming up on Earth Matters in this program we are joined by guest Dr Sally Horton as we take a look inside the Australian Grains seedbank at Horsham and we yarn on Norton’s recent return from the Global Seedbank also known as the Doomsday Vault in a remote mountain location in Norway.

People of the Pacific Islands are already feeling the ravages of climate change - be that loss of food production as sea levels rise, the erosion of shorelines, king tides, and the increased occurrence and severity of cyclones.But Pacific Islanders are speaking out. So on today’s show we are tuning-in to Pasifika voices and amplifying their messages.We’re going to hear from a brand-new podcast. It’s called Climates of Listening, it’s a special feature produced by Anja Kanngieser and published by Niu Wireless. Part of a new wave of DIY media-making coming out of Fiji.So pull up a seat and get ready to listen.Guests: Atueta Rabuka, Krystelle Lavaki, Amelia Rigsby and Peter SipeliLinks:Niu Wireless - Mixcloud'New media for transmitting Pacific stories: podcasting and audio recording' - Anja KanngieserEarth Matters #1129 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

Karina Lester, Yankunytjatjara-Anangu woman from South Australia, tells us about her work to reclaim, revive and maintain Aboriginal languages.Karina's late father was blinded by the nuclear testing program in the 1950s. The Lester family have played an enormous role speaking out against nuclear dangers, from nuclear weapons to radioactive waste.Karina explains the critical role of language in knowing and protecting country, as evidenced by the successful Irati Wanti campaign to prevent the construction of a radioactive waste dump, led by Aboriginal women with special knowledge.This talk was recorded aboard the Peace Boat's recent voyage to Oceania.The Jabiluka calendars mentioned in the show are available for $12 online at Marrawuddi Gallery.Music by the Brolga Boys and Combat Wombat.Image of Karina Lester speaking at Making Waves in Sydney, Redfern Community Centre, by John Janson-Moore.

This week on Earth Matters we explore the current recycling issue affecting some Victorians as the Chinese Government ban on foreign recyclables came into effect on January 1st 2018. The Victorian State Government and the various stakeholders including some Victorian local councils (metro and regional) are all trying to work through how to best deal with this problem right across the state of Victoria. The Chinese Government Recycling import ban is from China is affecting not only consumers in Victoria but also in other countries incluing; New Zealand, THE US, Japan, The EU and The UK.Earth Matter's Kerri-Lee Harding explore this current environmental issue in conversation with Rob Spence CEO of The Municipal Association of Victoria and Councillor Jennifer Anderson Mayor Maceden Ranges Shire Council.Music: Let’s Go green, Going green Song (excerpts) featured in this program. 

On this week's show:We take time to listen to three writers and activists who help us see our world differently, helping us to imagine other possible futures.Hannah Donnelly is a Wiradjuri woman from New South Wales. She is the creator of the Sovereign Trax music blog, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music and culture. Hannah is also the co-editor of the Sovereign Apocalypse. Her writing experiments with speculative fiction and future imaginings of Indigenous responses to climate change.Claire G. Coleman is a Noongar woman from the south coast of Western Australia.She writes fiction, essays and poetry. Her debut novel 'Terra Nullius' is published by Hachette Australia, 2017.Ursula K. Le Guin was a writer of fantasy, science fiction and poetry. She created worlds that were both alien and also entirely relevant to our own.Earth Matters #1126 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

All around the planet widespread ideological folly on the neoliberal bandwagon is targeting environmental activists systemically via government and big business. But Indigenous land rights activists are fighting back, and looking to the global community for support in their struggles.Last week activist and protest organiser Heri Budiawan, aka Budi Pego, from Banyuwangi in East Java was sentenced to ten months in prison for displaying a communist logo on a protest banner. The law under which Budiawan was convicted is an old relic from Indonesia's notorious Suharto era in which up to one million alleged communists were massacred. Budiawan is the first person to be convicted under this particular law post-Suharto  - but probably not the last, environmental and human rights activists warn.Guests: Andreas Harsono, Human rights Watch Indonesia Researcher (hrw.org/asia/indonesia); Usman Hamid, Amnesty International Indonesia Director (amnestyindonesia.org)Links:Banyuwangi People's Forum Alliance of Indigenous Peoples of the Archipelago (AMAN)  Indonesian Forum for Environment/FOE (WALHI)Earth Matters #1125 was produced by Nicky Stott.

At the end of last year the Commonwealth government’s Office of the Gene Technology Regulator quietly proposed to deregulate a new genetic modification technique know CRISPR.Also, we bring you an update on the campaign against the development of the former NuFarm site in Fawkner, Victoria. Responsible for manufacturing highly toxic industrial chemicals, including Agent Orange.Guests: Lou Sales (FoE emerging tech campaign); Sue Bolton (Toxic Free Fawkner).Links:Emerging Tech ProjectToxic Free FawknerPast programs on remediation of toxic sites and the issues with Victoria's EPA.Earth Matters #1124 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

This week on Earth Matters - A Decolonising Climate Action panel discussion held in Melbourne at the Black Dot Gallery Brunswick in April 2017.Featuring a poetry performance by Kate West panel followed by a panel discussion featuring deadly first Nations women Jen Rae, Mathi Canadian Aboriginal group and Artist, Allara Briggs - Yorta Yorta & Seed Mob and Jacinta Fuamatu - A Samoan Pacific islander Australian woman from 350 Pacific.Earth Matters #1123 was produced by Kerri-Lee Harding.

Earth Matters this week we bring you to PART 2 of our conversation - Keeping Bees in a natural environment with program guest Adrian Iodice from Beekeeping Naturally and coming up in this program you’ll hear how keeping bees in a natural environment can be positive for you at home in a rural or urban setting plus you’ll hear how to make deadly honey from your hive and we find out how to naturally keep bees and you’ll hear about one man and his naked beekeeping success!Want more information? You can contact via the website Earth Matters guest ADRIAN IODICE www.beekeepingnaturally.com.au 

On this week's show we're going to Belfast Coastal Reserve. Stretching 22 kilometres between Warrnambool and Port Fairy in Victoria, this small strip of land is important environmentally, culturally, socially and economically. It faces many challenges, including horse racing. We'll be talking to Bill Yates from the Belfast Coastal Reserve Action Group and Lou Hollis from Killarney Coast Care.

Coming up in this program all you need to know about natural bee care in our environment as we explore Beekeeping Naturally and we take a look at how it compares to conventional bee keeping methods and you'll also hear how good it is to be keeping bees naturally, as it is a positive practice for the environment. Earth Matters program guest is Adrian Iodice - BeeKeeping Naturally.want more information? on natural bee keeping or some of the workshops held across some parts of Australia? You can go to the website: beekeepingnaturally.com.au 

Gideon Levy is an Israeli journalist and commentator. He writes for Haaretz newspaper and is a fierce critic of the occupation of Palestine.On this episode of Earth Matters we hear him speak in Canberra in November 2017, at an event organised by the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network and Australians for Justice and Peace in Palestine.Thanks to "Behind the Lines" for the recording.Earth Matters episode #1119 was produced by Gem Romuld.

This week's on Earth Matters we bring you Part 2 of our International Day of people with a Disability broadcast as we bring you audioof a timely discussion on the intersection of disability, climate change and natural disasters. Produced by FREED CIL – A disability activist group based in Nevada US that produce a show called Disability Rap.Coming up in this Disability Rap program you’ll hear from the Disability Rap host with program guests Brian Schneider A local community member from Nevada County and Alex Guinness, A Policy & Research Specialist at The World Institute of Disability.  

On today's show we're looking at the recent cases that were held in the Northern Territory Supreme Court, prosecuting peace activists who walked onto the secretive Pine Gap military base. We will be discussing why environmentalists should care about Pine Gap and about peace issues. Throughout the show we will be talking to a number of experienced peace activists who were present at the trial: defendant Margaret Pestorius, former senator Scott Ludlam, academic Richard Tanter, and long-time activists Graeme Dunstan and Felicity Ruby.

This week's on Earth Matters we celebrate International Day of people with a Disability and we bring you audio of a timely discussion on the intersection of disability, climate change and natural disasters. Produced by FREED CIL – A disability activist group based in Nevada US that produce a show called Disability Rap.Coming up in this program you’ll hear from the Disabilty Rap host in conversation with program guests Brian Schneider A local community member from Nevada County and Alex Guinness, A Policy & Research Specialist at The World Institute of Disability.

Newly engineered deep sea mining machinery sits waiting at Port Moresby. Canadian company Nautilus Minerals wants to mine gold and copper 1600m underwater in Papua New Guinea’s Bismarck Sea.The surrounding coastal communities already know about the disastrous impacts of land-based mining, and are also confronted with rising sea levels.Legal action is afoot and the campaign is growing in strength. The Alliance of the Solwara Warriors is bringing people together on the frontline of extractivism and global warming, to defend their land and livelihoods.Website: Deep Sea Mining campaignImage: Participants at an open forum calling for a ban on seabed mining in Namatanai, New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea, 2017.Earth Matters #1115 was produced by Gem Romuld.

It’s a race to the bottom of the sea on the frontier of extractive industries: experimental deep sea mining.Canadian company Nautilus Minerals is planning to mine a hydrothermal vent 1500m underwater: Solwara 1 in the Bismarck Sea. This sea is ringed by islands and coastal communities that depend upon it, in a country that has already seen the worst of land-based mining.Surrounding communities, led by the Alliance of the Solwara Warriors, are calling for a ban on deep sea mining.This is part 1 of 2.Website: Deep Sea Mining campaign

Phytoplankton are small organisms that drift around in all aquatic environments. They are important because they create about 50-85% of the world's oxygen, and they are the basis of aquatic food chains. Phytoplankton numbers are affected by pollution and climate change. We talk to Dr John Beardall and Dr Martino Malerba of Monash University about their research into phytoplankton.

Will Lidia Thorpe be the first Aboriginal person in the Victorian Parliament?In this Earth Matters episode we take you inside Lidia Thorpe's official Greens campaign launch held in Thornbury, Melbourne ahead of the 18th November Northcote by-election.Deadly strong Gunnai Gunditjmara woman Lidia Thorpe is hoping to create real change and make history for the very first time by being the first Aboriginal woman elected to the Victorian Parliament.The electorate of Northccote is a safe Labour held seat and was first contested back in 1927 and since then has been won by the Labour party each year. If elected, Lidia Thorpe is set to make Australian history by being the first Aboriginal woman to sit in the Victorian Parliament.   

