Is the climate debate more complex than we’re being told? In this episode of The Focus, Dr John Bruni sits down with Professor Ian Plimer — geologist, author, and one of the most contested voices in Australia’s climate conversation.

Plimer has spent decades arguing that natural geological and planetary processes play a larger role in climate variability than many policymakers acknowledge.
In this extended interview, we explore his arguments, test the evidence, and examine how climate, energy, mining, and geopolitics intersect in ways often overlooked in public debate.

This is not an episode about “right” or “wrong.”

It’s about asking difficult questions, challenging assumptions, and holding space for perspectives that sit outside the mainstream — while keeping the discussion grounded in science, evidence and geopolitics.

Show Notes:

Contact Ian: LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-plimer-391052226?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BS7AtR8iDR5qZ2SE18wOmIw%3D%3D

OpEds:

“The Copenhagen charade” Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) (5 Feb 2020) and “Legislative time bomb” (also 5 Feb 2020). 

“Professor Ian Plimer Launches Climate Change: The Facts 2025 in Perth” Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) (21 Nov 2024) — this is not strictly an op-ed but a release.

Books:

Ian Plimer, Sceptical Always: A View at Three Quarter Time (Redland Bay: Connor Court Publishing, 2025), ISBN 978-1-923568-02-0.

Ian Plimer (ed.), Climate Change: The Facts 2025 (Melbourne: Institute of Public Affairs, 2024).

Is the climate debate more complex than we&rsquo;re being told? In this episode of&nbsp;The Focus, Dr John Bruni sits down with Professor Ian Plimer &mdash; geologist, author, and one of the most contested voices in Australia&rsquo;s climate conversation.
Plimer has spent decades arguing that natural geological and planetary processes play a larger role in climate variability than many policymakers acknowledge. In this extended interview, we explore his arguments, test the evidence, and examine how climate, energy, mining, and geopolitics intersect in ways often overlooked in public debate.
This is not an episode about &ldquo;right&rdquo; or &ldquo;wrong.&rdquo;
It&rsquo;s about asking difficult questions, challenging assumptions, and holding space for perspectives that sit outside the mainstream &mdash; while keeping the discussion grounded in science, evidence and geopolitics.
Show Notes:
Contact Ian: LinkedIn:&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-plimer-391052226?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BS7AtR8iDR5qZ2SE18wOmIw%3D%3D">https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-plimer-391052226?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BS7AtR8iDR5qZ2SE18wOmIw%3D%3D</a>
OpEds:
&ldquo;The Copenhagen charade&rdquo; Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) (5 Feb 2020) and &ldquo;Legislative time bomb&rdquo; (also 5 Feb 2020).&nbsp;
&ldquo;Professor Ian Plimer Launches&nbsp;Climate Change: The Facts 2025 in Perth&rdquo; Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) (21 Nov 2024) &mdash; this is not strictly an op-ed but a release.
Books:
Ian Plimer,&nbsp;Sceptical Always: A View at Three Quarter Time&nbsp;(Redland Bay: Connor Court Publishing, 2025), ISBN 978-1-923568-02-0.
Ian Plimer (ed.),&nbsp;Climate Change: The Facts 2025&nbsp;(Melbourne: Institute of Public Affairs, 2024).

The Focus is the flagship current affairs podcast of SAGE International, an independent, Adelaide-based geopolitical  think tank.

Hosted by Dr. John Bruni—a veteran geopolitical commentator with over 24 years in the Australian media—The Focus brings a critical edge to global affairs. John's expertise is built on decades of experience, including time with the Royal United Services Institute of Australia, work as a university lecturer, senatorial foreign affairs adviser, analyst for Jane’s Intelligence Review, and Gulf-based military analyst.

Produced by Neil Smart, The Focus cuts through the noise of biased media to deliver sharp, informed insights into the major issues shaping Australia and the world. In an age of global disruption and complexity, knowing which questions to ask is more vital than ever.

The Focus&nbsp;is the flagship current affairs podcast of&nbsp;SAGE International, an independent, Adelaide-based geopolitical &nbsp;think tank.
Hosted by&nbsp;Dr. John Bruni&mdash;a veteran geopolitical commentator with over 24 years in the Australian media&mdash;The Focus&nbsp;brings a critical edge to global affairs. John's expertise is built on decades of experience, including time with the&nbsp;Royal United Services Institute of Australia, work as a university lecturer, senatorial foreign affairs adviser, analyst for&nbsp;Jane&rsquo;s Intelligence Review, and Gulf-based military analyst.
Produced by&nbsp;Neil Smart,&nbsp;The Focus&nbsp;cuts through the noise of biased media to deliver sharp, informed insights into the major issues shaping Australia and the world. In an age of global disruption and complexity, knowing which questions to ask is more vital than ever.

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