Earth Matters

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  Nature in the City 06.09.2026

  Many of us talk about nature as something that exists away from people, outside cities. For the vast quantity of us who call urban environments home, this makes it hard to appreciate, connect with, and work to protect the complex and remarkable web of life that surrounds us. What other stories can we tell, that embrace the multispecies liveliness of the urban community? How might you fight for its health and biodiversity? On this show, Mia interviews Dr Kylie Soanes, a research fellow based at the University of Melbourne who’s finding innovative ways to encourage urban biodiversity. Then, we hear a group of children from Camp Kinderland—a summer camp in western Massachusetts—reflect on their relationships to nature in New York City.  Banner image by Ana from Camp Kinderland. -------------------------------------------------------------- Dr Kylie Soanes is a conservation biologist with her sights set on saving species in cities and towns. Kylie is based at the University of Melbourne where she completed her PhD in 2015, building rope bridges to help endangered possums cross busy highways. A skilled science communicator, Kylie shares her passion for nature conservation with broader audiences through the media such as The Conversation, The Guardian and ABC Radio National, public talks and her research blog. Ana, Juniper, Eliza, Huxley, Sima and Kayden are attendees of Camp Kinderland, a summer camp in western Massachusetts with a Communist history and a unique political education program. Information on the Chipko movement, which Eliza mentions during her story: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chipko-movement  John Oldham Park, which Kylie mentions as a favourite urban nature spot: https://visitperth.com/see-and-do/parks-gardens-and-reserves/venues/john-oldham-park More on the Birarrung trial floating wetlands: https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/birrarung-trial-floating-wetlands  Earth Matters #1573 was produced by Mia Audrey on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country.
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  Data Centres Part 2: Are They Really That Bad? 30.08.2026

  Off the back of part one—an interview with independent climate expert Ketan Joshi last month—Mia brings in other perspectives on the data centre boom.  You’ll hear from Professor Priya Rajagopalan of RMIT Univeristy; Dr. Thomas Nann, CEO of Allegro Energy and a globally recognised expert on long-duration energy storage.; and Britney Henderson, Greens candidate for the western metropolitan region in Victoria’s upcoming state election and a vocal opponent to the major data centre expansion in Narrm/melbourne’s west. Guests: Professor Priya Rajagopalan is the Director of the Post Carbon Research Centre for Infrastructure and the Built Environment and Associate Dean (Research and Innovation) in the school of Property, Construction and Project Management at RMIT University. She is a building scientist with extensive experience in energy and indoor environmental quality of buildings and urban climatology. Dr Thomas Nann is a globally recognised expert and pioneer on micro-emulsion storage technology. He can speak about long-duration energy storage, climate policy and data centre energy profiles as well as Australia’s clean energy future. Britney Henderson is the Greens’ Lead Candidate for Western Metropolitan in Victoria. She is a Bunurong person living and raised in Narrm (melbourne)’s West, by a big, staunch queer Aboriginal family. Links: Wiki community for the campaign for a data centre moratorium: https://datacentremoratorium.net/index.php/Data_Centre_Moratorium_Wiki:About(link is external) Western Warrang (sydney) resistance: https://swelteringcities.org/2026/04/21/data-centres-ai-urban-heat-and-community-action-comes-together-in-western-sydney/(link is external) Petition: Stop the expansion of data centres in New South Wales: https://www.megaphone.org.au/petitions/halt-the-expansion-of-data-centres-in-nsw Petition: Stop the AI Data Centre Frenzy: https://greens.org.au/vic/campaigns/stop-ai-data-centre-frenzy  Earth Matters #1572 was produced by Mia Audrey on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country.
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  The Importance of Protecting Dingoes 23.08.2026

  This program is all about the important role dingoes have in the environment. We were joined by Co-Founder of the Dingo Conservancy Jo Samuel-King. She shed light on the difficulties in protecting dingoes, their lack of protections, common misconceptions and how beneficial they are in ecosystems. To find more information search The Dingo Conservancy on Facebook or go to dingoes.net We then hear from Sonya Grant, First Nations dingo coordinator from the organisation Dingo Culture. She speaks on the connection First Nations peoples have with dingoes, explaining how First Nations Rangers traditionally survey for dingoes and debunks the “wild dog” theory.For more information go to dingoculture.com
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  US offshore mineral extraction in American Samoa waters. / Human rights abuses and deforestation for sugar in West Papua 16.08.2026