2017 marks the centenary of the October revolution in Russia that ultimately brought the Bolsheviks to power and lead to the formation of the Soviet Union.When we think of the USSR we often think of environmental and human tragedy. But 100 years on from the 1917 revolution it is perhaps more important than ever to re-assess the environmental record of the Soviet Union and learn from the radical thinkers, scientists and ecologists who offered a different vision for humans relationship with nature.Guest: Professor Arran Gare (Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne)Earth Matters #1111 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.Links:'The environmental record of the Soviet Union' by Arran Gare. - Swinburne Research Bank.Audio credit:Radio budušcego (‘The Radio of the Future'), radio project, 1921, 3'45"Composed by Velimir KhlebnikovDirected By [Radiophonic Re-creation] – Leopoldo Amigo, Miguel MolinaPerformer [Collaboration] – Pilar AbadVoice – Ernest PeshkovProduction Date – 2006

The Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the NT has finished its hearings; will this process lead to change? People are taking to the streets to demand real action for the incarcerated, and justice for the families of those who have died at the hands of the prison system.Tune in to recent protests in Sydney and Alice Springs. It's time to shut youth prisons, end deaths in custody and hold prisons, police and guards accountable for the lives lost too soon.Shut Youth PrisonsIndigenous Social Justice AssociationImage: Sydney protest on 29th September, 2017. Credit: Bartek TwarogEarth Matters #1110 was produced by Gem Romuld.

 This week on Earth Matters we take you inside the INDIGENOUS GRASSROOTS MOVEMENTS SOLIDARTY GATHERING – SO CALLED AUSTRALIA – LATIN AMERICA – ASIA PACIFIC.This gathering is for Indigenous traditional owners from different countries, communities, groups and cultures to express global solidarity against the corporate machine and aiming for a better world for us all to live plus it's also a great opportunity for networking for different mobs from here and overseas to come together to learn and support one another in their various fights for their people, culture and country.  Audio excerpts recorded live from the panel discussion - THIS IS OUR TIME – FIRST NATIONS (INDIGENOUS STRUGGLES) – CULTURE, LAND AND COSMO VISIONS...DENOUNCING REPRESSION, MILITARISATION & EXTRACTIVIST NEOLIBERAL POLICIES.. Panellists: Kirsty Lee Horswood - Warriors of the Aboriginal resistance also known as WAR and Catalina Catrileo – A Mapuche Nations Activist – Chile.

The Save The Tarkine campaign aims to protect pristine rainforest and this land it is also home to many significant and sacred Aboriginal cultural heritage sites and is also home to over 60 rare, threatened and endangered species. This pristine and ancient rainforest and eucalypt forest areaas on the beautiful coastline of the Southern Ocean is an area is located in the North West of Tasmania and has over the years had many threats to the local land and waters including; Logging, Mining and also 4WD vehicle use through signficant aboriginal sites. The habitat of the TARKINE is also home to the last disease FREE population of the Tasmanian devil. The SAVE THE TARKINE group are also seeking to have the area be protected as a World Heritage Site. Kerri-Lee in conversation with Scott Jordon has worked as the Campaign Coordinator – SAVE THE TARKINE for the last 12 years.   

Resistance to Adani’s proposed Carmichael coal mine in the Galilee Basin, Central Queensland, is heating up. The project is subject to sustained criticism because of the impacts on climate, the lack of consent from Traditional Owners, the company's history of corruption and the risk to precious groundwater resources.Activists from around Australia are taking their opposition to the frontline to show the company, local and state governments how far they are willing to go, to stop this mine.Interviewees: Mathew Bing, Mackay residentMegan Armstrong, Stop Adani TownsvilleKarin Steininger, Stop Adani Sydney www.stopadani.comhttp://frontlineaction.org/Earth Matters #1107 was produced by Gem Romuld.

On this week's Earth Matters we're looking at the Victorian government's recent promise to legislate their renewable energy target. Victoria currently produces about 17% of its electricity using renewable resources. The target is to increase that to 25% by 2020 and 40% by 2025. The legislation has just passsed in the lower house. We'll be talking to Pat Simons from Yes2Renewables about what this means, and what it took to get to this point. We'll also be talking to Megan Wheatley from Senvion, who are a manufacturer of wind turbines, about how legislation effects their work.

On this week's Earth Matters we look into the future and find out what kids are learning at school about sustainability. I spoke to Julie Harris who is the Executive Officer at Environment Education Victoria. I also spoke to Dominique Dybala who is one of the teachers implementing the program at St Mary's Primary School Williamstown and also works at Environment Education Victoria. And I spoke to some of her students, who are on the Student Sustainability Leadership Team. Their names are Imogen, Simone, Lily, Catherine, Jacqueline, Christian, Liam and Stella. I wanted to find out what the students were learning and, as future leaders, what issues were important to them. 

This episode on Earth Matters we take a look at The Aboriginal Carbon Fund and find out what the fund is doing to assist Aboriginal Traditional Owners with Savannah Burning across some parts of Northern Australia. It’s a new way of working with TO’s to continue caring for country by and to reduce carbon emissions by conducting traditional and small cool burns across savannah country.  Thus minimising large unpredictable wild fires that can have a damaging direct impact on biodiversity.Coming up soon you’ll hear interviews with from Lisa McMurray from Caritas Australia and Rowan Foley – General Manager of The Aboriginal Carbon Fund.

It’s been 10 years since the beginning of the Northern Territory Intervention, a far-reaching and disempowering intrusion into the lives of Aboriginal people. In June 2017 a conference in Alice Springs brought people together from across Australia to hear about the impacts and to work together to end this disgraceful government regime of control.Listen up for the call-out: a national weekend of action to end deaths in custody and shut youth prisons on 28-30 September.Links:Intervention Roll-back Action GroupShut Youth Prisons MparntweEarth Matters #1103 was produced by Gem Romuld.

Coal-fired power stations emit toxic chemicals and particulates that are highly damaging to human health. And our governments - both state and federal - are failing to protect us.This is revealed in a new report by Environmental Justice Australia. It’s called Toxic and Terminal and it highlights how governments and their regulators are failing the public by allowing coal-fired power stations to emit pollutants at levels much higher than over industrialized countries - such as the United States, China and the EU. Guests: Bronya Lipski (Environmental Justice Australia); Dr. Ben Ewald (Newcastle GP); Mike Campbell (Community campaigner, central coast NSW).Links:'Toxic and Terminal' Environmental Justice Australia. ​Earth Matters #1102 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.​Image by 'Mira' on Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0.

On this episode of Earth Matters we explore the environmental implications of nanotechnology. In what ways could it harm the environment, in what ways could it be used to help the environment, and how should it be regulated.Guests:Louise Sales co-ordinator of Friends of the Earth Emerging Technology ProjectMark Wiesner, PhD, who is a professor of environmental engineering at Duke University in North Carolina in the United States, where he also directs the Centre for the Environmental Implications of NanoTechnology

On Earth Matters this week we yarn on the new TELL EXHIBITION with 2 deadly Aboriginal women as we hear about their work on display at the upcoming art exhibition the ‘2017 Ballarat International Foto Biennale’ showing a range of Artworks featuring some of the world’s finest photographers and photo media artists from here in Australia and the world and is on in Ballarat from the 19th of August till the 17th of September 201The group exhibition is the TELL EXHIBITION shall showcase a number of works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Artists. On the program  you'll hear from our program guests; Yorta Yorta woman Moorina Bonini – A local emerging photographer and well known and established Aboriginal Artist - Bindi 'Chocka' Cole from Melbourne and if you want more information on the TELL EXHIBITION? you can find it at the website;  https://ballaratfoto.org

The Paga Hill community in Papua New Guinea have spent years resisting an Australian-run developer, Paga Hill Development Company, determined to build a 5-star hotel and marina on their land. The new complex is intended to host the 2018 APEC meeting, supported by Australian aid funding.‘The Opposition’ is a film that has survived censorship attempts to expose the corruption and human rights abuses suffered by the evicted Paga Hill residents. It is also a call out to the international community to hold the Australian entities involved accountable, in solidarity with the people at the brutal edge of aggressive corporate development.Guests:Hollie Fifer, Director of The OppositionNatalie Lowrey, AID/WATCHBrynn O’Brien, Jubilee AustraliaTake action: www.aidwatch.org.au/theopposition/Image: Joe Moses and the Paga Hill communityAudio from the film, The Opposition.Music from the Free Music Archive.

The Environment Protection Authority, or the EPA, of Victoria is going through some big changes. On today's show we're going to talk to two community advocates, Wendy Farmer from Voices of the Valley and Brian Snowden from Toxic Free Fawkner, about their experiences with the EPA and what they would change about it. Then we're going to talk to Dr Chris Atmore from Environmental Justice Australia, who describe themselves as "nature's legal team", about what they hope for and expect to see from the overhaul.

On this week's Earth Matters we discuss the issue of food waste.Guests: Madeline Wilson, Victorian state manager for food rescue organisation OzHarvest.Bruises from Melbourne Food Not Bombs.

This week on Earth Matters we have Vivien Langford speaking with Beyond Zero Emissions CEO Vanessa Petrie about BZE’s presentations to the Ecocity 2017 worldwide summit about Zero Carbon Communities and Zero Carbon Cement.  Then we hear from Water Keeper Neil Blake speaking to Jan Bartlett about his role protecting the waters of Port Phillip Bay and some of the key challenges that inform his work.Guests:  Vanessa Petrie, Beyond Zero Emissions, www.bze.org.au  & Neil Blake, Port Phillip Baykeeper, www.bay-keeper.com, www.waterkeeper.org.Thanks to Jan Bartlett, www.3cr.org.au/hometime-tuesday and Vivien Langford, www.3cr.org.au/beyondzero, for providing content for this program.

The Montara oil field is in the Timor Sea, off the Northern coast of Western Australia. In 2009 it was the site of one of Australia's worst oil spills. Shortly after, oil and toxic dispersants showed up in West Timor where they caused an environmental and social disaster. On today's show we'll talk to Jane Hammond has made a film called 'A Crude Injustice' to bring attention to this issue. We'll also talk to Indonesian businessman Ferdi Tanoni who has been fighting tirelessly around this issue since 2009.

On this week's Earth Matters show you’ll meet two deadly fine Aboriginal Contemporary Urban Creatives. Writer Timmah Ball on Aboriginal Art, Writing, Feminism, Urban Planning and her latest creative Art project at YIRRAMBOI Festival.And Kent Morris Artist CEO of The Torch Project on his Digital Photography and his important day job, helping prisoners creating and selling art in Victorian prisons and finalist in the 2017 National Indigenous Art Awards. Earth Matters #1092 produced by Kerri-Lee Harding.

