S2 E11: How to Protect the Great Barrier Reef: Individual Actions You can Take Right Now

Word on the Reef

Climate Change is the biggest threat to coral reefs worldwide, causing unprecedented coral bleaching events. But there are things we can all do to help - and you don't need to be a marine biologist or even live anywhere near the ocean to make a difference! Here's your guide to powerful, practical climate action to help save the Great Barrier Reef - and the best part? You can do it from anywhere!

Joining us this week is marine scientist and climate campaigner Dr Yolanda Waters, founder and CEO of Divers for Climate, to share real, tangible ways to take action — no matter who you are or where you live.

In this episode:

• What’s really holding people back from urgent climate action?
• Does community action actually work?
• Making it personal: how to align your climate action with your passions and skills
• The A-B-C of climate action: six categories to remember
• Why joining an action group aligned to your interests makes a huge difference
• How being a First Nations ally fits into climate justice
• What’s more impactful: lifestyle changes, social actions, or civic action?
• “If I recycle and use a keep cup, is that enough?”
• The role of citizen science, coral surveys, and coral restoration
• How to talk about climate change in ways that motivate and inspire
• Why we need more storytellers — not more statistics
• How to turn your love for the reef into a meaningful career in climate and conservation

Take Action Now:

• Sign the Divers For Climate Statement: www.diversforclimate.com
• Follow Divers for Climate on Instagram: www.instagram.com/diversforclimate

📸 Thumbnail Image by Darian Woods

Support the show

PROTECT THE REEF - Sign these Petitions Now!

• Australian Marine Conservation Society: Australia, it's time to lead on Climate Action!
• Australian Conservation Foundation: No New Coal and Gas!
• Queensland Conservation Council: Take Strong Climate Action and Build a Positive Renewable Future!
• Our Islands Our Home: Protect the Torres Strait Islands from Climate Change
• Greenpeace: Save the Great Barrier Reef!
• WWF Australia: Protect Nature
• Rising Tide: Join your local climate action group!

CONTACT US

• Got questions? Text us on 0437 835 937 or email [email protected]
• Support Word on the Reef on Patreon
• Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram

Chapters

1. S2 E11: How to Protect the Great Barrier Reef: Individual Actions You can Take Right Now (00:00:00)

2. Renewable Energy in Action (00:02:50)

3. What's really holding people back from urgent climate action? (00:07:11)

4. Does community action actually work? (00:13:00)

5. Is Climate Action a list of tick boxes? (00:15:22)

6. Making it personal: how to align your climate action with your passions and skills (00:17:20)

7. Political lobbying 101 (it’s easier than you think!) (00:18:47)

8. The A-B-C of climate action: six categories to remember (00:20:51)

9. Why joining an action group aligned to your interests makes a huge difference (00:21:53)

10. How being a First Nations ally fits into climate justice (00:32:36)

11. What’s more impactful: lifestyle changes, social actions, or civic action? (00:35:30)

12. “If I recycle and use a keep cup, is that enough?” (00:41:25)

13. The role of citizen science, coral surveys, and coral restoration (00:42:55)

14. How to talk about climate change in ways that motivate and inspire (00:46:07)

15. Why we need more storytellers — not more statistics (00:49:01)

16. Supportive, Denier, or On the Fence? How to talk to different people about climate (00:51:23)

17. How to turn your love for the reef into a meaningful career in climate and conservation. (00:57:22)

18. One impactful action you can take right now! (01:00:22)