  Interviewed by Priya Kunjan, Dr Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka, founder of youth-centred environmental organization Finafinau, joins us from Pago Pago to discuss recent progress in the United States government's moves to advance offshore mineral extraction in the waters off American Samoa in the face of significant resistanceSabrina spoke with us about the cultural and environmental impacts that deep sea mining for critical minerals will cause, and the ongoing fight to prevent this from happening in the waters off the islands of American Samoa. Interviewed by Priya Kunjan, Louise Byrne of the West Papua Women's Office discusses the connections between Sugar Research Australia, the Indonesian sugar industry, and alleged rights abuses and illegal deforestation in Merauke, West Papua. In December 2025, Greenpeace published the report 'Sweet Promises, Bitter Reality: Inside the Merauke Sugarcane Project' detailing serious concerns about the role of the Indonesian state and agribusiness in land theft and mass deforestation in Merauke. More recently, Royce Kurmelovs of Deepcut News has written about the connections between the Australian government-funded body Sugar Research Australia and land clearing in Merauke. Louise has been working for West Papua's freedom and self-determination since 1999, and helped found the West Papua Office in Docklands in 2014. Utube Video Pesta Babi: Kolonialisme di Zaman Kita (Pig Feast: Colonialism in Our Time), an investigative documentary examining contemporary colonialism, militarisation, and large‑scale development projects in West Papua YouTube . For more information, you can visit the West Papua Women's Office at 211/838 Collins Street, Docklands 3008 (VIC), and contact them at [email protected](link sends e-mail) or via SMS at 0424 745 155. I would like to acknowledge the Kulin Nation – true owners, caretakers and custodians of the land from which we broadcast. 3CR pays respect to Elders, past and present of the Kulin Nation. We recognise their unceded sovereignty.Earth Matters #1570 was produced on Widjibul Weiable lands in the Budjalumg Nation by Bec Horridge   
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  Great Barrier Reef: A divers tale. [and transcript] 16.08.2026

  We delve into the critical state of the Great Barrier Reef through the lens of Tony Fonts, President of the Whitsunday Conservation Council and a veteran diver with 45 years of immersive experience. Tony upacks the impacts of poor water quality, unsustainable fishing practices and that: "the greatest threat to the reef by far is climate change."He describes the devastating effects of coral bleaching he witnessed firsthand.He also comments on the new federal nature laws and the Queensland "fast-track development bill that threatens to dismantle critical environmental protections, eroding public consultation and transparency. "It's not too late. Every little bit of a degree that we pull back on gives the Great Barrier Reef... a better chance of a good future." Earth Matters #1569 was produced on Widjibul Weiable lands in the Budjalumg Nation by Bec Horridge 
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  Data Centres Part 1: Energy Vampires 02.08.2026