The Finkel Report on Australia’s energy future was meant to break the political deadlock in energy policy federally and secure the future of our electricity needs. But the Federal Coalition is deeply divided on the proposal, with some MPs saying it doesn’t give enough priority to fossil fuels. Meanwhile, the report has also been slammed as being heavily biased towards coal and gas, and as short-sighted and falling short of our Paris commitments. Touted as objective and ideologically neutral, and able to bridge political divides, the report is looking more like an abject failure. On this week's show we critically dissect the Finkel report with Pat Simons from Friends of the Earth’s Yes 2 Renewables Campaign, and Wendy Farmer from Voices of the Valley. Guests: Pat Simons (Yes2Renewables); Wendy Farmer (Voices of the Valley)​Earth Matters #1092 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

SA high-level dump project "dead"After two years of Government pressure and community resistance, the SA Premier has finally declared that his proposal for the state to import high-level nuclear waste from around the world is dead. Karina Lester, Yankunytjatjara-Anangu, from the No Dump Alliance tells us about it. She clarifies that while this is a huge win, two communities are still under the threat of a national dump; the Flinders Ranges and Kimba.We hear three spoken word pieces from talented Aboriginal artists at the Black Rhymes event in Sydney: Lorna Munro, Elizabeth Jarrett and Rhyan Clapham.Image: Exposure Community Expo on nuclear waste in Port Augusta, September 2016.Earth Matters #1091 was produced by Gem Romuld.

"The river and the lakes mean to us now... it's like blood flowing through our veins" - Uncle Badger BatesOn this episode of Earth Matters we look at the water shortages in the Lower Darling River system. We talk to Uncle Badger Bates of the Barkindji mob, and Jason Alexandra who's an expert in water management and used to work for the Murray Darling Basin Authority.

This week on Earth Matters you’ll meet bryan Andy -Yorta Yorta man, broadcaster, writer and a social media whiz for the YIRRAMBOI First Nations Arts Festival (5-14 May 2017) Melbourne. bryan shares his views on local Aboriginal community arts, culture and identity in Victoria and you’ll hear about his most recent work in the role of Social Media Bossman for YIRRAMBOI socials on Facebook and Instagram. And you’ll also hear about bryan’s passion for his writing as a Blak Critic and we yarn on one very unique and very special arts initiative bryan created for the festival which brought blak drag Queens reading children’s Dream time stories in the City of Melbourne plus we spend some time unpacking some of the performances featured at the new Melbourne Arts festival that is the YIRRAMBOI Festival 2017.

A special report from Else Kennedy of Shut Youth Prisons in Alice Springs explores the juvenile (in)justice system from the perspectives of Dylan and Kirra Voller, in the wake of the NT Royal Commission into Juvenile Justice. The Vollers were thrown into the spotlight after a Four Corners report in October 2016 exposing inhumane conditions and treatment of juvenile prisoners, including Dylan. This report includes a spoken word piece from Dylan and a new track from his sister Kirra.We hear a segment on the inspiring acts and seven year imprisonment of US military whistle-blower Chelsea Manning, who recently walked free after President Obama commuted the remaining 28 years of her sentence as one of his final acts as US President. This segment was produced by Andy Paine from 4ZZZ in Brisbane.As the QLD Government lays out the red carpet for mega coal-miner Adani, we get a piece of Murrawah Johnson's mind, of the Wangan and Jagalingou Family Council. These words were recorded at a Sydney forum connecting frontline Indigenous struggles for climate justice in Australia and Canada.Extra music from Red Sand Country.Image: Kirra Voller with brother Caleb and supporters outside the NT Royal Commission hearings in Alice Springs. Credit: Shut Youth Prisons Mparntwe.Earth Matters #1088 was produced by Gem Romuld.

There are an estimated 160 000 toxic sites in Australia. In this episode we investigate how well they're being monitored and remediated, using the example of a toxic site in the Melbourne suburb of Fawkner that is set to be redeveloped.GuestsDr Ravi Naidu from the Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the EnvironmentBrian Snowden, resident of McBryde Street who is opposing the redevelopment of the toxic siteMara Bonacci, former environmental scientist in the field of contamination assessmentSue Bolton, Socialist Alliance Councillor for Moreland

We return to what has been touted one of the most significant social and environmental struggles of our era, the fight against the proposed Adani coal mine on Wangan and Jagalingou peoples' land in Central Qld. Hear a conversation with lawyer from Environmental Justice Australia, Ariane Wilkinson, who discusses EJA's research into Adani's international corporate behaviour. Also featured are some excerpts from the Stop Adani Roadshow outlining how people can get active at this crucial time.

Marshallese activist and educator Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner uses the power of words and performance to explore the effects of nuclear testing and climate change on her beloved home, the Marshall Islands. She shares a piece on her teenage discovery of the racist nuclear testing program and the origin of the bikini swimsuit’s name.Hiroshima survivor Setsuko Thurlow and Kokatha woman from South Australia, Sue Coleman-Haseldine, address the UN conference to negotiate a treaty banning nuclear weapons; invoking their experience of the bomb and demanding a strong treaty so there are “no new victims under a mushroom cloud”. The treaty under negotiation is a new chance to hasten the end of the nuclear age.Image: Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner addresses the UN Climate Summit in 2014.Earth Matters #1083 was produced by Gem Romuld. Thanks to KA for the interview with Kathy.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few years, you would probably of heard about the proposed Carmichael coal mine in the Galilee Basin of Queensland.The case against Adani’s coal mine is compelling. The mine will draw billions of litres of water from the Great Artesian Basin, the burning of the coal will produce billions of tonnes of pollution, dashing the hope of staying under the already alarming target of 2 degrees of warming. And the mine is strongly opposed by the Wangan-Jagalingou traditional owners.But this hasn’t stopped the Queensland and Federal governments from giving subsidies, fast-tracking approval, and even attempting to change native title legislation, all to try and secure the project.On the show today we’ll hear from Millie Telford, co-director of Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network, and Vaishali Patil, grassroots activist fighting Adani in India.Guests: Millie Telford (Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network); Vaishali Patil (grassroots activist fighting Adani in India)Thankyou to the Stop Adani Roadshow and 350.org Australia for the audio in this episode.Earth Matters #1082 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.Links:StopAdani.comWangan & Jagalingou Family Council

In this week's Earth Matters we explore the idea of Earth jurisprudence or Earth Laws with the director of the Australian Earth Laws Alliance, Michelle Maloney. Michelle discusses how the Australian Earth Law Alliance stems from global movements for earth justice, led by first nations people, and advocates for system change in governance and the law. Stay tuned for a glimpse of another world, and the ideas, vision and practice of Earth Law. Features the track 'Lore' by Madeline Hudson.  

Victorian treaty and self-determination community forumToday on Earth matters we yarn on TREATY and Self-determination in Victoria. It was back in mid-December of 2016 when the Aboriginal Victoria Forum was held in Melbourne for some community mob to come together to yarn on a Victoria Treaty and Self Determination. The community forum was a chance for local Victorian Traditional Owners and community members to hear the latest on treaty from the Victorian State Government and it was a good opportunity for community members to ask various questions and to get up to date on where the Treaty process is right now in Victoria.Currently, Aboriginal Victoria is conducting forums for community members around the state of Victoria and one of the most recent community consultations was held this last week as community gathered to meet with Victorian State Government representatives on TREATY in Victoria and this meeting took place on Thursday at the Aborigine’s Advancement League in Thornbury, Melbourne. Coming up in this program you’ll hear from experts on treaties from here in Australia and from Canada and New Zealand and what a treaty means for Aboriginal and Islander people in Victoria. You’ll hear from all the latest on TREATY from Celeste Haldane, A Lawyer and The Acting Chief Commissioner BC Treaty Commission, Dr Mark McMillan Associate Professor Melbourne Law School, Tarneen Onus-Williams – a Member of the Aboriginal Treaty interim working group and Dr Carwyn Jones - Senior Lecturer at the faculty of Law Victoria University Wellington – New Zealand - but first lets here from Jason Midsfud – Executive Director Aboriginal Victoria.

On this week's Earth Matters we take you to the opening plenary of the Coalition for Community Energy congress, where Aboriginal elders and activists from around the country and around the world talk about meeting their communities' energy needs while looking after country.Guests:Gomeroi and Euahlayi man Michael Anderson from the Sovereign UnionKado Muir from Ngalia country and the Ngalia Heritage Research CouncilWongatha Wonganarra Elder Pastor Geoffrey Stokes

Bulldozers have been clearing land in the Beeliar Wetlands near Fremantle, WA, to make way for a new road known as Roe 8. The project has been plagued with controversy and effective blockading by thousands of people determined to stop the chopping.Meanwhile, huge tracts of land are being opened up for unconventional gas fracking, despite opposition from Traditional Owners and farmers.If elected, WA Labor promises to stop Roe 8 and put a moratorium on fracking.Activists are maintaining a sceptical hope.Guests:Kim Dravnieks from Rethink the Link.Simone van Hattem from Frack Free WA.Music from the Lurkers and Anna Calvino Earth Matters #1078 was produced by Gem Romuld.

Melina Laboucan-Massimo is Lubicon Cree from Northern Alberta. On this week's episode of Earth Matters she talks about her community's fight against tar sands mining and their initiative to install solar energy. This talk was recorded at the Coalition for Community Energy congress.

An extinction crisis and a jobs crisis looms for Victoria's native forests as the state government tries to continue with business as usual.Victoria’s native forests are facing a crisis like never before. With species critically endangered and on the brink of extinction, and a logging industry staring down major closures. As the state-owned logging company Vic Forests is unable to keep up the supply of native timber to the Heyfield mill.But how did it get to this point?Twenty years ago, State and Federal governments created the Regional Forest Agreements, or RFAs. To give, what they said was certainty to the logging industry. Twenty years later, there is anything but certainty, and our native forests, and the species that depend on them, are in crisis.On this week's show we speak with Ed Hill, from the Goongerah Environment Centre, about the RFAs and the campaign to save what remains of Victoria’s native forests.Guests: Ed Hill (GECO); Cam Walker and Michelle Van Gerrevink at the Goolengook blockade (archival audio from 1997); and the W Tree Promotion and Progress Association.Links:Goongerah Environment Centre (GECO)Wildlife of the Central Highlands (WOTCH)Petition to save Basin Creek Rainforest ComplexGoolengook forest campaign 1996-2009Earth Matters #1076 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

This week on Earth Matters you’ll get an up close and personal guided tour with Melbourne based Aboriginal Artist Paolla Bella - A Wemba-Wemba & Gundijtmara woman & Co-Curator of the SOVEREIGNTY Art exhibition which is on at The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA). Deadly fine indigenous contemporary art on display at ACCA featuring and focussing the solid artforms of Victorian Aboriginal and Islander Artists and on display until 26th March 2017. 

