Monash Podcast Explores Climate Solutions Through Storytelling in New Series
As COP29 unfolds in Baku, Monash University’s award-winning podcast, What Happens Next?, has launched a powerful two-part series examining how storytelling and community-led solutions are transforming climate action across the Indo-Pacific. The episodes delve into how narratives shape our understanding of climate change, moving beyond oversimplified portrayals to celebrate the resilience and innovation of communities on the frontline.
“Storytelling helps us make sense of complex issues like climate change,” says host Dr. Susan Carland. “The stories we tell influence how we understand this global challenge and, crucially, how we respond to it.”
Listeners will hear from local leaders and Monash experts about the region’s challenges and its groundbreaking solutions. Indigenous knowledge and community-based approaches take center stage, demonstrating how traditional wisdom inspires innovative action.
Dr. Gabriel García Ochoa, director of Monash’s Global Immersion Guarantee (GIG) program, highlights the importance of collaboration: “We’re not here to solve their problems. This is about learning from others and sharing responsibility.” The GIG program connects over 2,200 students annually with community leaders across the region, fostering mutual learning and sustainable solutions.
The series also spotlights key Monash initiatives, including the RISE program, which blends traditional knowledge with modern engineering to enhance urban resilience, and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Weather of the 21st Century, which makes climate science actionable for local communities.
Human geographer Dr. Elissa Waters challenges conventional views of Pacific nations as climate victims, showcasing their leadership in bold climate adaptation experiments.
Key themes include the role of Indigenous knowledge, cultural ties to land, and the power of nuanced climate storytelling.
What Happens Next? is available on major podcast platforms, continuing to challenge listeners to imagine transformative futures.