  By now you would have heard the news: data centres are threatening to unravel the progress we’ve made on emissions reductions, as well as the health of communities throughout the continent. In fact, so-called Australia is a global investment hotspot, with 162 data centres in operation and at least 90 more on the way.  On today’s show, we’ll hear from a global expert on the newest and most ferocious force in this race towards disaster – AI data centres. Ketan Joshi is an independent climate, environment and sustainability expert, and lead author of a recent Greenpeace report entitled ‘Energy Vampires: The AI Data Centres Draining Australia’. Tune in for a confronting look at the disaster unfolding around us, and what to do if a climate-wrecking data farm pops up in your neighbourhood.    Ketan Joshi is an independent climate, environment and sustainability expert. He was the lead author on “The AI Climate Hoax”, published with several corporate accountability and environmental groups in 2026, and previously wrote “Windfall: Unlocking a Fossil Free Future” with the University of New South Wales Press. He worked for eight years in Australia’s renewable energy sector (corporate and government), and has worked with European NGOs working on climate communications and corporate accountability. ‘Energy Vampires’ report: https://www.greenpeace.org.au/static/planet4-australiapacific-stateless/2026/05/1032fdf5-data-centres-report-greenpeace.pdf 'The AI Climate Hoax’ report: https://beyondfossilfuels.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AI-for-climate-claims-Report_FEB-2026_FINAL-2-16.pdf Rally for a data centre moratorium, August 9 in western Narrm (melbourne): https://www.facebook.com/events/1628575625533388/ Wiki community for the campaign for a data centre moratorium: https://datacentremoratorium.net/index.php/Data_Centre_Moratorium_Wiki:About  Western Warrang (sydney) resistance: https://swelteringcities.org/2026/04/21/data-centres-ai-urban-heat-and-community-action-comes-together-in-western-sydney/ Petition: Stop the expansion of data centres in New South Wales: https://www.megaphone.org.au/petitions/halt-the-expansion-of-data-centres-in-nsw  Earth Matters #1568 was produced by Mia Audrey on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country.
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  30th anniversary special: Earth Matters founder Juliet Fox looks back on 30-years 26.07.2026

  The first episode of Earth Matters aired on the 26th of July 1996 - exactly 30 years ago this week! In this special anniversary episode* we time warp back thirty years and listen to excerpts from the first ever episode of Earth Matters broadcast on 26 July 1996. We speak to founder and inaugural presenter/producer Juliet Fox – now Projects Coordinator at 3CR – who shares her memories of the first show as well as the role the programme has played in the broader environmental movement across three decades. Guests: Captain Derek Nicholls, Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior II talks about the boat’s drift fishing campaign work and energy sources. Murrandoo Yanner, then CEO of the Carpentaria Land Council about the CRA RTZ Century zinc mine in Queensland. Juliet Fox, founder and inaugural presenter/producer of Earth Matters, now Projects Coordinator at 3CR community radio in Naarm. *This is an extended version of the broadcast. Runtime 33-minutes. Further reading: https://www.clcac.com.au/native-title/our-story/02 https://www.greenpeace.org.au/article/the-rainbow-warrior-ii-retires/https://www.greenpeace.org.au/learn/bombing-of-the-rainbow-warrior/      
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  Art of Resistance Tour Protests on BHP's Olympic Dam Mine & Woomera Testing Range 19.07.2026

  In July 2026 activists and artists from across so-called Australia came together, forming a collective known as the Art of Resistance Tour. The group traveled across the desert with the intention to protest militarism and extractivism with art and performance.We hear from activists at these protests shedding light on the impact BHP's Olympic Dam Mine has on sacred mound springs on Arabunna country, as well as the impacts it is having on neighbouring sacred Kokatha country. Activists on the tour also visit the nearby Woomera Testing Range, located in South Australia on sacred Kokatha country, highlighting the global and local repercussions of the military weapons that are being tested on this site.  The Art of Resistance Tour later joined up with the Close Pine Gap convergence in Mparntwe, Alice Springs - look back on the convergence last week, and The Art of Resistance tour at closepinegap.org.au and  instagram.com/art.ofresistance/   Earth Matters #1566 was produced by Hannah York  
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  Call for Richmond River Koala Parks /Spotlight on Australian Supers climate cop-out. 04.07.2026

  Earth Matters Bec Horridge meets a persistent team: Fridays 4 Forests [ Facebook] who regularly protest outside Janelle Saffin MP's office in Lismore on Friday. They are calling for the creation of the Richmond River Koala Parks and to "Stop Native Forest Logging".Then we meet climate campaigner Brett, from Market Forces who dresses as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz to call out Australian Super's climate cop-out.  Australian Super has become the largest shareholder in Whitehaven Coal, which has plans to develop up to six new or expanded coal mines in New South Wales and Queensland.  This investment is seen as inconsistent with Australian Super's own net zero and Paris Agreement climate commitments. LinksRichmond River Koala Parks: NSW Nature Conservation Council 
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  30th Birthday Special: Goolengook Blockade Reflections 28.06.2026