Come on a journey to the land of the English River Nation, in Saskatchewan, Canada. Earth Matters speaks to Candyce Paul, member of the English River Nation, and spokesperson for the Committee for Future Generations. Topics include the dirty tactics of the nuclear industry worldwide and the wisdom of Dene ecology in these times of environmental crisis. 

Regrette Etcetera, Sydney-based DJ, writer and artist speaks about transliberalism: a political framework that seeks to assimilate trans people into the existing social hierarchies of the capitalist state.Transliberalism privileges representation over redistribution; trans people in successful positions, e.g. CEO, celebrity, police officer, are celebrated as the modern success stories.Regrette Etcetera speaks to us from an anti-capitalist framework, and seeks justice for all.This show contains segments of a talk delivered at the Rad Queer Fest, in Sydney during January 2017.Image: protest at the 2016 Trans Day of Remembrance event at Surry Hills police station, Sydney. Credit: Cec Busby.Earth Matters #1073 was produced by Gem Romuld.

While the 26th of January is officially known as Australia Day, marking the day in 1788 when First Fleet made their unwelcome arrival to these shores. For many First nations peoples it is know as Invasion Day, or Survival Day.On today’s show, we hear from Celeste Liddle at the Invasion Day rally in Naarm/Melbourne. We also hear from Murrawah Burragubba and Naomi Murphy recorded at the Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance rally in October 2016.We’ll hear about the connections between First Nations struggles and the most pressing environmental issues of our time.Guests: Celeste Liddle; Murrawah Burragubba; Naomi Murphy.Featuring the song January 26 by A.B. Original.Earth Matters #1072 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

This week we're talking to Henrietta Marrie who's a Gimuy Walubara Yidinji woman, an associate professor at Central Queensland University and who formerly served with the United Nations environment program. We're discussing the patenting of genetic resources and who benefits from Indigenous knowledge.

Audio recorded by the scar tree at the MCG of the official ceremony on Boxing Day 2016 and paying tribute and recognising Australia’s very first sporting team to tour Nationally which was the All Aboriginal Cricket team from 1866 recognised for the very first time at the Boxing Day Test of 2016.Guests: Stephen Smith – President Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC)Jane Nathan - Chair Mullagh Wills FoundationRichard Kennedy – Wotjabalik Ruth – Community MemberAndrew – Young Cricket Player - Sunshine United Cricket ClubRyan - Young Cricket Player - Sunshine United Cricket Club Jane Nathan - Chair Mullagh Wills Foundation.

This week we feature a discussion of Aboriginal Sovereignty and the Treaty process that is currently underway in what is now known as Victoria.  The forum was organised by the Moondani Balluk Academic Unit on Friday 4th November 2016.  The talks explore concepts of First Peoples' Sovereignty, what a Treaty could look like and who has the right to negotiate it.Featuring: Lydia Thorpe, Robbie Thorpe, Nayuka Gorrie, Gary Murray.Links: www.treatyrepublic.net

Today we’re hearing from a campaigner with Rethink the Link, travelling West to the country of the Noongar people in Western Australia, to get the down low about the contested Roe 8 mega highway. Later in the show we'll turn to the global stage and hear from Tim Wright of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear weapons about the recent UN resolution to begin negotiating a treaty for the elimination of nuclear weapons.  

In 2016 we celebrated 20 years of Earth Matters on the air, and 40 years for 3CR Community Radio.This week we’re delving into 3CR’s rich archive to bring you an interview with trade unionist Jack Mundey.Jack talks about the tumultuous era of the Green Bans, and how rank-and-file unionists in the Builders Labourers Federation (BLF) took control of their union and forged links with the broader community.Guest: Jack Mundey (archival interview from 3CR’s City Limits program in 1999)Links:Green bans, red union : environmental activism and the New South Wales Builders Labourers' Federation by Meredith Burgmann and Verity Burgmann.Rocking the Foundations - a history of the Green Bans Movement (video)Earth Matters #1067 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

Exarcheia is an urban community of resistance created by anarchists and anti-authoritarians in the heart of Athens, Greece. Just 10km from Parliament House, residents of Exarcheia implement their politics every day with prisoner and refugee support, anti-austerity protest, squatting, food banks, skill-sharing, mutual aid and “supermarket expropriations”.We discuss community, state repression and militant ethnography with the author of the newly-published ‘Anarchy in Athens: an ethnography of militancy, emotions and violence’, Dr Nicholas Apoifis. The book is available at your nearest radical bookstore or can be ordered online from Manchester University Press.

Today we’re travelling to the Galilee basin in Central Qld, to the country of the Wangan and Jagalingou peoples, where Adani Mining is proposing to mine coal in what would be the southern hemisphere’s biggest coal mine. Adani has just been promised 1bn of Federal infrastructure funding. Hear from Murrawah Johnson, a young spokesperson of the Wangan and Jagalingu Family Council. As well as Kumar Sundaram, of the Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament in Delhi, India, regarding Adani’s corrupt and irresponsible behaviour in its home country.  

As part of the conversations happening for the 16 days of action on gender based violence,  Earth Matters speaks with Murri artist and writer Teila Watson, otherwise known as Ancestress. We discuss the links between domestic violence, the violent relationship that aboriginal people are trapped in with the 'Australia' established by the colonisers in 1788, and the violence against the earth that is putting all life at risk.Includes an excerpt from  Behind Enemy Lines by Provocalz feat Ancestress.and Sovereign by Kotic 1, Darah, Felon, Teila, and Triks K from the Idle No More 2013 Invasion Day Mixtape. 

Shalmali Guttal has worked for decades researching, writing and organising around the impacts of neoliberal development in Southeast Asia. She says that the ideology of private over public interest has become widespread in Asia in the last three decades, with detrimental effects for Indigenous people, women, workers and the environment. Shalmali argues that the new generation of proposed and operating free trade agreements are the most aggressive in pushing neoliberal polices we’ve yet seen, giving the examples of the intellectual property regulations governing medicines and seeds. In the face of all of this, Focus on the Global South is part of the movements building communities of resistance and empowerment.More information: Focus on the Global SouthThis episode is Earth Matters #1062 and was produced by Gem Romuld.

Within the broader context of the corporatisation of higher education, visual art colleges are under attack. The University of Sydney is planning to slash its College of the Arts; deleting courses, sacking 60% of staff and closing the Callan Park campus.The students aren’t sitting on their hands. A vibrant movement of staff, students and supporters has sprung up. One tactic has been a live-in occupation of the College’s administration building, lasting 65 days. Listen in on the day it was broken up by police, as students regroup and fortify for the next step to save SCA. Guests: Che, Rachel, Grant, Dell, Kurt, Tom, Juanel and Amy.Music: Rage Against the Machine, Nina Simone and Black Vat Trio.More info: Let SCA Stay website and facebook page.This is Earth Matters #1061 and was produced by Gem.

Jaime Heunchullan is a Mapuche Indigenous leader from Chile. He shares his experiences fighting for his land against multi-national resources companies and the Chilean government. This was from the panel on Indigenous struggles for autonomy and self-determination "This is our time" which was recorded last weekend at a conference held by Latin American Solidarity Network in Melbourne. 

An announcement on the future of Hazelwood power station is expected any day now.Situated in the Latrobe Valley, in eastern Victoria, Hazelwood is one of four coal-fired power stations in the region. It produces a quarter of Victoria’s electricity and is the biggest carbon emitter on the national grid.Engie, the French company who is majority owner of Hazelwood, is reported by French newspaper Los Echos to have decided to close the power station. However, both the company and the Victorian  government remain tight-lipped about any possible closure.On this week’s show, we’ll be talking about life after Hazelwood. And the campaign for a just transition and viable future for the Latrobe Valley.Guests: Wendy Farmer (Voices of the Valley); Cam Walker (Friends of the Earth). Earth Matters #1059 was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

Oil giant BP has withdrawn plans to explore for oil in the Great Australian Bight. After several years, the surprise announcement has thrilled local and national campaigns working to protect this pristine stretch of ocean. The Bight is home to 36 species of dolphins and whales, and is an important breeding ground for southern right whales and endangered Australian sea-lions. Amidst the increasing chaos of global warming, public opposition has focused on the detrimental effects of the extraction and burning of yet more fossil fuels.Hear a snippet from the Wangan and Jagalingou people fighting against Adani’s proposed coalmine on their beautiful country in the Galilee Basin, Queensland.Also, how do you clean a camel out of a rock hole?Guests:Breony Carbines, Clean Bight AllianceAunty Sue Coleman-Haseldine, Clean Bight AllianceWangan and Jagalingou Family Council audio ​Image: a white Southern Right Whale calf with mother in the Great Australian Bight- Murdoch University. Earth Matters #1058 was produced by Gem Romuld.

Pesticides are one of the most prevalent pollutants in our waterways and scientific studies show that minute amounts of some of the most commonly used chemicals can pose serious dangers to the health of people and the environment.  In Australia, very little is being done to detect and prevent contamination of waterways. In fact the Government is allowing importation and use of chemicals that have been banned in their country of origin.  On the 27th of September Friends of the Earth Australia released a report titled Pesticides in Australian Waterways Overview - "A Jigsaw with A Billion Missing Pieces" - a culmination of years of research and mapping of information by expert Anthony Amis.  Dr.Alison Bleaney from the Nation Toxics Network is also working to build awareness and action to stop these poisons destroying our most precious resource - water.

This week we talk to Sue Bolton, Socialist Alliance Councillor for Moreland, about whether human population really is a major cause of environmental destruction.

The South Australian Government is promoting a plan to import high-level radioactive waste from around the world, and dump it in SA. Government teams armed with shiny banners and scale models are making 100 “Know Nuclear” visits around the state. We followed them to the remote north, into the heart of the Anangu-Pitjantjatjara-Yankunytjatjara lands.To guide us in this journey, we hear from the indomitable Lester family; Yankunytjatjara elder Yami Lester and his daughters Rosemary and Karina. Image: four generations (Yami, Rosemary, Kiah and Lucy) at Walatinna, September 2016.  This show is Earth Matters #1054 and was produced by Gem Romuld. 

