TRACK CHANGES - chats with climate change and sustainability experts
Track Changes features conversations with climate change and sustainability experts and activists. The podcast covers topics like carbon pollution reduction and nature conservation. It is hosted by Murray Griffin, founder of climate communications consultancy Earthed.au, and sustainability consultant Franziska Curran. The show includes regular discussions with Mark Tilly, Asia Pacific editor of Carbon Pulse and Biodiversity Pulse. Aimed at professionals in the climate and sustainability field, it also welcomes those curious about the topic.
Episodes
Built-in emissions: How to cut embodied carbon
We've demolished one part of the sprawling Track Changes podcasting studio - and we've found two top experts willing to give us pro bono advice on doing our rebuild in a sustainable way! In this special episode, WWF Australia's Monica Richter and TTW Hannah Jones take us through all the steps involved in designing and building a project with less embodied carbon - and they explain why it matters.
ISO's net zero standard: Five things you need to know
In June 2026 the ISO Net Zero Aligned Organisations Standard was released for public comment, after a lengthy consensus-based process building on the 2022 ISO Net Zero Guidelines. In this pod episode, Kurt Winter joins us to unpack 5 key aspects to the Net Zero Aligned Organisations Standard; from transition planning, linking to global net zero, and pathways, we dive into the detail underpinning t
What next for the Safeguard Mechanism?: Cutting Australia's industrial emissions
In this panel-pod, three guests discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the reformed Safeguard Mechanism - Australia's main policy for cutting industrial greenhouse gas emissions. You'll hear how their views of the Safeguard have evolved, their thoughts on the policy's strengths and weaknesses, and their suggestions on how it could be improved. Joining the panel are Tejesh Kashyap, policy and res
Bonus episode! Sustainability Business Live
In this bonus episode, we take the Track Changes roving mic to Sustainability Business Live, Australia's largest corporate sustainability event. The conference component of Sustainability Business Live featured speakers including Matt Kean, chair of the Climate Change Authority, electrification guru Dr Saul Griffith, Dr Matthew Bell, global head of sustainability consultancy Anthesis, Ronni Kahn A
The climate change dejargonator: With Mark Tilly
The Track Changes science and technology division has invented the dejargonator - and Carbon Pulse Asia Pacific editor Mark Tilly has bravely agreed to test it out! We put this episode together because we enjoy hearing climate and environment professionals talking plainly about what they know. And we like hearing them explain difficult concepts (like carbon markets). Mark is a terrific communicato
Environmental wins and successes
In these times, we need to celebrate the wins - and that's what we've done in this 'open mic' episode! It's a mix of short audio clips from contributors, and street vox pops - and it's about success in all its forms. Some of the things you'll hear about are individual actions, some are larger scale programs, and one is a mighty initiative that left Franziska and I almost awestruck. Anyway, enjoy
Türkiye's approach to climate change: ClientEarth's Gizem Koç
What has shaped Türkiye's approach to climate change? In this episode, ClientEarth's Gizem Koç chats to us about recent changes in Türkiye's climate law and policy, and the drivers of those changes (including the EU's Green Deal). In the lead-up to the UN's COP31 climate summit - which will be hosted by Türkiye - Gizem also talks about environmental litigation in Türkiye, the role of non-governmen
Powering past consensus: Climate lawyer Harj Narulla
If you like Track Changes, please rate us and review us on your pod platform, so more people hear about our show! In this episode, leading international climate barrister Harj Narulla calls UN climate summits a "big, messy jamboree", and talks about why we need them, and why they aren't enough. Harj - who represented the Solomon Islands in a landmark climate change case before the International
What is heavy industry doing to cut emissions? What more can it do?
We've got some real heavyweights talking about cutting CO2 and methane emissions from heavy industry - Margi Johnson (Australian Aluminium Council), Ben McGarry (Aurecon), and Trent Hawkins (ERM). They're a very talented crew, each with hands-on experience, and each with a deep knowledge of 'big picture' factors that influence business decision-making on cutting emissions that cause climate change
State and territory climate and sustainability developments in 2026
An update on what to expect from Australian states and territories on the climate change, sustainability, and waste management front in 2026. Which state has an approach to climate change and sustainability that would make great fodder for a standalone true crime podcast? Which one has an approach that would make for a great wellness podcast? Which state isn't reviewing its framework environment
Net zero or real zero? Which climate pollution target is best? An open mic episode!