  Earth Matters 30th Birthday Special: Goolengook Blockade Reflections  This month in June, Earth Matters has turned 30 years old, and our proud partner 3cr Community Radio also celebrates their 50th Birthday. To celebrate these important milestones we have been going through our archives.  In this episode we hear the first Earth Matters host, Juliet Fox at the Goolengook blockades, in East Gippsland, 1997. Many activists from across Australia went to this remote forest to fight against clear fell logging, which was Australia's longest running forest blockade.  Juliet speaks about her history with Earth Matters and how it all started and how reporting on environmental activism was back then. Fiona York gives an update on how the forests in Errinundra are now after years of tireless campaigning to protect it, her relationship with Earth Matters and how it impacted the campaign at the time.  Juliet Fox -  a community media coordinator and researcher who has decades long experience in radio production, presentation, media project design and coordination. She is also a writer, researcher and lecturer, and is passionate about alternative media covering issues that mainstream media doesn't.  Fiona York - Has been an activist and organiser with the Goongerah Environment Centre for over 30 years, she also volunteers with community organisations and currently works in housing for older people Earth Matters #1562 was produced by Hannah York on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country
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  30th Birthday Special: Close Pine Gap 21.06.2026

  This year, Earth Matters is thirty years old! And 3CR, our proud parent, is 50 years old! We’re celebrating by digging into the archives, tipping our hat to past presenters who paved the way with hard-hitting and crucial content on environmental current affairs. Have you heard of Pine Gap? Most likely you have. You may even have heard about the fight against the construction of the US military base in the mid-80s. In this episode we’ll take a trip to those days, before even Earth Matters was born. It’s a fight that’s continued in different forms and been covered on this show over its decades, that sits at the intersection of land rights, militarism, anti-nuclear campaigning and global imperialism.  Importantly, it’s also a topical one – in just under a month, activists will once more converge for the Close Pine Gap Sacred Land Back convergence in Mparntwe Alice Springs to keep alive the flame of resistance that was lit all those years ago. More on the Close Pine Gap - Sacred Land Bank Covergence: https://closepinegap.org.au/Earth Matters #1561 was produced by Mia Audrey on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country.
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  Earth Matters Live Radiothon Show 14.06.2026

  Earth Matters presents a live show in the studios of 3CR in Fitzroy Naarm to raise funds for our broadcasting. Earth Matters presenters Kieran Stewart-Assherton, Mia Audrey and Claudia Craig together with past producer Judith Peppard are joined on phone by Bec Horridge and Hannah York for a live to air Radiothon broadcast.Also on the show we hear from campaigners Cam Walker (Friends of the Earth) and Jordan Crook (Victorian National Parks Association). They share some of the programme's unique attributes and contributions to the environmental advocacy landscape.Past EM producers Jacob Gamble and Eiddwen Jeffrey share their memories and favourite stories.In 2026 Earth Matters celebrates 30-years of broadcast and 3CR celebrates 50-years. Let's celebrate together!You can DONATE HERE to help 3CR and Earth Matters stay on air or call the station on 03 9419 8377 during business hours Monday - Friday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.
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  30th Birthday Special: The Jabiluka Blockade 14.06.2026

  To celebrate 30 years of Earth Matters, Mia digs into the archives and presents a special feature on a historic milestone: the Jabiluka blockade. You'll hear former presenter Juliet Fox interviewing Jane Weepers, spokesperson for the Jabiluka Alliance, on the first day of the blockade in March 1998; and audio from the road trip to the proposed uranium mine site organised by the Australian Student Environment Network the year before, in mid-1997.More on the Jabiluka blockade: https://commonslibrary.org/the-jabiluka-blockade-22-years-on/ Earth Matters #1560 was produced by Mia Audrey on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country.
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  Part 2 Exploring Extreme Heat: The Mental Health Impacts of Heat 31.05.2026