Today we report on the Goongerah Environment Centre's Threatened Species Day 2016 action, where they presented an invoice to the Victorian Treasurer, Tim Pallas, for over $2 million dollars of citizen scientist's work.  Recordings from the Threatened Species Day action feature Ed Hill (Goongerah Environment Centre), Samantha Dunn & Janet Rice (The Greens) and Callum (Wildlife of the Central Highlands).We get up to date on the Frack Free Future campaign in Western Australia from Jules Kirby, after a protest at the annual Department of Mines and Petroleum Open Day. And we hear about the upcoming 'Walk With the Valley for a Just Transition' with Ellie from The Earthworker Cooperative.  The walk will raise awareness and funds to support the La Trobe Valley community transition from coal to a sustainable energy future. 

The good news is that unconventional gas mining has been banned in Victoria! On this show we speak to Alison Marchant from Friends of the Earth and Lock the Gate about the campaign that brought this about.The bad news is that funding has been cut from ARENA, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. We speak to Suzanne Harter from the Australian Conservation Foundation about what might be driving this decision and what the ramifications will be.

In a land drenched with sunshine, the towns of Alice Springs and Port Augusta are perfect candidates for renewable energy transitions. Coal power is closing down in Port Augusta, SA, and the “Repower” campaign has its eyes on the prize: Australia’s first solar thermal plant to supply the grid. Meanwhile, Alice Springs locals confront NT Chief Minister Adam Giles’ recent decision to spend $75m on gas expansion, the wrong direction entirely. Guests:Lisa Lumsden, Repower Port Augusta.Heather McIntyre and Edan Baxter, Alice Springs campaigners at the snap rally called by the Arid Lands Environment Centre.This episode is Earth Matters #1050 and was produced by Gem Romuld.Image: Port Augusta community vote on energy in 2012.

The first Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) was established in 1998 in South Australia and the Indigenous Rangers program has been operating since 2007. There are now 60 IPA's and 109 Ranger groups employing 777 Indigenous Rangers. Earth Matters speaks with Chantelle Bowden, Ngurrara Indigenous Ranger and Sophia Walter from Country Needs People, about the significance of the IPA's, the Rangers program and the campaign to secure funding beyond 2018.Guests:  Chantelle Bowden (Ngurrara Ranger, Great Sandy Desert,www.klc.org.au/land-sea/ranger-ipa-map), Sophia Walter (Country Needs People,www.countryneedspeople.org.au).

Australia is transitioning towards renewable energy, but it is just as necessary to consider the transition away from fossil-fuel based forms of electricity production. Changing the status quo means making hard political decisions, fighting vested interests, and making sure that ordinary people aren't left behind.On this episode of Earth Matters we look at Hazelwood Power Station as an example of the obstacles to transition.Guests:Nick Aberle from Environment Victoria's Replace Hazelwood campaignWendy Farmer from Voices of the ValleyColin Long from Earthworker Cooperative

On 25 July, the ABC aired an episode of Four Corners showing the conditions of abuse in juvenile prisons in the NT, and in particular the Don Dale centre in Darwin.The footage brought the horrific realities of the juvenile prison system to TV screens across the country, shocking millions. However, it was not shocking to the families of Aboriginal people impacted by the criminal justice system every day.This episode brings you the voices, rage and demands of a snap rally held in Alice Springs the day after the story broadcast.Earth Matters #1047 was produced by Gem Romuld.

There are more than 50,000 abandoned mines in Australia, and around 75 per cent of mines close unexpectedly or without proper site rehabilitation plans.   The Australian Conservation Foundation and the Mineral Policy Institute have released a report highlighting what they characterise as “systemic and structural failures in the regulation of mine closure and rehabilitation.”   Bali is a top tourist destination for many Australian and other tourists. And this mass tourism has caused many environmental impacts. But one particular development has got locals up in arms.It’s the fight over Benoa Bay – it's a Balinese-led backlash utilising art and music to stop the most ambitious tourism development project the island has ever seen.   This weeks' show is #1046 and was produced by Teishan Ahearne.

On this weeks show we are joined by Anne Harris to talk about the report 'Ditch Coal: The global impacts of the UK's addiction to coal' and how they are linking up those at the global mine sites for the UK's coal.The people of Bulga on Wonnarua country in the Hunter Valley, have been battling to stop an expansion of Rio Tinto's coal mine. After seven years of legal cases & several wins in the courts the NSW Government changed the law to facilitate the mine expansion. The community has turned to peaceful direct action and set up a roadside vigil on Friday 15th July. Robert McLaughlin and Kevin Taggart join us.  For more information and updates visit Stand with Bulga to protect heritage from Coal Mining.Guests:  Anne Harris (Coal Action Network UK), Kevin Taggart (Wonnarua Traditional Custodian) and Robert McLaughlin (Bulga resident).

On this week's show we talk to Dr Peter Spooner who is a vegetation ecologist from Charles Sturt University about proposed changes to NSW's biodiversity laws.We also hear archival audio of Dr Vandana Shiva from the year 2000. She was speaking at the 'Global Capitalism, Local Responses' seminar which was hosted by RMIT, on the eve of the World Economic Forum’s Asia Pacific Summit.

Feeling hopeless is an understandable response in the face of climate change. In fact, an emerging field of research is focusing on the mental health impacts of our changing climate. This can be in the wake of natural disasters such as floods and bushfires, but also the slower creeping effects of climate change like drought and displacement. But the biggest environmental threat to life in Australia is the one we hear least about. You perhaps wouldn’t know it, but urban heatwaves are the most fatal kind of natural disaster, killing more people than bushfires, floods or cyclones. Elderly women are the biggest victims, and their deaths could be largely avoidable.  On today’s show we’re investigating the disproportionate impacts climate change will have on already vulnerable populations in Australia. Specifically we’ll be hearing about how marginalisation due to mental illness, age and gender can place people at a greater risk.  Guests: Professor Helen Berry (Climate Change Institute, ANU); Margarita Windisch.  This weeks' show is #1043 and was produced by Teishan Ahearne.  Image credit: 'Melbourne Sunset' by Rennie Ellis, c. 1970s.

This week features a speech by Sam Castro from Friends of the Earth's Economic Justice Collective about the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement and the ramifications for our environment.  The ISDS clause could have dire effects on the ability of community campaigns to stop destructive projects.  More plastic has been been produced in the first 10 years of this century than the whole of the last.  A huge amount makes it 's way to the oceans where it is predicted that there will be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050.  Founder of Plastic Free July Rebecca Prince Ruiz joins us. Guests: Sam Castro, Friends of the Earth Economic Justice Collective (www.foe.org.au) & Rebecca Prince Ruiz,  Plastic Free July (www.plasticfreejuly.org).

Prominent Canadian eco-socialist Ian Angus delivers a talk about his new book "Facing the Anthropocene: Fossil Capitalism and the Crisis of the Earth System". Ian Angus starts from the point of the socialist's responsibility to earth sciences, then moves to fighting within the material reality of the new geological epoch of the anthropocene.

This week,the Geelong Star super-trawler been trawling through the small pelagic fishery on Australia's eastern sea board, catching protected species and controversy along the way.Also on the program,In June 2015 Energy Resources of Australia, the operator of the Ranger uranium mine that sits on the lands of the Mirrar people in Kakadu, announced it was shelving a planned expansion. Dubbed Ranger 3 Deeps, the new mine would of been a significant expansion of operations at the accident prone site. Which has seen significant breaches, and leaks of radioactive contaminants over the years. The company’s mining lease expiries in January 2021, so the announcement was seen by many as indicating the end of uranium mining in Kakadu.Dave Sweeney is the Nuclear Free campaigner with the Australian Conservation Foundation, and he’s been watching the developments at Ranger closely.Guests: Rebecca Hubbard (Stop the Trawler Alliance, Environment Tasmania), Dave Sweeney (ACF). Also featured archival audio of Jacqui Katona from 1997 Earth Matters Jabiluka special, produced by Juliet Fox.This weeks' show is #1040 and was produced by Teishan Ahearne.Links:Email you MP - Stop the Trawler AllianceUranium mining in Kakadu National Park - ACF

This week we’re listening to poets, spoken word artists, activists and musicians who are changing hearts and minds with their art. Movements for change and justice come alive in the mouths of artists, and it’s a well known fact that a perfectly delivered rhyme can impart understanding in a way that a lecture never can. The themes in this episode range from colonialism, climate change, Aboriginal sovereignty, nationalism, nuclear disaster, direct action and love on the frontlines. Featuring Neil Morris (Yorta Yorta), Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner (Marshall Islands), Taeko Mutoh (Japan), the Lurkers, D Rad (New Zealand) and Candy Royalle.    Image: on Invasion Day 2016 (26 January) tram and bus-stop posters were replaced with pro-sovereignty messages across Melbourne. This weeks' show is #1039 and was produced by Gem Romuld.

The climate is changing, and so is our world. But what does that sound like?Anja Kanngieser and Daniel Jenatsch’s ‘A story of extinction’ is a sonic story meditating on climate change, the anthropocene, and capitalism. Katharine Round and Leah Borromeo of Disobedient Films teamed-up with composer Jamie Perera to create ‘Climate Symphony’, a one minute composition sonifying climate change. Anita Makri from Sci Dev.net spoke to Katherine and Leah about the project. Guest: Anja Kanngieser and Daniel Jenatsch; Katharine Round and Leah Borromeo.This show first went to air in December 2015.

It’s a story that involves stolen country, stolen generations, and the threat of a stolen future — the fight against a national nuclear waste dump in South Australia.Just one site has been ‘shortlisted’ for a national nuclear waste dump. Wallerberdina, at the foot of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia.The proposed site is on the lands of the Adnyamathanha people, and they don’t want any nuclear waste on their country.Guests: Vivianne and Regina McKenzie (Adnyamathanha, SA); Dr Margie Beavis (Medical Association for Prevention of War); Dr Jim Green (Friends of the Earth).Links:Sign the petition to say no to nuclear waste in the Flinders Ranges.Comprehensive briefings on nuclear waste from Friends of the Earth Australia.Photo credit: Gem Romuld.

Today we look at the outcomes of two governmental inquiries that are seeking to undermine the environment and social justice. Cam Walker from Friends of the Earth reports on the attacks to the charitable status of environmental organisations (www.foe.org.au/articles/2016-05-04/prime-minister-must-reject-anti-democratic-attack-environmental-groups) and work to counter this (www.placesyoulove.org).  Darren Perry from the Ngintait Nation and head of the Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations (www.mldrin.org.au) talks about the terrible state of the Murray river and an inquiry in to the Murray Basin River Plan that is undermining work to save the river and restore environmental and cultural flows (www.culturalflows.com.au).

