Providing a vital platform for dialogue and insight regarding environmental sustainability and the future of our planet, WOMADelaide’s The Planet Talks series tackles the most pressing challenges facing our world today – returning as a centrepiece of the festival program – at the Frome Park Pavilion, in Adelaide’s Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla, from Saturday 8 March to Monday 10 March 2025.
For over a decade, The Planet Talks have brought together a diverse array of global thinkers, trailblazing activists, pioneering scientists and visionary change-makers to discuss the issues, concerns and possible solutions to the issues of sustainability for the planet.
In 2025, the three-day ecological and conversational forum again hosts a compelling lineup of speakers including: globally recognised activist and President of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative Dr. Kumi Naidoo; Harvard Professor and author Prof. Naomi Oreskes; acclaimed author and environmental advocate Tim Winton; and trailblazing filmmaker and Blackfella Films founder Rachel Perkins.
As they reflect, dissect, and discuss; these leading voices will share their knowledge and own experiences working for positive change, delving into the complexities of issues impacting our daily lives, while offering innovative and practical solutions alongside fresh perspectives to inspire action and ignite conversation.
The Planet Talks 2025 Program:
Saturday 8th March
Presented by Environmental Defenders Office.
SESSION 1: Tackling Greenwashing
Panelists: Ebony Bennett (director, The Australia Institute), Belinda Noble (CommsDeclare founder) and Dr Debra Dank (author)
Facilitator: David Morris (CEO, Environmental Defenders Office)
Greenwashing is on the rise, undermining critical efforts to address pressing issues like climate change and biodiversity loss at a time when action matters most. How can we discern whether the stories we’re told are genuine or merely a smokescreen for inaction? This session will delve into what greenwashing is, how to identify it, and how to combat it effectively.
SESSION 2: Storytelling for Change
Panelists: Tim Winton (author) and Rachel Perkins (filmmaker, storyteller)
Facilitator: Natasha Mitchell (ABC Radio National Big Ideas presenter)
What roles do stories and storytellers play in addressing major issues? Two of Australia’s best storytellers explore how stories can be told in new ways to help Australia reckon with its past actions and attitudes towards its environment and First Nations people. How can storytellers inspire us to imagine possible futures, guiding us toward a more informed and hopeful path forward?
Supported by the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre.
Sunday 9th March
Presented with the Environment Institute.
SESSION 3: Back from the Brink
Panelists: Katherine Moseby (Arid Lands Recovery cofounder), Andry Sculthorpe (Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre) and Cissy Gore Birch (Kimberley Cultural Connections)
Facilitator: Andy Lowe (director, Environment Institute)
The Earth is currently facing its sixth mass extinction, with approximately one million plant and animal species at risk of disappearing globally. How can we rewrite this narrative? Is there an alternative path that transforms our anxiety over ecological destruction into hope for a wilder world where nature thrives once more? This session will delve into the concept of rewilding, its potential impact in Australia, and how it could help restore life and vitality to bring it back from the brink.
SESSION 4: Adapt or Collapse
Panelists: Professor Elizabeth Mossop (UTS), Bhiammie Williamson (National Indigenous Disaster Resilience Program) and Emma Bacon (Sweltering Cities)
Facilitator: Julia Lester
Extreme floods, storms, heatwaves, and bushfires are becoming increasingly frequent, intense, and widespread. How can Australian communities better prepare for a future shaped by more extreme climate events? Can we radically redesign and retrofit our cities and towns to withstand these challenges? What is at stake, and how far are we willing to go to adapt?
Monday 10th March
Presented with The Guardian.
SESSION 5: Ending Fossil Fuels
Keynote/s: Dr. Kumi Naidoo (president of the global Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative) and Prof. Naomi Oreskes (Harvard Professor and author of Merchants of Doubt)
Facilitator: Sarah Martin (The Guardian)
Despite global commitments to climate action and significant investments in renewable energy, fossil fuel investments remain at record highs. How can we urgently chart a future that breaks free from fossil fuels? This session will examine how the fossil fuel industry continues to distract, delay, and undermine global efforts to sever our reliance on these outdated energy sources once and for all.
Supported by the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre.
SESSION 6: Local Futures
Keynote: Helena Norberg-Hodge (linguist, author and filmmaker)
Panelists: Arabella Douglas (Header image) and Warwick Smith
Facilitator: Tory Shepherd (The Guardian)
Has globalisation made us healthier and happier? Has the global era of capitalism reached its endpoint, and if so, what comes next? Local Futures will explore localisation movements worldwide and how economic systems can be reshaped to better serve people and the planet and feature a keynote speech by award-winning linguist, author, and filmmaker Helena Norberg-Hodge, a global pioneer in the localisation movement.
The Planet Talks are generously supported by Claire Pfister, with thanks to the City of Adelaide and Adelaide Economic Development Agency. The daily programs are proudly presented by the Environmental Defenders Office, The Environment Institute and The Guardian.
For tickets, the full lineup and more information visit: www.womadelaide.com.au