  Content WarningThe episode mentions domestic and sexual violence, and online hate in this episode which might be distressing for some listeners. Later on there is a more in-depth discussion of mental illness including suicidal ideation. The presenter announces when the more in-depth discussion begins and provides support service contacts for anyone needing help at the end of the show. Part 2 Exploring Extreme Heat: Mental Health How does heat affect the way we think, feel, and behave? Today on Earth Matters we continue our exploration of the impacts of extreme heat on Australian lives. We look at how hot weather affects physical health and mental health, as well as secondary impacts like increased domestic violence and online hate speech.  We learn of an alarming trend of increased mental health emergency presentations among young people during warm and hot weather and the importance of maintaining mental health care including medications during these times. Guests:  Kellie Caught, Programme Director for Climate and Energy at the Australian Council of Social Service.Dr Cybele Dey, member of Doctors for the Environment Australia and child and adolescent psychiatrist working in the Sydney Children's Hospital Network. Episode #1558: Producer/presenter: Claudia CraigPhoto image: Tatiana Syrikova Crisis numbers and support LIFELINE 13 11 14 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732 | or visit1800respect.org.au   First Peoples support: 13YARN: 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.auYarning Safe'n'Strong: 1800 959 563 Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au Suicide Call Back Service  1300 659 467 For anyone in immediate danger call Triple Zero 000.   Resources https://www.dea.org.au/how_climate_change_affects_mental_health_in_australia https://www.acoss.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Heat-in-Homes-Digital-1.0.pdf DEA Heat Health Fact Sheet:https://assets.nationbuilder.com/docsenvaus/pages/382/attachments/original/1730167589/Heat_Health_Fact_Sheet_DEA_Oct_2024.pdf?1730167589  Missed Part One of the Exploring Extreme Heat series?  Catch up by podcast here: Part One Exploring Extreme Heat.
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  Fire Scientists on Impacts of Planned Burns in Wet Forests 24.05.2026

  This week on Earth Matters, Hannah speaks with fire scientist Phil Zylstra about the large planned burn that took place in the Snowy River National Park.  He speaks on the ecological impacts planned burns have on wet forest ecosystems and how Forest Fire Management Victoria is escalating the impacts of fires in the long-term.  We also hear from activist and organiser Violet Coco on fuel breaks mimicking the logging-past of Victoria, with some motivating words on fighting for forest protection.  Links:  https://www.geco.org.au/https://www.victorianforestalliance.org.au/   Earth Matters #1557 was produced by Hannah York on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country.
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  Conservation: Back2Basics 17.05.2026

  This episode of Earth Matters examines the ecological crisis unfolding across this continent, from the destruction of the Victorian Volcanic Plains to extinction, land clearing, invasive species and climate change. It explores the responsibilities people hold in response, including First Nations obligations to Country grounded in lore, kinship and cultural practice, alongside the broader responsibilities people have to future generations, clean water, food systems and ecological survival.The episode also focuses on practical action and environmental restoration at the local level. It looks at ways people can contribute through learning about ecosystems, planting indigenous species, supporting conservation groups, restoring habitat and reducing environmental harm within their own communities. It also examines the impacts of invasive plants and roaming domestic cats on native wildlife, and the importance of realistic but active approaches to ecological repair.
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  Sooty on the High Court win that affirms right for third parties with a "special interest" to take Forestry Corporation to court while 15 year old Jesinta calls for more relevant environmental education in schools. [with transcript] 10.05.2026

  Sooty from South East Forest Rescue shares a significant legal win in the High Court, which affirmed the right for third parties with a "special interest" to take Forestry Corporation to court in New South Wales. This overturned Forestry's argument that such actions would "open the floodgates” to legal action from environmentalists.Sooty describes  the subsequent ongoing case in the Land Environment Court against Forest Corp, hinging on the precise definition of a "glider den tree."Fifteen year-old Jesinta Newland, describes how her passion for nature, ignited at age eight after witnessing logging. She speaks out against deforestation that destroys habitats for endangered species like koalas and gliders, mostly for woodchips and paper.Jesinta and her mother Jaclyn attended the South Coast Action Network Forest Festival, a family-friendly, dry, vegan-food event focused on community and environmental education. Jacinta describes forest festival activities: Spotlighting, Eco-dying: and NVDA Training and campaigning for protection for 500-year-old "Mother Tree" Big Spotty in Booman State Forest.Jesinta  notes that there is a  lack of awareness and education as many of her peers are unaware of the logging occurring locally. She wishes for more comprehensive environmental education in schools, as she has learned most of her knowledge through SCAN and older mentors. Guests: Sooty: South East Forest Rescue             Jesinta Newland:  South Coast Action Network ( SCAN)              Jaclyn NewlandLinks:South East Forest RescueNorth East Forest AllianceNational Parks Association of NSW - Protecting Nature Through Community Action
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  A regenerative approach to international development 03.05.2026