On one fine Newcastle day, two thousand people gathered from across the country to participate in a collective resistance to the industries fuelling climate change, at one of its most important sites; the world’s biggest coal port.In a spectacular display of people power, diverse groups blocked the coal port shipping channel, the only coal train line and occupied coal loaders with a common call to end the era of coal.The Pacific Climate Warriors returned to Newcastle with their declaration: ‘we are not drowning, we are fighting!’. Listen in to the sounds of Break Free.This show is #1035 and was produced by Gem Romuld.

Following on from discussions between Uncle Robbie Thorpe and Boe Spearim, Earth Matters explores the relationship between the crimes of genocide and ecocide. Our special guest is Clinton Pryor from the Matagarup Refugee Camp.

Environment East Gippsland set a legal precedent in 2009 when they successfully sued Vic Forests in the Supreme Court of Victoria. Since then a swag of endangered species of flora and fauna have been discovered in Vic Forests logging coups, thanks to the work of citizen scientists. So Environment East Gippsland are back in the Supreme court taking Vic Forests to task.We also discuss the disastrous history of the Regional Forestry Agreement, and what the Victorian state budget means for East Gippsland's forests.Surveying the scale and severity of the bleaching has been a massive undertaking for researchers. To find out how it was done, Claire, from 3CR’s Lost in Science program, spoke with James Kerry, project manager of the National Coral Bleaching Taskforce. The Mackay Conservation Group has been campaigning for years to protect the reef. In the wake of the recently bleaching event, they are working in their community to make sure the reef can’t be ignored this Federal election.Guests: Jill Redwood (Environment East Gippsland); James Kerry (National Coral Bleaching Taskforce); Tony Fontes (Mackay Conservation Group).Links:Environment East GippslandMackay Conservation GroupLost in Science

The people of the Carteret Islands, a coral atoll off the coast of Bougainville, in Papua New Guinea, have been called the world’s first climate refugees.Like many low-lying islands in the Pacific, the Carterets have been experiencing the effects of climate change first-hand. They have watched as their shorelines have been eroded by the sea, king-tides have swept right across their small islands, and salt water has literally bubbled-up through the ground. We hear from Ursula Rakova, director of Tulele Peisa, which is coordinating the migration of Carteret islanders to Bougainville."We need to act, and we need to act now... Australia needs to act immediately... we cannot wait anymore" -Ursula Rakova.Guests: Ursula Rakova (Tulele Peisa); Wendy Flannery (Climate Frontlines, FoE Brisbane)Links and more information:Make a tax dudctable donation to Tulele PeisaClimate Frontlines collective - Friends of the Earth Brisbane'“The Sea Walls Are Out In The Sea”: World’s First Climate Refugees Ask For Australia’s Help' - New Matilda'Rising Waters: How Fast and How Far Will Sea Levels Rise?' - Environment 360 

This week we tune in to the campaign to stop the Great Australian Bight from becoming an oil field. Kokatha elder Aunty Sue Coleman-Haseldine and Breony Carbines from the Clean Bight Alliance Australia tell us what is at stake and why they don't trust the company that brought us the Gulf of Mexico disaster.Rosemary Lester, Yankunytjatjara-Anangu woman is finding ways to get information out to remote communities via the radio-waves, to keep Aboriginal people informed of what's threatening country. You can listen to the "Paper Tracker" here and like her facebook page here: Ngura - Country.Image: Southern Right Whales and their calves in the Great Australian Bight.

The first part of the show is a discussion with Isaac Astill from 350.org Australia about the financial troubles of Peabody Energy and the declining profitability of fossil fuels. To celebrate 3CR's 40th birthday we have dedicated the second part of the show to archival audio from 1999 of an interview with legendary environmentalist and unionist Jack Mundey.

 We speak with Martin Baker from Greenpeace's Coal and Water Project about the release of 'The Great Water Grab' a report that maps the deepening water crisis with current and proposed coal mines all across the world. Then we join TPP Union and Communities Roundtable at a rally last week protesting the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement and the selling out of people and planet for corporate profit.

The east coast of South Africa is home to a conflict as old as the industrial age. A start-up company from Perth wants to mine a precious stretch of remote, coastal dunes for titanium; the local people, known as Pondos, value their land and culture above and beyond a flash-in-the-pan mining venture. Ten years on, there is no mine. The company is pulling out every trick in the exploitation book; undermining tourism prospects, offering a new highway and splitting families. The community's response is an unbending “no”.To sign the petition to the shareholders of the company, Mineral Resource Commodities, find it at the website of a new film documenting this story: The Shore Break.Guests:Nonhle Mbuthuma, Amadiba Crisis CommitteeJohn Clarke, social worker and writerMusic:Ntombe ThongoImage: Nonhle Mbuthuma and members of the Amadiba Crisis Committe show the red sand at Kwanyana Beach near the proposed mining site. This show is #1027 and was produced by Gem Romuld.

The new CSIRO management has announced drastic cuts and a controversial change of priorities for the nations' peak scientific research body. Drawing global condemnation and outrage, the cuts to the CSIRO have been likened to "driving at night with the lights off" when it comes to climate research.Also on the show, 2016 marks 20 years of Earth Matters on the air, and 40 years for 3CR Community Radio. To mark this, we’ll be taking a look back to some programming highlights. This week we'll hear an extract from the 2001 International Womens' Day special, with a range of women activists talking about how feminism influences their environmental organising.Guests: Anthony Keenan (CSIRO Staff Association); archival Earth Matters from 2001 featuring Indira Narayan and Dimity Hawkins (produced by Juliet Fox).Links:'Flying Blind: Navigating Climate Change Without CSIRO' Climate Council reportIf People Powered Radio: 40 years of 3CR at Gertrude ContemporaryImage credit: http://cpsu-csiro.org.au/archives/budget-cuts/

Today we look at yet another case of corporate interest versus the protection of public health and the environment. Australian mining company Oceana Gold are suing one of the poorest countries in the world, El Salvador for $300 million after an application to operate a gold mine at the head of the countries' biggest river was rejected in order to protect the countries scarce drinking water. As one of the longest running ISDS cases, after almost seven years the World Bank has still not released a verdict. To give us more detail on the case and tell us about how Australia could face similar cases if the recently signed TPP agreement gets passed by parliament this year is Kevin Bracken from the Maritime Union of Australia. We will also hear and interview with Santos Aguilera at a protest at Oceana Gold offices on Friday 26th February and some excerpts of the speeches made.

REVIVING INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMSWestern scientists have an obligation to acknowledge and make amends for the damage that their coloniser disciplines have wreaked on Indigenous knowledge systems in regards to unsustainable agricultural and mining practices.This week on Earth Matters Sudanese ecologist Alawiyya Jamal and Kenyan man, Gathuru Mburu from the African Biodiversity Network, discuss reviving Indigenous knowledge systems in Africa.

Invasion Day, also known as Australia Day, is commemorated every year as a day for mourning the Aboriginal warriors fallen in the defence of their country, as well as celebrating cultural survival. 26 January 2016 saw the heart of Melbourne transformed into a defiant rally of thousands, living and breathing Aboriginal sovereignty and demanding justice on stolen land. Listen in to this epic day, organised by the Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance.This episode is #1022 and was produced by Gem Romuld.

From data centres, to phones, to modems, to mobile towers, to intercontinental fibre optic cables spanning the globe... it takes a lot of energy to keep the internet running all over the world, for millions of people, 24/7. Our beloved internet has an environmental cost, and it’s pretty big. As the technology develops and the way we use the internet changes, there are big questions we need to ask about containing the energy consumption of the internet from the rare earth metals in smart phones, to the travel of information and the enormous data centres that hold the pages of the world wide web. What is the "internet of things" proposed for the future and do we want it?Guests: Kerry Hinton and Fatima Jalali from the Centre for Energy Efficient Telecommunications at the University of Melbourne.This episode was first broadcast during January 2015.

The climate is changing, and so is our world. But what does that sound like?Anja Kanngieser and Daniel Jenatsch’s ‘A story of extinction’ is a sonic story meditating on climate change, the anthropocene, and capitalism. Katharine Round and Leah Borromeo of Disobedient Films teamed-up with composer Jamie Perera to create ‘Climate Symphony’, a one minute composition sonifying climate change. Anita Makri from Sci Dev.net spoke to Katherine and Leah about the project. Guest: Anja Kanngieser and Daniel Jenatsch; Katharine Round and Leah Borromeo. Links:'Climate symphony turns data into sound''Anthropocene, Capitalocene, Gynocene: The Many Names of Resistance''The Anthropocene Myth'

The forests of East Gippsland, Victoria, continue to fall victim to an over-subsidised and under-regulated forestry industry. While some threatened species of flora and fauna should enjoy legal protection, the regulations are too-often ignored in the quest to make a dollar out of an unsustainable plunder. Thankfully, there are people on the ground to defend the forest and get in the way of the machines if need be. A powerful combination of legal action and direct protest have catalysed a recent win for the forests on the St Patrick's River, East Gippsland.Guests:Jill Redwood - Environment East GippslandEd Hill - Goongerah Environment CentreImage: logging halted on Tuesday 15th December, 2015. The machines were soon withdrawn from the area.

This week is a journey of voices and sounds from a morning of creative resistance in the centre of the city that was the Flood the System in Melbourne. Flood the System is a worldwide movement of people committed to powerful non-violent direct action that challenges the root causes of the problem and is seeking climate justice. On Thursday 10th December, a peaceful, mass civil disobedience shut down the Westpac and BHP Billiton buildings with lock-ons and created a blue web where people gathered blocking Collins street and connecting the dots between between capitalism, other systems of oppression, and the climate crisis. It was part of rolling actions around Australia and the world to correspond to the final days of COP21 meeting in Paris and show the world that where the so called 'leaders' continue to fail us, the people will take their own actions.  

Tanzanians are all-too-familiar with the promises made and not kept by mining companies and the national government. The mining of gold, diamonds, copper and many more minerals have left toxic wastelands and disenfranchised villages behind. An Australian company, Mantra Resources, is now aggressively pursuing uranium exploration in Tanzania. Civil society groups are working to help inform and empower threatened communities to assert their legal rights and stop u-mining before it takes hold. Mia Pepper, at the Nuclearisation of Africa Symposium in South Africa, speaks with Flaviana Charles of the Legal and Human Rights Centre in Tanzania and Anthony Lyamunda from CESOPE, Civil Education is the Solution for Poverty and Environmental Management.Image: Tulawaka Gold Mine in Tanzania.This episode is #1012 and was produced by Gem Romuld.