Net zero or real zero? This 'open mic' episode features short audio clips from a range of people, giving their views. Then podcast hosts Dr Franziska Curran and Murray Griffin weigh in with their views. Is one concept a misguided fantasy, and the other our best hope? Or are both concepts useful? Tune in to find out! If you like this episode, don't forget to rate it on your favourite pod platform
What we got from the COP30 climate summit, what we need from COP31
Featuring a chat with Carbon Pulse North America editor Allison Gacad, and Carbon Pulse Asia Pacific editor Mark Tilly. Allison and Mark discuss the highs and lows of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, and chat about what they'd like to see from the Turkiye-Australia-Pacific COP31. Can next year's TAPCOP stare down the fossil fuel interests that managed to keep a fossil phasedown out of the COP30
The world's newest (and prize-winning) environmental treaty - protecting our high seas
The world's newest environmental treaty will protect the high seas - those parts of the ocean that belong to no nation. These marine waters extend over about half the planet. This ambitious treaty recently won the world's most prestigious environmental prize - the Earthshot prize for reviving our oceans. The prize was accepted on behalf of the treaty by the director of the High Seas Alliance - Reb
Ralph Regenvanu: Protecting an Amazon-sized ocean expanse
The proposed Melanesian Ocean Reserve is an ambitious proposal to protect more than six million square kilometres of incredibly biodiverse ocean, centred on the waters of Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and New Caledonia. In this episode, we talk to globally renowned politician Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu's Climate Change and Environment Minister, who is playing a leading role in brin
What to expect from the COP30 climate summit
Will the UN COP30 climate summit in Belem, Brazil, be a success? Will it be a COP that explicitly aims for 'Tropical Forests Forever' and tacitly leaves the world in a 'fossil fuels forever' mindset? Or will it be a COP where there is action across the board? And what is likely to happen on the crucial issue of providing finance to developing countries to help them reduce emissions and adapt to cl
The Queensland LNP's energy rogue map
It's important to face up to the destructive nature of the Queensland LNP's so-called energy roadmap, and related LNP moves that make it much harder for renewable energy projects to get assessed, let alone approved. The LNP has gone rogue on energy, barely maintaining any pretence of treating the renewables sector fairly. And if there is to be an energy transition in Queensland, it will be despit
How some industry groups slow climate action (and which ones do it)
Some industry groups have for years succeeded in undermining effective climate policies. And there's no sign of them stopping. In this episode, Christian Downie discusses his impressive work on how these industry associations operate - and his findings on the eye-watering amounts of money they spend. Plus we do a deep dive on some of them - including the Australian Energy Producers, and the Minera
Decarbonising commercial shipping (using wind, not green ammonia or methanol)
The most feasible short-term approach to decarbonising commercial shipping is not green ammonia or green methanol - and definitely not LNG - it's wind, says Andrew Dickson. Andrew has worked on big solar, hydrogen and wind projects, and he reckons high-tech wind assisted shipping propulsion is the easiest place to start. That's because scaling green maritime fuels - while it needs to be done - is
Liars and blockers: The rising threat of climate disinformation and misinformation
A panel-pod on the scourge of climate disinformation and misinformation - "the firehose of falsehoods" as one panellist poetically puts it! We need to understand which groups are running climate change disinformation and misinformation campaigns - and who is funding them - if we are to make progress. "We don't need to change the minds of everyone in society to get climate action - we just need to
How (and why) NSW's EPA is stepping up on CO2 and methane
Tony Chappel, chief executive of the NSW EPA, talks about the authority's groundbreaking new proposals to help make sure NSW meets its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. Tony talks about the steps the NSW EPA will take to ensure large emitters cut carbon pollution, and to make sure these companies tell the public what they emit and what they're doing about it. And he talks about how the N
President José Ramos-Horta: Development in a time of climate change and disruption
A wide-ranging interview with Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta. The President talks about climate change, the country's oil and gas reserves, and the nation's support for the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty initiative. And he also talks about inequities in the global financial system, as well as his expectations for this year's UN 'COP30' climate summit, and next year's 'COP31' summit.