  This week on Earth Matters, we zoom out, and across the world, to speak with an author and human development practitioner based in Antigua, about the big picture of sustainable development. You’ll hear about what has changed in the development sector over recent decades; Cherise’s intersectional understanding of poverty and wealth; the concept of the metacrisis; and more.Cherise Adjodha is an author and human development practitioner who spent over two decades as a United Nations Programme Specialist working in human rights, environmental rights, and governance across the Caribbean. She worked in countries including Saint Lucia, Grenada, Suriname, Belize, and Canada, focusing on poverty reduction, gender equity, and resilience. Her book, Things I Would Have Told My Children If I Had Them, explores emotional connection, regenerative living, and what it means to build a life rooted in purpose. Earth Matters #1554 was produced by Mia Audrey on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country.
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  Felling of Mt Macedon snow gums leaves conservationists aghast 26.04.2026

  Felling of Mt Macedon snow gums leaves conservationists aghast This week Earth Matters travels to a mountain peak in Central Victoria where the State government has destroyed almost a hectare of fragile snow gums. Nature lovers and conservation advocates are devastated and confused. The snow gums were part of a montane woodland that had regenerated over the course of forty-years since the catastrophic Ash Wednesday fires razed the area in 1983. They are located on Wurundjeri Country in the autumnal wonderland of Mount Macedon, an hour outside Melbourne. The snow gums are treasured not only for their high ecological value but because they are one of only three remaining snow gum communities in Western and Central Victoria.  They were removed to make way for a controversial view from the Mt Macedon Memorial Cross despite the local Council having rejected the proposal three years earlier. We talk to the campaigners who were at the mountain in the leadup to the felling to understand more. Speakers: Ben Gill, Victorian National Parks Association Anna Langford, Friends of the Earth Melbourne  Kate Lawrence, Macedon and Mt Macedon Landcare Cam Walker, Friends of the Earth Melbourne  Additional audio production: Tessa Campisi Vigil audio: Kate Lawrence Photo: Friends of the Earth  Campaigns and references  https://themountainjournal.com/2025/08/21/protect-macedons-rare-snow-gum https://vnpa.org.au/save-the-snow-gums/ https://www.melbournefoe.org.au/save_mt_macedon_snow_gums https://www.melbournefoe.org.au/snow_gum_summit_declaration_2026 https://us13.campaign-archive.com/?u=5e12186049bebef650f31b237&id=dc9eff2531 https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/-/media/project/pv/main/parks/documents/management-plans/macedon-regional-park-strategic-management-statement-2009.pdf?rev=1c84346e8d87416ea889b94c445ce07f https://www.trustadvocate.org.au/heritage-misused-to-justify-tree-removal-at-mount-macedon-cross/    
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  Women coming together to activate the UNFCCC Belém Gender Action Plan 19.04.2026

  The Belém Gender Action Plan is a nine-year framework, representing a historic step forward in embedding gender equality into climate action. ensuring inclusive, intersectional, and gender-responsive policies and practices. It emphasizes that climate change impacts are not gender-neutral, recognizing that women and girls—particularly those from rural, Indigenous, migrant, or marginalized communities face disproportionate risks from extreme events, food insecurity, and increased care work.  There is whole lot more too it than that. Find out about the Belem Gender Action Plan here.Featuring:)- Fleur Newman; UNFCCC Unit Lead for Gender, Children and Youth and ACE(Action for Climate Empowerment- Dr Sally Box; Head of International Negotiations at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water- Joanne Crawford AM – an Australian leader in gender equality, sustainable development, gender-sensitive measurement of poverty and inequality. This week’s show episode #1550 was produced by Bec Horridge in collaboration with the Women's Climate Congress