 As politicians from around the world meet in Paris for the latest round of climate talks, we hear some of the voices of resistance from below. We bring you three different perspectives, and three different campaigns.Guests: Amelia Telford & Paul Gorrie (SEED Indigenous Youth Climate Network); Colin Long (NTEU); Natasha Saunders (Healthy Futures). Interviews courtesy of 3CR's Wednesday Breakfast.

On the 5th of November a catastrophic failure of a tailings dam at the Brazillian Samarco Iron Ore mine caused Brazils largest ecological disaster and possibly the biggest tailings spill in the world.  The rupture in the dam unleashed a deadly mudslide that has travelled almost 500 kilometres killing 17 people, destroying 11 villages and pushing toxic sludge down Brazil's Doce river, headed toward the ocean.    The mine is jontly owned 50 /50 by Vale and BHP Billiton. Whilst BHPBilliton like to claim they are committed to the highest level of safety and demonstrate world's best practice at their operations around the world, the Samarco disaster is just the latest in a long line of toxic legacies, environmental and human rights abuses that are occuring at their mine sites all around the world. Today on Earth matters we will be hearing about some of those issues being raised by community campaigners at the companies annual general meetings over the last month. 

On October 16th, the Federal Government re-approved the Adani Carmichael coal and railway project. Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt, or Minister for Coal, released a statement of reasons for the approval. The Australian Conservation Foundation launched a Federal Court challenge to the Environment Minister Greg Hunt's, arguing that the mine's emissions would contribute to climate change and effect the Great Barrier Reef.Basha Stasak talks about the Federal Court challenge that the Australian Conservation Foundation launched, and Patricia Julian speaks on behalf of the Mackay Conservation Group who initially challenged the mine in a judicial review in January this year.

The Murray-Darling's Political Flows: Basin Plan under attackIn response to the failing health of the vital inland Murray-Darling river system, the Murray-Darling Basin Plan enables water allocations to be bought back from farmers and irrigators and kept in the river. The Plan doesn't go far enough but is an important step in revitalising the environmental and cultural flows that are essential to the river and the Aboriginal nations whose country it runs through. Recently, rogue Senators and angry irrigators from the South Basin have managed to mount a Senate Select Committee Inquiry into the Basin Plan.We speak with Will Mooney from the River Country Campaign and Darren Perry from the Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations.For more information and to sign the letter calling on PM Turnbull to commit to the Basin Plan on time and in full:River Country CampaignMurray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations

Now, you’re concerned about climate change, and you know it’s caused by human activity. But the facts, figures and statistics can be bit elusive. And the climate deniers are well rehearsed at seeding confusion and miss-information.This week we're going to give you a bit of a cheat sheet. We’ll be getting to the facts behind the climate science. We’ll hear about how is it studied, and what it is telling us about the present and our future.We hear from Michael Mann, one of the foremost climate scientists in the world today. Perhaps best known for his pioneering work reconstructing temperatures of past centuries, demonstrating the rapid warming of the climate since the onset of the industrial revolution.Mann spoke with Kevin Caners for The Elephant, a podcast all about climate change.Guest: Michael Mann.The Elephant is liscenced under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0Image credit: IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007, www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/ar4/wg1/en/figure-6-10.html

As someone who cares about the environment and social justice you could be excused for feeling a little bit paranoid at the moment. 2015 has seen the Federal government attack the tax-deductibility status of environmental groups, complain about 'lawfare', and try to frame environmental activism as 'violent extremism'. You might just be feeling like the current Federal government wants to silence any opposition on the environmental front.Now new Federal data retention laws have come into effect, mandating telcos and ISPs to collect and store metadata on all customers for two years. With this vast surveillance regime coming into place, we ask: what risk does it pose for activism, and what will be it’s effects on social movements and democratic life more broadly.Guests: Scott Ludlam (Greens Senator for W.A.); Tom Sulston (ThoughtWorks)Action:Scott Ludlam’s Top Five Tips On Dodging Data Retention Laws (New Matilda)Surveillance Self-defence (EFF)Further reading:What Metadata Retention looks like: Prepare to be shocked (ABC)Data retention will hurt YOU, not criminals. Here’s how (Crikey) Image credit: Digitised by State Library of Victoria.

New Chum toxic waste dump is situated on geographically unsuitable land within the suburbs of the busy urban centre of Ipswich, Queensland. We talk to Jim Dodrill from Ipswich Residents Against Toxic Environments (IRATE) about some of the ongoing problems with the dump and the community campaign to clean it up.

The Green Witch Hunt: another angle to cripple dissentGreen groups have been put under the microscope by the Federal House of Representatives Inquiry into the Tax Status of Environmental Organisations. Currently, the ability to receive tax deductible donations is a lifeblood for many groups fighting for environmental and social justice. The Committee intends to de-legitimise the role of advocacy in protecting the environment, favouring activities like tree-planting over campaigns to stop new coal mines, an essential part of the battle to slow global warming. Guests:Nicola Paris, CounterActCam Walker, Friends of the EarthIan Onley, Gormondale farmerKirsty Albion, Australian Youth Climate CoalitionMusic by the Lurkers.Photo: September 21 protest to defend the environmental organisations being scrutinised inside the Victorian Parliament.

On the 21st of September the Federal Justice Minister and the Attorney General’s department launched a booklet titled ‘Preventing Violent Extremism and Radicalisation In Australia’.The kit is directed towards young people, and those working with them, including schools.While the kit covers different types of violence and so-called extremism, what really caught public attention, and lead to ridicule both here and internationally, was the case study of the fictional environmental activist Karen.On today’s show we speak with Cam Walker, from Friends of the Earth, who are calling for the immediate withdrawal of the kit. And we also hear from Lydia Shelly, a lawyer and community advocate, about the broader context of attacks on civil liberties and the dog-whistle Islamophobia latent in the government's propaganda around violent extremism.Sign the petition to withdraw the Radicalisation Awareness Kit. Guests: Cam Walker (Friends of the Earth Australia); Lydia Shelly (lawyer, committee member of the New South Wales Council for Civil Liberties, co-founder of the Islamophobia Register)

Today we're looking at a highway duplication between Beaufort and Ararat. Vic Roads completed an environmental effects statement that said they would cut down 221 large old trees in this project. Later the estimate went up to 1635 of these valuable trees. Vic Roads argues that this is for safety, but campaign group Western Highway Alternative Mindsets says that both the construction and the destruction are excessive.But this isn't just about 1600 trees. The duplication works are happening between Melbourne and Adelaide. This discrepancy shines a light on the lack of enforceable environmental regulation for these sorts of projects.Guests:Helen Lewers from Western Highway Alternative MindsetsGreg Moore senior research associate at the University of Melbourne specialising in trees Mick McCarthy Acting Executive Director of Regional Operations for Vic Roads

On this episode we interview five former producers - Juliet Fox, Indira Naryan, Gab Reade, Nicky Stott and Helen Gwilliam - about who they are, some of their proudest moments and what they think Earth Matters contributes to environmental and social justice movements. Throughout the episode you will hear clips from some of the many great environmental defenders that have appeared on the last 999 episodes of Earth Matters.

Leadfish and shale gas: resistance in the Northern TerritoryNear Borroloola, NT, the McArthur River Mine continues it's scandalous modus operandi by failing to deal with toxic discharge contaminating the river and the smouldering pile of waste rock. Documents recently obtained via freedom of information legislation reveal the Northern Territory Government's conclusion that to manage the smouldering waste rock pile, the McArthur River Mine must backfill the pit and cease mining.The cowboy operator continues to defy the law, digging itself into further debt and threatening local Traditional Owners with the removal of services if they protest the mine. Having lost the food resource of their river due to lead contamination, the Borroloola Traditional Owners are calling for the mine to be shut down and fully rehabilitated.Conrad Rory and Lauren Mellor also tell us about the cross-movement meeting organised by US activist and author Naomi Klein, which they attended.Resistance to shale gas fracking is heating up with remote communities united by the Northern Territory Frack Free Alliance. Tanya Hall tells us more.Guests:Conrad Rory, Traditional Owner for Borroloola, NT and member of the Sandridge Band.Lauren Mellor, Environment Centre NT.Tanya Hall, Frack Free NT.Photo: Traditional Owners cross over the contaminated McArthur River at the Borroloola Frackdown, an international day of protest against fracking in October 2014. 

Defending Sacred Sites and energy autonomy in North AmericaCorrina Gould is a Chochenyo/Karkin Ohlone woman who has dedicated her life to protecting her peoples' sacred sites, even though hundreds of them now lie below the pavements of San Francisco. She led a successful 100+ day blockade camp to stop a foreshore development on a sacred burial site and shellmound called Sorgorea Te. A new documentary, "Beyond Recognition" demonstrates Corrina's call to keep and build culture even when one's ancestral lands have been developed 'beyond recognition'.Lynn Jacobs is a proud Mohawk woman spearheading a project to build a windfarm to power her community and build economic autonomy. She told us about the challenges and great potential of the project from her home in Kahnawake, a Mohawk community near Montreal, Canada.Music: "Sorgorea Te Warriors", recorded at the blockade camp, and "Grandmother Moon" by John Trudellhttp://protectglencove.org/http://www.beyondrecognitionfilm.com/www.ksenergies.ca

It’s been described as the next big land-grab - the race to dig-up the sea bed. It’s called deep sea mining. And the mining industry see it as their next new hope. Canadian mining company Nautilus Minerals has its eyes set on Papua New Guinea as the testing ground for the world’s first attempt to mine metals from the sea floor. Nautilus plans to extract gold and copper from the bottom of the Bismarck Sea, off the coasts of the islands of East Britain and New Ireland Province. The project is named Solwara 1, and it gained PNG government approval 2012. Since then it’s floundered a little, but the company still aim to be actively mining by 2018. On this week's show we speak with Dr. Helen Rosenbaum from the Deep Sea Mining Campaign. Helen talks about the serious risks of deep sea mining and the local and international campaigns against it.Guest: Helen Rosenbaum (Deep Sea Mining Campaign) Further information:Deep Sea Mining CampaignMineral Policy InstituteDeep Sea Mining − The Pacific Experiment

On this episode of Earth Matters we talk to Robin Taubenfeld and Kim Stewart from Friends of the Earth Brisbane about their report 'US Bases in Australia:  the social and environmental risks'. Robin has recently been protesting the US-Australia war games up in Shoalwater Bay near Rockhampton, Queensland.

