Womadelaide

How can Australia navigate its way to a low-carbon future in a way that builds a more inclusive economy and just society? The challenge is ensuring fairness so that workers, communities and everyday lives are supported through change, not sacrificed to it. Sharan Burrow, Karrina Nolan and Rebecca Huntley join Tory Shepherd to explore what a just transition really means and how we can seize the chance to make it fair for all.   WOMADelaide 2026 The Planet Talks Generously supported by Claire Pfister. Supported by: Environmental Defenders Office, Adelaide University and The Guardian  

Pacific communities have long led the global climate fight with courage, wisdom and moral clarity through advocacy, innovation and deep cultural knowledge. Although Australia’s hopes in hosting COP31 have been dashed, what opportunities remain to stand alongside the Pacific in genuine partnership? In what is bound to be a powerful and energetic conversation Moemoana Schwenke, Salā Dr. George Carter and ’Alopi Latukefu, guided by facilitator Tukini Tavui, share the myriad ways Pacific peoples have shaped and continue to shape the global response to climate change and what Australia must do to move beyond words to meaningful action.   WOMADelaide 2026 The Planet Talks Generously supported by Claire Pfister. Supported by: Environmental Defenders Office, Adelaide University and The Guardian  

In a world tilting toward ecological collapse and digital saturation, how do we hold fast to hope, justice, and our connection to the living world? Brave New Futures brings together Grace Vegesana, Richard King, and Claire Marshall for a dynamic conversation led by Lee Constable on envisioning positive futures and imagining them into being. From radical storytelling to ecological activism and speculative design, this session explores how we reconnect with the natural world while navigating the digital one and build a better tomorrow.   WOMADelaide 2026 The Planet Talks Generously supported by Claire Pfister. Supported by: Environmental Defenders Office, Adelaide University and The Guardian  

At a time when global crises demand collective action, public trust in traditional media and public institutions is eroding. In this timely panel, journalist Marian Wilkinson, author Don Watson and political scientist Christian Downie explore how disinformation, corporate influence, and identity politics are deepening polarisation. What does it take to rebuild trust, reclaim facts, and foster unity in an age of division? Join three of the sharpest minds working at the intersection of media, politics and language for a conversation about truth, power, and the fight for a livable future.   WOMADelaide 2026 The Planet Talks Generously supported by Claire Pfister. Supported by: Environmental Defenders Office, Adelaide University and The Guardian  

The Southern Ocean is calling, and its voice carries stories of change, resilience, and reckoning. In this evocative session, we explore the cultural memory, ecological shifts, and climate urgency shaping one of Earth’s most powerful oceans. From historical narratives to devastating modern algal blooms, and from polar expeditions to the futures of our coasts, this conversation invites us to reckon with and act to protect our deep blue seas. Proudly supported by the Environment Institute, Adelaide University and the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre.   WOMADelaide 2026 The Planet Talks Generously supported by Claire Pfister. Supported by: Environmental Defenders Office, Adelaide University and The Guardian  

Water is alive; with memory, voice, and rights. In this powerful session, Dan Hikuroa, Leah Barclay, and Grant Rigney explore how we can and must transform our relationship with rivers. From Indigenous law to ecological soundscapes to frontline water justice, they share stories, sounds and strategies for protecting waterways through more-than-human perspectives and First Nations leadership. Moderator Jo Shulman – CEO of the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO).   Proudly supported by the Environmental Defenders Office and the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre.   WOMADelaide 2026 The Planet Talks Generously supported by Claire Pfister. Supported by: Environmental Defenders Office, Adelaide University and The Guardian  

Speakers: Andry Sculthorpe, Cissy Gore-Birch, Katherine Moseby Facilitator: Andrew Lowe The earth is experiencing its sixth mass extinction event, with approximately one million species of plants and animals at risk of extinction globally. How can we stop this, and find a path towards a wilder world where nature returns? This session will explore rewilding, and what it could mean in Australia. Learn about exciting efforts across the country to bring species back from the brink, and bring life back to Australian landscapes. Presented with the Environment Institute

Saturday 8 March Speakers: Belinda Noble, Simon Holmes à Court, Ebony Bennett Facilitator: David Morris Greenwashing is on the rise, undermining our efforts to tackle big issues like climate change and biodiversity loss. How do we know that the positive stories we are told by companies and governments are genuine and not just a smokescreen for inaction, or worse? This session will explore what greenwashing is, how to spot it and how to fight it. Supported by the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre.

Saturday 8 March Speakers: Rachel Perkins, Tim Winton Facilitator: Natasha Mitchell What is the role of stories and storytellers in tackling the big issues?  Two of Australia’s best storytellers will explore how stories can be told in new ways to help Australia reckon with its past actions and attitudes towards the environment and First Nations people. How can storytellers help us imagine possible futures that will help orientate us going forward? Supported by the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre.

Monday 10 March Speakers: Helena Norberg-Hodge, Peter Martin, Warwick Smith Facilitator: Tory Shepherd Has globalisation made us healthier and happier? Has the global era of capitalism finally reached its end point and, if so, what comes next? This session will explore localisation movements around the world and how economic systems can be reshaped to be better for people and planet. This session will feature a keynote speech from award-winning linguist, author and film maker Helena Norberg-Hodge, a global pioneer in the localisation movement.