Cheaper, cleaner energy and net zero: The Productivity Commission view
In this episode, Productivity Commissioner Barry Sterland chats about the Commission's new, interim clean energy and net zero report - and he touches on the other major new Commission report he has co-authored, on tax and regulatory reform. Tune in to hear what this very productive Productivity Commissioner - who is one of Australia's top climate and economic policy experts - has to say about the
Climate change and sustainability road trip!
This episode is a 'road trip' around Australia in the 'Track Changes' classic ute exploring what states and territories are doing (or undoing) on climate change and sustainability! And it includes stopover chats with SA Deputy Premier Susan Close, The Next Economy chief executive Lizzie Webb, and Jarrod Leak, chief executive of the Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity. Buckle up and find o
Climate change activists who left fossil firms
The three talented and insightful climate change activists/energy experts in this panel episode can see right through oil and gas industry spin - and that's because each of them used to work for a fossil fuel company. You'll hear from Lindsey Gulden (formerly of Exxon, now with US-based Leg Up Data), Greg Bourne (ex-BP and now a Climate Council councillor after stints heading environment group WWF
Small reductions by big emitters
Around the world, national governments - and sometimes state governments - operate emissions trading schemes that apply to businesses emitting large amounts of dangerous greenhouse gas. Australia's program is called the Safeguard Mechanism, and it covers just over 200 factories, mines, and fossil fuel power stations. Is the Safeguard tough enough? Should it be expanded to cover more sites? What wi
Climate activism for these times: Bill McKibben and Kafia Ahmed
Where should climate activists focus their attention now, in these difficult and frightening times? How can we make fossil fuel companies stop polluting, when they show no signs of doing so? And what changes are making it easier for activists to gain traction? In this episode, we hear from Bill McKibben and Kafia Ahmed, who have years of activism experience and are deep thinkers about these issue
Working in ESG: wages, conditions, and high-demand skills
A hybrid episode based on the findings of a survey of 1,800 practitioners by specialist ESG recruitment agency Talent Nation. There's some fascinating insights into trends in the ESG sector in this episode. For example: People are more likely to stay put in their jobs than in the previous year or two, with the exception of early career professionals. Very few early career professionals consider t
Carbon credits (yes, we do need them)
Yes, we do need carbon credits to successfully fight climate change. Despite what some say, there's no evidence that we can raise sufficient finance to successfully fight climate change without using them. And there's no way to fully decarbonise at speed without bringing them into play. However, those involved in their creation, purchase, or use need to follow what is now well-established guidanc
Direct air capture of CO2 - a new global role for Australia?
Could Australia's future as a renewable energy superpower encompass providing Direct Air Capture services to major international companies? Find out in this chat with two direct air capture (DAC) experts - Julian Turecek, chief executive of Australian start-up AspiraDAC, and Professor Deanna D'Alessandro, director of Sydney University's Net Zero Institute. Find out how DAC works, the state of play
How drones help us protect the environment and fight climate change
Three fab guests for this new episode - talking about the use of drones to protect the environment and fight climate change! James Schultz is the co-founder and chief executive of GreenCollar, Australia's largest provider of nature-based carbon abatement. Cam Baker is co-founder and chief executive of NZ-based EnvicoTech, a global drone company. And Joss Crawford is executive director of operation
What's coming up on climate change and sustainability in 2025
In this episode, I run through upcoming climate and sustainability developments in each Australian jurisdiction. There's a lot happening on climate, biodiversity and waste! As well providing a detailed outline of legislative and policy developments, I allocate a word or phrase that in some way captures the performance of each jurisdiction. Find out why I've called one state "the comfort zone", why
Geoengineering through solar radiation modification - a last chance option?
