Gerard Wedderburn-Bisshop worked as a Principal Scientist with Queensland Government Natural Resources, using satellite data to monitor three decades of vegetation cover and broadscale deforestation. He left the government in 2010 to co-author the Beyond Zero Emissions’ Land Use Plan, a plan to take Australia’s land use and agriculture emissions beyond zero.

He now works pro bono with the NGO World Preservation Foundation, focusing on deforestation, land degradation and biodiversity loss. Gerard is also on the Zero Emissions Byron Land Use Advisory Panel and a Director of Replant Byron. Recently he co-authored a book for the Eating Our Way To Extinction documentary and has produced a series of explanatory videos on the climate impact of animal agriculture. Recent research includes carbon emissions from deforestation, with explanatory video.

In this episode, we dive into Gerard's latest scientific article, "Deforestation—a Call for Consistent Carbon Accounting." The article shakes up how we think about carbon emissions, arguing that the current system for measuring deforestation’s impact doesn’t tell the full story. Gerard makes a strong case for a gross accounting approach across all industries, to provide us with a clearer picture of the damage and solutions. This discussion highlights the urgent need to totally revalue the environmental harms of agriculture – in a nutshell, Gerard urges us all to eat plants and plant trees!

In this episode, we discuss:

• Gerard’s work with the Queensland Government monitoring deforestation
• Shocking stats on Australia’s clearing rates
• His involvement with the Eating Our Way to Extinction documentary and associated resources
• The work of Plant-Based Treaty
• A deep dive into Gerard’s latest paper on consistent carbon accounting
• Gross vs. net carbon accounting explained
• How the carbon cycle really works
• The overlooked value of forest drawdown potential
• The true environmental toll of animal agriculture
• Rethinking climate policy with Gerard’s insights
• A sneak peek at his upcoming research
• Translating the numbers into meaningful action

To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.

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John Jurko II is the lead director and producer of RHINO MAN, a powerful documentary that highlights the courage and dedication of field rangers who risk their lives to protect South Africa's rhinos from poaching. More than just a conservation film, RHINO MAN tells a universal story of resilience, bravery, and the human spirit—a heroic tale of individuals striving to leave the world a better place.

Since 2018, John has been at the helm of RHINO MAN, guiding its completion with passion and purpose. A graduate with a BA in Film Production and Philosophy, John began his career in Los Angeles, working in the camera department on numerous indie films. He later moved to Atlanta, where he was drawn to the compelling story of RHINO MAN and its potential as a catalyst for social impact.

In addition to the film, John launched The Rhino Man Podcast, expanding the conversation around the vital role of rangers, the rhino poaching crisis, and the importance of connecting local communities to protected areas. His advocacy has reached esteemed audiences, including His Royal Highness Prince William, government officials, international financial crime delegates, law enforcement agencies, and conservation NGOs.

Through his work, John continues to raise awareness and inspire action for one of the most critical conservation issues of our time. Join us in this episode for a thought-provoking conversation about conservation, courage, and the power of storytelling to drive change.

In this episode, we discuss:

• John’s background in film, philosophy, and storytelling—and his path to joining RHINO MAN
• Startling statistics on rhino populations and the poaching crisis in Africa
• Misconceptions and myths about rhino horn, including its unsubstantiated health claims
• The inspiration behind RHINO MAN—sharing the powerful stories of South African field rangers
• Challenges and lessons from the demanding filmmaking process
• The evolving and perilous role of field rangers in South Africa
• The gruelling recruitment and training process for becoming a field ranger
• The work of Global Conservation Corps and the importance of connecting children with nature
• Tackling the wicked problem that is wildlife poaching
• John’s personal reflections from filming the documentary
• The story of Anton Mzimba—a heroic field ranger whose legacy continues to inspire
• Honouring Anton Mzimba and supporting his family through the Anton Mzimba Education Trust
• John’s ongoing fight for justice in Anton’s unsolved murder investigation and how we can support his efforts
• Why wildlife conservation matters to everyone and how we can support rangers and protect rhinos
• Future projects for John

To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.

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Professor Niki Harré, Head of the School of Psychology at the University of Auckland, and author of Psychology for a Better World: Working with People to Save the Planet and The Infinite Game: How to Live Well Together, shares her vision of resilient, compassionate, and creative communities as the foundation for sustainability. As discussed in her recent TEDx talk, Niki is particularly interested in promoting deep dialogue, constructive decision-making, and collective action for human and ecological flourishing. In this episode, she underscores how psychology—often overlooked in environmental work—is vital for fostering a people-focused approach and driving meaningful systems change.

Niki emphasises the power of stories and behaviours to inspire action, advocating for narratives of hope and compassion rather than focusing solely on crisis. To combat negativity amid the constant messages of environmental doom and gloom, Dr Harré discusses the importance of working with others and sharing positive values, to build resilient communities. We also explore how common identity points can strengthen communication on sustainability issues, fostering understanding and commitment.

At the heart of her philosophy is an “infinite game” mindset, where the goal is to keep what we most value in play, while inviting others to join – for it is together that we can create resilient social movements, sustain hope, and work toward a more generous, equitable world, with a flourishing environment and compassionate communities.

In this episode, Niki discusses:

• What initially drew her to psychology and her passion for community well-being and sustainability
• The shift away from community-based approaches as society moves more online
• Her two books, Psychology for a Better World: Working with People to Save the Planet and The Infinite Game: How to Live Well Together
• Concerns with “problem-focused” approaches in sustainability circles
• The concept of “copying” behaviours to foster a more sustainable future
• The impact of positive and negative emotions on facilitating change and transformation
• Tips for staying emotionally buoyant in the face of apocalyptic narratives
• The critical importance of self-identity and living in accordance with one’s values
• Being a ‘tidy person’, practising mindfulness, and taking extreme care with material resources
• Moving away from “us vs. them” mentalities and instead asking what kind of world we want to live in
• The importance of engaging with young people in sustainability efforts
• Her “Secular Priest” experiment and what it taught her about community
• Her parting thoughts for advocates and communities on building resilience and maintaining hope

To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.

Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.