In this conversation, Claire O’Rourke author, advocate, and Co-Director of The Sunrise Project’s Australia Energy Transformation Program discusses the emotional toll of working in climate activism and the urgent need to stay engaged despite climate distress. Drawing from her book Together We Can, she highlights powerful stories of everyday Australians making a difference. Claire argues that every decision whether in work, investment, or daily life can be a climate-positive choice. Through her work with Climate Compass, she explores Australians’ attitudes toward global warming, aiming to shift hearts, minds, and behaviours toward solutions.
Topics covered:
- Social change/movement
- Journalism
- Writing
- Climate change
- Climate distress/eco-anxiety
- Politics
About Claire O’Rourke:
Claire is an author and environmental advocate, who is currently Co-Director of The Sunrise Project’s Australia Energy Transformation Program. Claire also directs Climate Compass, an ongoing project to develop a deep understanding of Australians’ attitudes, prospective behaviours and barriers to action on global warming. Claire’s first book, Together We Can, was released in July 2022 and captures stories of everyday Australians doing amazing things to give our planet a future. With 20 years of experience in journalism, communications and advocacy in Australia and around the world, Claire has held a number of leadership positions, including most recently at Amnesty International Australia and as National Director of the community-led renewable energy advocacy organisation Solar Citizens. Claire has a broad history of organising and campaigning in social movements and for organisations that deliver positive impact, including overseeing communications for Australia’s successful Every Australian Counts campaign for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Connect with Claire O’Rourke on LinkedIn here.