The SEI Podcast Series

In this episode of the SEI podcast series, explore the power of storytelling in offering new ways of seeing, feeling, and understanding our relationship with the living planet. This event featured a conversation between Professor Thom van Dooren and fellow experts and collaborators, celebrating Prof van Dooren’s Biophilia Award and delving into the vital role of storytelling in addressing ecological challenges. Timestamps:00:50 – Opening remarks by Professor David Schlosberg13:51 – Remarks by Professor Thom can Dooren16:31 – The role of storytelling18:29 – Panel introduction19:12 – Approaches to storytelling37:12 – What makes good environmental storytelling56:13 – Q&A1:08:52 – Closing remarks Speakers:Professor Thom van DoorenProfessor David Schlosberg (Opening remarks)Associate Professor Zoë SadokierskiDr Sophie ChaoProfessor Dieter HochuliDr Jenny Newell

The 2026 Iain McCalman Lecture was delivered by Dr Rebecca McNaught as she shares lessons from the ground-up of communities stepping up in extraordinary ways in response to climate disasters. Dr McNaught explores what it means to move beyond a disaster response mindset toward a vision of proactivity and well-being in the face of compounding disasters.See the presentation here: The 2026 Iain McCalman Lecture presentationTimestamps:00:50 - Welcome from Prof David Schlosberg08:00 - Professor Vicki Flood introduces the keynote speaker12:17 - Dr McNaught introduces herself and the University Centre for Rural Health18:11 - Context of compounding disasters 25:28 - Community action after floods 35:27 - Dr McNaught and her colleagues' embedded research45:35 - Calls to action for policy-makers, donors, universities and disaster practitioners57:08 - Beck Dawson respondsSpeakersDr Rebecca McNaught, Faculty of MedicineProfessor David Schlosberg, Sydney Environment InstituteBeck Dawson, Henry Halloran Urban Regional Research InitiativeProfessor Vicki Flood, Head of Rural Clinical School

In this episode of the SEI podcast series, hear from leading voices on feminist approaches to climate change, Professor Astrida Neimanis and Dr Jennifer Mae Hamilton. This event explored feminist practices for climate change, focusing on weathering, embodied experience, inequality, and collective care.  Timestamps: 00:50 - Welcome by chair Natali Pearson 05:10 – Introduction to Weathering, Climate Change and The Weathering Collective.  08:46 – About the book 10:14 - Starting points for reimagining weather  12:18 - ‘Why we speak about weather in an expanded sense’ 30:23 - Weathering as a framework and practice for climate change.  39:00 - Examples of feminist infrastructures developed to practice weather together 53:08 - Closing remarks  Speakers: Professor Astrida Neimanis Dr Jennifer Mae Hamilton Dr Natali Pearson (Chair)  

Unpack the growth paradigm and hear from thinkers reimagining economies built around well-being, climate justice, and living within planetary boundaries. This event is part of SEI’s Climate Justice Series. This panel series brings together leading thinkers and practitioners to explore the urgent intersections of climate action, equity, and systemic change.Timestamps:00:50 - Welcome and acknowledgement of Country04:32 – Mengyu Li 14:44 – Julia Steinberger20:16 – Manfred Lenzen24:32 – Annette Cowie32:39 - Sharon Friel40:50 - What is the one benefit you wish people understood about post-growth?45:50 - Q+A beginsSpeakers:Chair: Zoe WhittonMengyu Li, University of Sydney Julia Steinberger, University of LausanneManfred Lenzen, University of SydneyAnnette Cowie, NSW Department of Planning and EnvironmentSharon Friel, Australia National University

‘Nature positive’ is everywhere but what does it really mean? In this instalment, hear expert insights on its use in policy, conservation, and finance, and who stands to benefit. This event is part of SEI’s Climate Justice Series. This panel series brings together leading thinkers and practitioners to explore the urgent intersections of climate action, equity, and systemic change.Timestamps:00:50 - Welcome and acknowledgement of Country06:01 – Dwayne Mallard on dignity having currency and value10:34 – Hugh Possingham on the difficulty of measuring nature17:57 – Chloe Fisher on private sector investment in nature23:05 – Jody Gunn on what principles should guide conservation and the finance sector32:00 - Thoughts on 'perfection is the enemy of the good'41:20 - Q+A beginsSpeakers:Chair: Carolyn HoggDwayne Mallard, ArjawayChloe Fisher, sustainability reporting expertHugh Possingham, former QLD Chief ScientistJody Gunn, conservation scientist and leader

In this instalment of the SEI Podcast Series hear from leading environmental figures to explore models of more-than-human governance, drawing from Indigenous knowledges, creative and legal practices, and innovative research. This event is part of SEI’s Climate Justice Series. This panel series brings together leading thinkers and practitioners to explore the urgent intersections of climate action, equity, and systemic change.Timestamps:00:50 - Welcome and introduction07:30 – Patricia Gualingua on the Kawsak Sacha (Living Forest Declaration), translated by Silvia R. Martínez15:219 – Nardi Simpson on music, land and language22:53 – Paul Powlesland on the responsibility and possibility for transforming institutions32:20 – Shrishtee Bajpai on decolonisation and land rights in connection with more-than-human justice40:40 - What makes it possible for you to keep on imagining and embedding these possibilities in the present?46:38 - Q+A beginsSpeakers:Chair: Danielle Celermajer, Sydney Environment InstituteShrishtee Bajpai, Global Tapestry of AlternativesPatricia Gualinga, Sarayaku Indigenous rights advocateNardi Simpson, Yuwaalaraay storyteller, performerPaul Powlesland, Lawyers for NatureSilvia R. Martínez, Certified Conference Translator