The South Australian Royal Commission into nuclear expansion is losing credibility as it continues. The expert advisory panel is stacked with nuclear advocates and barriers are high for public participation, with requirements that submissions are typed and signed by a Justice of the Peace. Many Traditional Owners have already experienced the radioactive racism of the industry and have vowed to stop any expansion in its tracks. From the nuclear tests at Emu Field and Maralinga through to the imposition of the Olympic Dam and Beverley uranium mines, “it's not a fruit salad”, as Uncle Kevin Buzzacott says. Fresh from the Students of Sustainability Conference in Adelaide, Aunty Sue Coleman-Haseldine, Uncle Kevin Buzzacott and Dr Jim Green are sharing their experiences with the nuclear industry and calling out for support and solidarity. Please submit your two cents to the Royal Waste of Time and stop this pro-nuclear push from gaining a foothold. All of the issues and information is waiting at http://www.conservationsa.org.au/nuclear. 

Australia is currently part of negotiations for the Trans Pacific Partnership which is a secretive free trade deal between 12 countries led by the united states of america. Free trade agreements that the United States have negotiated in the past have undermined other countries' abilities to make and enforce their own laws. A few chapters leaked by Wikileaks, including a draft environment chapter, makes it seem like this will be more of the same. Guests:Dr Patricia Ranald from Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network (AFTINET)Uncle Michael Anderson, leader of the Sovereign Union and Euahlayi nation

Moves are afoot to keep Australia’s disastrous old-growth forest logging industry alive. Leaked documents have recently revealed what many have been saying for a long time, that logging in the East Gippsland region of Victoria isn’t economically viable and is propped up by taxpayer money. But as this industry loses more and more of its economic and social credibility, it seem that the federal government is keen to prop it up.The Abbott government has pushed through changes to the national Renewable Energy Target. These changes slash the target by 20% and include a change to the definition of biomas to include native forest woodchips as renewable energy.All this comes as researches at the Australian National University published a report showing that if we want to reduce our CO2 emissions it’s much better to protect native forests than it is to log or burn them.On the show today, we hear from Ed Hill from the Goongerah Environment Centre to get a run-down of what’s been happening in East Gippsland. And later in the show we hear from Leigh Ewbank, from the Yes2Renewables campaign with Friends of the Earth, to get an analysis of the changes to the Renewable Energy Target. He tells us it’s up to State governments and local communities to step-up where the Federal Government has failed.Guests: Ed Hill (Goongerah Environment Centre), Leigh Ewbank (Yes2Renewables - FoE)Photo credit: https://flic.kr/p/e2yNQc

On today's show we talk to Bill Hampel who has written a book, "Against the Grain," about farmers' efforts to prevent and adapt to climate change. We play one of the interviews that Bill did with sheep farmer Mark McKew on this topic.Mark McKew is involved in Project Platypus.Bill Hampel recommends Landcare for farmers looking for help with climate change prevention and mitigation.

This week, a good news story and some cautious optimism!Rio Tinto's Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) has announced it's abandoning the Ranger 3 Deeps project. With the current mining lease expiring in 2021, the Mirarr traditional owners have called for the rehabilitation of the site and the complete protection of Kakadu from mining. We ask how realistic is rehabilitation and what ERA's move indicates for the campaign against the nuclear industry more broadly.Also, a legal challenge to Adani's Carmichael coal mine in the Galilee Basin, QLD.Guests: Dave Sweeney (ACF); Lauren Mellor (Environment Centre N.T.); Ellen Roberts (Mackay Conservation Group)Further information:Mirarr statement on ERA shelving of Ranger 3 Deeps'Reconsidering Ranger: the social, environmental and economic cost of uranium mining in Kakadu' (Environment Centre N.T.)'The ERA of uranium mining is over' (ACF)A background to the Galilee Basin mega coal projects (Earth Matters #972)Photo credit: Cat Beaton.

Borroloola Frackdown: Resistance in the GulfBorroloola, NT, is a small town plagued by a big mine; the biggest zinc and lead open-cut mine in the world. The McArthur River Mine has contaminated the river with dangerously high levels of lead, and is the NT's first man-made "volcano", with a smouldering pile of waste rock that's been belching noxious fumes for ten months.With this plus the shale gas industry knocking on Borroloola's door, the Traditional Owners are saying no and pledging to fight. Earth Matters brings you sounds and voices from the Borroloola Frackdown in October 2014. Guests: Nancy McDinny, Myra Rory, Gadrian Hoosan, Azman Rory, Borroloola Traditional Owners; Lauren Mellor, Environment Centre Northern Territory. Music by the infamous Sandridge Band!

Wind Turbines are an excellent source of renewable energy, but some people say that they cause an illness called "Wind Turbine Syndrome". On this show we investigate the legitimacy of that claim.Guests: Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth Yes2Renewables campaignSimon Chapman, Professor of Public Health at University of SydneyDoug Hobson, wind farmer

Many people in the pacific are already experiencing the drastic effects of human induced climate change.Rising sea levels, storm surges and more severe weather events are forcing communities living on low-lying islands and atolls to face the prospect of losing everything as sea water literally bubbles up through the ground, and waves wash their shorelines away. On today’s show we look at those who are on the frontlines of climate change, facing forced migration, and calling for climate justice. We hear from Wendy Flannery, convenor of the Climate Frontlines collective of Friends of the Earth, Brisbane. Climate Frontlines Collective raises awareness and funds for people in the low-lying Pacific nations of Kiribati and Tuvalu, and communities off the coast of Papua New Guinea. Guest: Wendy Flannery (Climate Frontlines collective, Friends of the Earth, Brisbane)Further reading:Climate Justice Publications & Policy (Friends of the Earth Australia)There Once Was an Island (Film)Climate Change in the Torres StraitsPhoto credit: There Once Was an Island. © On The Level Productions

This week's show will be a look at what funding was and wasn't allocated to the environment on Tuesday night's Federal budget. For an overall view we talk to Greens Senator Larissa Waters. Nick Heath from the World Wildlife Fund talks about Federal funding for the Great Barrier Reef, and new Federal and State policy regarding dredging. Tessa Jakszewicz talks about funding changes to Landcare and funding for the agriculture sector to deal with drought.

We are often told that we have to make a choice between jobs and the environment. And that we have no option but to continue with an economic system that has lead us to a point of climate catastrophe.But there is a growing awareness that to effectively redress climate change we need to radically change the nature of our economy, to transition to a system that is just for people and the planet.We consider this transition, and hear about people making the links between their livelihoods and the need to address climate change.We hear from Bob Massie, an expert on climate change and finance. He is the outgoing President of the New Economy Coalition in the United States. He came to Australia in February as part of the Just Transitions tour, presented by 350 Australia and Earth Worker Cooperative.We also hear from Anna Boddenberg, from Earth Worker Cooperative, who are facilitating worker-owned cooperatives for green jobs. Seeking to provide a transition for communities reliant on polluting industries.Guests: Bob Massie (New Economy Coalition); Anna Boddenberg (Earth Worker Cooperative)

Is Carbon Capture and Storage going to enable Australia to keep on burning coal? On this show we explore the feasibility of the technology and whether it is the best solution to the problem of global warming.Guests: Professor Ralf Haese from the Peter Cook Centre for CCS Research at the University of MelbourneCam Walker from Friends of the EarthGerard Drew from Beyond Zero Emissions

The Tasmanian State Government has just axed a nine year long, nation leading project monitoring pesticide residues in waterways. We speak with Anthony Amis about the importance of that monitoring program, and the alarming effects pesticides have on our health and the environment.See also the Australian Pesticides Map, Friends of the Earth Pesticides & Toxic Chemicals campaign, and the National Toxics Network.But first up, the Federal government has set the stage for their latest attempt to silence environmental groups. They’ve launched a parliamentary inquiry into the register of environmental groups receiving tax deductibility (GDR) status. Friends of the Earth is one of the organisations that has been singled out by Coalition MPs. Friends of the Earth are hitting back with a campaign appealing to the public for support.Guests: Cam Walker (Campaigns Coordinator, Friends of the Earth); Anthony Amis (Pesticides & Toxic Chemicals campaign, Friends of the Earth)

The NSW government is buying back Petroleum Exploration Licenses (PEL). We talk to  Louise Steer from Stop CSG Sydney about what it took to make it this far and what's next in the fight to rid Australia from fracking.Estimated millions of pieces of space debris are orbiting around the planet left over from space missions and satellites. Professor Steven Tingay, the director of the Curtin Institute of radio astronomy at Curtin University in Perth, talks to us about this problem and what his team of scientists in the Western Australian Desert were doing to track the debris.

On this week’s show we delve into the (not-so-fictional) universe of Cli-Fi, or climate change fiction. We hear from novelists Alice Robinson, and Naomi Oreskes.And later in the program, something that should be relegated to the world of fiction, but unfortunately is all too real. The duck shooting season has started again in Victoria, and so too has the campaign to stop it. We speak with Laurie Levy, long-time activist with the Coalition Against Duck Shooting.Guests: Alice Robinson (author and lecturer in creative writing at NMIT), Naomi Oreskes (author and Professor of the history of science at Harvard University), and Laurie Levy (Campaign Director at Coalition Against Duck Shooting).

This week on Earth Matters, we're tuning into Dr Vandana Shiva speaking in Sydney in February 2015.Dr Vandana Shiva is a scientist, ecologist, author and winner of the Sydney Peace Prize. She speaks about food sovereignty and seed freedom, the threats created by industrial globalised farming, industrial monocultures and the use of chemicals. She tells us about how genetic modification is first and foremost an industrial tool to collect royalties on seeds, monopolised by Monsanto and destroying farmers and biodiversity the world over. Find out more at www.vandanashiva.com and www.seedfreedom.info. The event "Planet on a Plate" was organised by the GM Free Australia Alliance and the Sydney Food Fairness Alliance.This week's show is #975 and was produced by Gem Romuld.

The Bunya Pine is an ancient and sacred tree. It's native to Cubbi Cubbi country in South East Queensland. It has long been an important food source for Aboriginal Australians and European colonisers are starting to catch onto the idea too. On this show we talk to Aunty Beverly Hand from Cubbi Cubbi country who organises the annual Bunya Dreaming; Patrick Evans from Maton who make a Bunya Pine Guitar; Bryant Wells the head chef at Tukka who cook with the Bunya Nut; Adam Burgess horticulturalist from the National Arboretum in Canberra which has a forest of 600 Bunya Pines; and Byron Joel who is a regenerative agricultural designer.Special permission given by Eliza Allard to podcast her song.