We couldn't fit all of Mark Howden's insights into our Local Environment Heroes conversation, so we're sharing his full Impact Hour talk as bonus content.

In this June Impact Hour session, Emeritus Professor Mark Howden AC takes a clear-eyed look at where we are heading on climate change — and where there are still genuine reasons for hope.

Drawing on almost 40 years working across climate science, policy, and sustainability, Mark explores current emissions trajectories and what they mean for Australia and the ACT. He also looks at the practical opportunities available to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, from renewable energy and electric vehicles to adaptation and emissions reduction.

Mark discusses climate reality, without losing sight of climate hope or the paths for change that remain within reach.

Recorded at Dissent Cafe & Bar, Canberra, in June 2026.

Local Environment Heroes is a Canberra Environment Centre podcast celebrating the people working to create a healthier, more sustainable and connected community.

Find out more and get involved: canberraenvironment.org

Follow the Canberra Environment Centre on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events, workshops, and stories from our community.

Thanks for listening; environmental change starts with people. 🌱

In this episode of Local Environmental Heroes, we talk with Emeritus Professor Mark Howden AC about the long game of climate action — and what it feels like to spend almost four decades working on one of the biggest challenges facing the world.

Mark reflects on what's changed since he first became involved in the climate movement, what has stubbornly stayed the same, and the levers he believes can help shift us (and Canberra!) towards meaningful action.

We talk about the frustrations of working in the climate change space, the moments that provided encouragement, and the people and experiences that kept Mark engaged over the years. We also explore how change happens — and why, despite the setbacks, Mark still sees reasons for optimism.

Season Four Hosts: Jennifer Pinkerton and Julie Boulton
Sound editing: Will Tinapple, Formation Studios
Partners: SEE Change & Conservation Council of the ACT Region

Local Environment Heroes is a Canberra Environment Centre podcast celebrating the people working to create a healthier, more sustainable and connected community.

Find out more and get involved: canberraenvironment.org

Follow the Canberra Environment Centre on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events, workshops, and stories from our community.

Thanks for listening; environmental change starts with people. 🌱

We couldn't fit all of Michael Mulvaney's stories and insights into our Local Environment Heroes conversation, so we're sharing his full Impact Hour talk, as bonus content.

As part of our collaboration between SEE Change, the Conservation Council of the ACT Region & Canberra Environment Centre, this Impact Hour session reflects on what Mike has learned from spending so much time in one place — and on how a small group of people can become a source of new knowledge, a conduit for others to get involved, and a community of people who care deeply for a landscape.

And then there are the Gang-gangs.

Ten years ago, Mike didn't even know Gang-gangs nested on Red Hill. Now, through years of watching, learning, and trying to understand how best to care for the birds, the regenerators have established that 31% of all known Gang-gang nests are on or near the Hill — making Red Hill, in Mike's words, the "Gang-gang capital of the world".

It's a story about regeneration, citizen science, curiosity and the joy of returning to the same place and still finding something new to be surprised and delighted by.

Recorded at Dissent Cafe & Bar, Canberra, in May 2026.

'Pub language warning' for parents who may be listening alongside little ears.

Local Environment Heroes is a Canberra Environment Centre podcast celebrating the people working to create a healthier, more sustainable and connected community.

Find out more and get involved: canberraenvironment.org

Follow the Canberra Environment Centre on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events, workshops, and stories from our community.

Thanks for listening; environmental change starts with people. 🌱