There is no doubt that we have the means and the knowledge to rapidly decarbonise, reach net zero, and become net negative. But success is not guaranteed. If we falter over the coming years, could geoengineering through solar radiation modification be a last chance option? Might we reach the point where we need to cool the planet, to give us a bit more breathing space while we decarbonise? Is it
International trade and climate policy; plus going feral
"We are not getting to net zero, we are not going to meet our climate goals, unless we deal with the emissions associated with international trade." Emma Aisbett. A double-header episode, firstly covering climate change and international trade, then an update efforts to better manage a key threat to Australia's biodiversity. Preventing catastrophic climate change requires a new approach to interna
COP29 wrap: A surprise, a superfan, and Singapore
In this episode, find out from Evan Stamatiou what has prompted the Global South to become more enthusiastic about carbon markets. And hear his thoughts on the COP 'beehive', as well as on the importance of COP-complementary action, as demonstrated by regional leaders such as Singapore. And for all you wonks out there who think you understand the Paris Agreement's Article 6 international cooperat
COP29: Peter Castellas on carbon markets and climate finance
This COP29 episode is a chat with Peter Castellas, chief executive of Climate Zeitgeist. Peter founded Climate Zeitgeist to catalyse investment in business solutions that address climate change. Its activities include the annual Climate Investor Forum, which connects investors and climate change solutions providers. Peter talks about the COP, with a strong focus on progress being made on rules for
COP29 mix-tape: Vox pops from the delegates pavilion
Vox pops are journalism's equivalent of bungee jumping - you take a leap forward and hope for the best! I wandered the corridors of the large area allocated for organisation and country pavilions at COP29, asking representatives about their work, and about their focus at the COP. You'll hear from people working on issues including health, adaptation, risk communication, solar energy, transition p
COP29: Richie Merzian - from negotiator to clean energy advocate
Richie Merzian is currently the chief executive of Australia's Clean Energy Investor Group, which represents investors in the clean energy transition. He is also a former member of Australia's negotiating team, so he can talk about the COP from both sides of the fence. In this wide-ranging episode Richie explains how the negotiations operate, and describes what clean energy investors can bring to
COP 29: Leaders of today and tomorrow
This episode is a two-parter - the first part featuring leaders of today, and the second featuring leaders of tomorrow. First up, you'll hear from three speakers at the leaders segment that kicked off COP29 - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the UN's chief climate scientist Jim Skea, and the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley. (I'm a big fan of Prime Minister Mottley, and you'll unde
COP 29 - damaged, but not lost: We can still do this!
The episode features Kesaya Baba, who is heading up WWF Australia's delegation to the COP, and Mark Tilly, Asia Pacific editor of Carbon Pulse. There's excellent comments and insights from both. Yes, Trump's election win has damaged the mood of the COP, and the damage might extend beyond the atmospherics to some key issues that are the focus of the negotiations, as Mark explains. But not everythi
Good, but not great?
Australia's big emitters must play their part in the push to net zero. But how effective is the national policy designed to rein in their emissions, known as the reformed Safeguard Mechanism? Safeguard experts Thomas Hodgson and Dr Franziska Curran of sustainability consultancy Anthesis Group score and dissect the scheme, and suggest ways it could be improved. Find out where the "magic" lies in
Food's $1 billion man
Coverage of the AltProteins 24 conference, hosted by the Australian/NZ Food Frontier think-tank. Includes comments from food's $1 billion man - Dr Andy Jarvis, director of the Bezos Earth Fund's 'Future of Food' program, which has committed $1 billion to help transform food and agricultural systems to support healthy lives, without degrading the planet. Plus vox pops from conference delegates, and
Susan Brown: How international sustainability negotiations are evolving
An interview with international advocacy and diplomacy expert Susan Brown, who is shortly taking up the post of UNDP Assistant Administrator, and Director of its External Affairs and Advocacy Bureau. Speaking in a personal capacity, Susan describes how international sustainability/sustainable development negotiations are evolving, and discusses what it takes to have a positive impact on negotiati
Trailer
We're all on the same planet, but we're not all on the same page. In fact, really, I think this is the critical decade in more than one way. Yes, it's definitely the critical decade in terms of being the last chance to rescue our climate, our natural environment, and our wellbeing. But it's the critical decade in another way, too. Many people working in climate change and sustainability operate w
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