Monday 10 March  Speakers: Dr. Kumi Naidoo, Professor Naomi Oreskes Facilitator: Sarah Martin Despite governments around the world making commitments to climate action and investments in renewable energy, investments in fossil fuels are still at a record high. How can we chart a future that breaks from fossil fuels, and with the urgency that is needed? This session will explore the ways in which the fossil fuel industry is distracting and delaying, and look at the global efforts to cut our ties with fossil fuels for good. Supported by the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre.

Sunday 9 March  Speakers: Bhiamie Williamson, Elizabeth Mossop, Emma Bacon Facilitator: Julia Lester Extreme floods, storms, heatwaves and bushfires are on the rise in extent, intensity and frequency. How can Australian communities be better equipped to deal with a future of extremes as climate change gains momentum? Can our cities and towns be radically redesigned and retrofitted to cope? What is at stake and how far are we prepared to go? Presented with the Environment Institute

SPEAKERS Darryl Jones, Sheryn Pitman, Sarah Bekessy FACILITATOR Chris Daniels Imagine a world where cities are homes to thriving ecosystems of plants, animals and other life, and not just concrete metropolises. Australian cities have the potential to transform into nature wonderlands, but how can nature be better integrated within our towns and cities? What role do individuals, neighbourhoods and communities have to play? We will explore diverse approaches to greening our streets, towns and cities.   

SPEAKERS Abby Barrows, Vanessa Pirotta, Bronwyn Gillanders. HOST Clare Peddie Our oceans are in deep trouble, and facing threats and stressors on multiple fronts. From alarming rises in temperature to the tonnes of microplastics, the health and ongoing integrity of our marine environments are under severe threat. In addition noise pollution from seismic exploration and shipping disrupts the ability of marine animals to communicate. A powerhouse panel of marine biologists, who are using new technologies and citizen science to better understand these impacts, will discuss the different ways to advocate for the necessary change.   Presented in partnership with The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre

SPEAKERS Anote Tong, Yessie Mosby, Tishiko King Facilitator Tiahni Adamson Can Australia shift its global reputation from climate laggard to climate leader, and fulfill its hopes of co-hosting the 2026 UN Climate Change Conference with the Pacific? Although Australia has committed to net zero by 2050, it continues to approve new coal, oil and gas mines. It is now under increasing pressure from within the Pacific region and its own borders to commit to an end to the expansion of fossil fuels. Are we reaching a pivotal moment for climate action? Join a panel of Torres Strait and Pacific Islanders to hear first-hand about the growing climate movement emerging from our nearest islands.  

SPEAKERS Bob Brown, Elaine Johnson, Roj Amedi Facilitator Noah Schultz-Byard With protest laws tightening, misinformation campaigns on the rise, and the media landscape changing, what is the future of social and environmental activism? A discussion to explore the myriad ways there are to fight for change, whether it’s in the courtroom, at shareholder AGMs, in online communities or through targeted political and media stunts. 

SPEAKERS Andrew Skeoch, Simone Slattery, Anthony Albrecht.  HOST Shannon Evenden The soundscape of the natural world is rich with the voices of birds, insects and animals. What might these species have to say to us? Can listening to them help us learn not only how to care for them, but how to create a ‘culture of care’ for nature? Can listening help create stronger emotional connections between humans and the natural world?   Featuring multimedia presentations from one of Australia’s most prolific nature-sound recordists Andrew Skeoch and music duo the Bowerbird Collective. Have you ever heard humans perform a dawn chorus of birdsong? Come along and hear for yourself.   

SPEAKERS Joe Morrison, Kate Andrews, Ariadne Gorring, Martine Maron HOST Andrew Lowe How can our nation transform from being a global leader in species extinction to a global leader in nature regeneration? The term Nature Positive has snuck into the conversation and sounds like a good thing, but what does it really mean? Could it be a game-changer or is it just another buzzword, or worse, yet another form of greenwashing.  Australia will host the first Global Nature Positive Summit in October 2024, and governments and businesses are starting to incorporate ideas of Nature Positive into the way they operate. Hear from a range of experts on what this means for our environment, and how we can help build momentum for Nature Positive ideas to help restore and regenerate Australia’s fragile ecosystems and deliver positive outcomes for First Nations people. 

SPEAKERS Alice Jones, Steve Meller and Catriona Mcleod HOST Nikolai Beilharz With thousands of kilometres of coastline, a tradition of seaweed use going back thousands of years, increasing demand for sustainable foods and products, and the capacity to contribute to regenerating ecosystems, is Australia ready to take advantage of this opportunity?  In the Blue Economy, something as simple as seaweed could provide new opportunities for regional communities as well as climate solutions. Featuring entrepreneur Steve Meller and marine researchers Alice Jones and Catriona Macleod, hosted by ABC 891s breakfast presenter Nikolai Beilharz. Supported by The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre Proudly presented by The Environment Institute

SPEAKERS Eytan Lenko, Polly Hemming and Brynn O'Brien  HOST Maree Lowes  Reaching net zero by 2050 is now law of the land for Australia. But how are we going to get there? With policy slowly or totally failing to make change fast enough, some businesses, industries and financial institutions have started to set the path for themselves, or face pressure from stakeholders to do so. So when it comes to government versus industry, who is leading who on the race to net zero?  We speak with Eytan Lenko, CEO of Boundless, the philanthropic organisation funded by Mike-Cannon Brookes Green Fund, Polly Hemming, Climate & Energy Program Director at The Australia Institute and Executive Director of the Australasian Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility Brynn O’Brien.   Proudly presented by The Australia Institute    Supported by Dr Bronner's