Can Australia shift its global reputation from climate laggard to climate leader, and fulfill its hopes of co-hosting the 2026 UN Climate Change Conference with the Pacific? Although Australia has committed to net zero by 2050, it continues to approve new coal, oil and gas mines. It is now under increasing pressure from within the Pacific region and its own borders to commit to an end to the expansion of fossil fuels. Are we reaching a pivotal moment for climate action? Join a panel of Torres Strait and Pacific Islanders to hear first-hand about the growing climate movement emerging from our nearest islands.

SPEAKERS

• Anote Tong – Anote Tong was the President of the Republic of Kiribati from 2003 to 2016 when he retired after holding office for the mandatory three term limit. Throughout his terms in office he highlighted the human dimensions of the climate change challenge with special focus on the existential threat it poses for the Pacific island and other communities on the front line of the impacts of climate change. Whilst in office he was a Board Member of Conservation International (CI) and upon leaving office in 2016 was appointed as a Distinguished Fellow of CI. In 2015 he was awarded the SunHak Peace Prize and has been nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize, was awarded the Edmund Hilary Award, the Peter Benchley Ocean Award as well as other awards for his work on climate change and ocean conservation. To date he continues his advocacy work on these and other regional issues speaking to various audiences world wide. He is a member and current chair of the Pacific Elders Voice (PEV) group which comprises of former national, academic and diplomatic leaders from the Pacific region. He graduated from The University of Canterbury in NZ with a Bachelors Degree, A MSc from the London School of Economics and was awarded Honorary Doctorates from Pukyong State University, South Korea and from the University of the South Pacific, Fiji.
• Yessie Mosby – Yessie Mosby is a Zenadh Kes Masig man, living in the Kulkalgal tribe area in the Central Torres Strait Islands. He is a Traditional Owner from Masig Island, a father of seven, an award-winning artist and craftsman. Yessie is a Torres Strait 8 claimant in the landmark human rights complaint to the United Nations over climate change. The Torres Strait 8 are a collective of eight Traditional Owners from the Torres Strait who took a complaint against the Australian Government to the United Nations for failing to protect the Torres Strait from climate damage. In 2022 the Torres Strait 8 won their case setting international precedents for loss and damage. Yessie continues to inspire and mobilise communities using storytelling, dance, art and weaving through the campaign ‘Our Islands Our Home’.
• Tishiko King – Tishiko King is a proud Kulkalaig woman from the Island of Masig and Badugal of Themu Clan in the Torres Straits and is a Climate Advocate. In addition to her advocacy in climate, Tish works with the Philanthropic sector to redistribute wealth back into First Nations communities for economic justice and self-determination. Based in Naarm/Melbourne, Tish is spirited about sharing culture and amplifying social inequality and the rights of First Nations people. With studies in Ocean Science, lived experiences in the mineral and exploration industry, Tish continues to be a part of grassroots organisations, supporting the Our Islands Our Home campaign led by Torres Strait Island people and plays a role in advocating for Torres Strait Island Climate Justice. Collaboratively working with like minded folks to shift the dial, Tish is a member of the Australian Museum Climate Solutions Centre Advisory Group and current Board Director for Divers for Climate.

Facilitator

• Tiahni Adamson – Tiahni Adamson is a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman descended from the Kaurareg Nations of Thursday Island. She is passionate about environmental activism, healing and protecting Country, and nurturing First Nations people. As a Wildlife Conservation Biologist, with science communication training from Al Gore, she is now a regular speaker on topics such as climate change, Indigenous justice and equity. Tiahni is Lead Community Engagement Officer at climate change solutions company CH4Global and a lecturer at UniSA, where she embeds First Nations knowledges into STEM careers. She is also on the Board of Green Adelaide, an Uluru Statement from the Heart Youth Leader and on the National Leadership Team for Seed, Australia’s only First Nations-lead youth climate justice group. Tiahni’s important advocacy has been recognised in numerous accolades, including as SA’s Young Australian of the Year, an InDaily South Australian 40 Under 40 for 2023 and as one Science and Technology Australia’s Superstars of STEM.

The Planet Talks is a three-day ecological and conversational forum held at the Frome Park Pavilion, featuring some of the world’s foremost thinkers, activists, scientists and leaders in engaging and thought-provoking discussions about issues and solutions that affect our lives on the blue planet.

The Planet Talks is generously supported by Claire Pfister and David Paradice.

Saturday 9th March of The Planet Talks is presented by The Australia Institute