What is the state of climate change politics in Australia, and is the country doing enough to respond to the climate crisis? In this episode of Totally Cooked: The Climate & Weather Podcast, hosts Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and Iain Strachan speak with independent MP Zali Steggall about how Australia’s climate debate has changed since her landmark election victory over former prime minister Tony Abbott in 2019.

Zali discusses whether climate action has been pushed down the political agenda by cost-of-living pressures, international conflict and changing global politics. The conversation explores the Australian Government’s climate policies, the shifting positions of the Liberal and National parties, the rise of One Nation, and the influence that independents and smaller political parties can have on climate and energy policy.

The episode also examines the future of climate science and research in Australia, including CSIRO funding cuts and concerns about the country’s scientific capability. Zali explains how climate action connects with housing affordability and cost of living, what communities can do to make their concerns heard, and what she hopes to achieve through the new Community Strong political party.

Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.

 

What is the state of climate change politics in Australia, and is the country doing enough to respond to the climate crisis? In this episode of&nbsp;Totally Cooked: The Climate &amp; Weather Podcast, hosts <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/profile/sarah-kirkpatrick">Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick</a> and <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/profile/iain-strachan">Iain Strachan</a> speak with <a href="https://www.zalisteggall.com.au/">independent MP Zali Steggall</a> about how Australia&rsquo;s climate debate has changed since her landmark election victory over former prime minister Tony Abbott in 2019.
Zali discusses whether climate action has been pushed down the political agenda by cost-of-living pressures, international conflict and changing global politics. The conversation explores the Australian Government&rsquo;s climate policies, the shifting positions of the Liberal and National parties, the rise of One Nation, and the influence that independents and smaller political parties can have on climate and energy policy.
The episode also examines the future of climate science and research in Australia, including CSIRO funding cuts and concerns about the country&rsquo;s scientific capability. Zali explains how climate action connects with housing affordability and cost of living, what communities can do to make their concerns heard, and what she hopes to achieve through the new Community Strong political party.
Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.
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Totally Cooked is a straight-talking, science-backed podcast about weather, climate change, and what it all means for life on Earth — especially here in Australia.

Hosted by Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a leading expert in extreme weather, and Iain Strachan, a former journalist turned science communicator, the show dives deep into the causes and consequences of our changing climate. 

With clarity, curiosity and a touch of dark humour, Sarah and Iain unpack the science behind climate change, high-impact weather, and the urgent need for action.

From greenhouse gases and El Niño to ice cores, heatwaves, and hail storms, Totally Cooked connects the dots between complex climate science and the everyday weather we all experience. Along the way, you’ll hear from world-class researchers, policymakers, and frontline communities grappling with the climate crisis.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, confused, or just curious about what’s really going on, this podcast will leave you better informed, more confident, and ready to face the future.

No jargon. No sugar-coating. Just the facts — and a little hope.

Totally Cooked is a straight-talking, science-backed podcast about weather, climate change, and what it all means for life on Earth &mdash; especially here in Australia.
Hosted by Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a leading expert in extreme weather, and Iain Strachan, a former journalist turned science communicator, the show dives deep into the causes and consequences of our changing climate.&nbsp;
With clarity, curiosity and a touch of dark humour, Sarah and Iain unpack the science behind climate change, high-impact weather, and the urgent need for action.
From greenhouse gases and El Ni&ntilde;o to ice cores, heatwaves, and hail storms, Totally Cooked connects the dots between complex climate science and the everyday weather we all experience. Along the way, you&rsquo;ll hear from world-class researchers, policymakers, and frontline communities grappling with the climate crisis.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, confused, or just curious about what&rsquo;s really going on, this podcast will leave you better informed, more confident, and ready to face the future.
No jargon. No sugar-coating. Just the facts &mdash; and a little hope.