Arthee Chowdhury is passionate about climate education, community engagement, and creating meaningful opportunities for people to reconnect with nature. With a background in environmental science and active involvement in environmental societies and initiatives, she is committed to making climate education more accessible, engaging, and action-oriented for communities across Australia.
Based in Sydney, Arthee has contributed to a range of environmental and social impact initiatives, including facilitating workshops and supporting education programs that build awareness and empower people to take positive environmental action. Through her work, she brings a strong belief that informed communities are at the heart of meaningful, lasting change.
Arthee continues to volunteer her time with People For Nature, supporting the delivery of Climate Fresk workshops and helping to inspire others to take practical steps towards a more sustainable, nature-positive future.
Caroline O’Brien is a seasoned executive leader with three decades of experience driving innovation, strategy and people‑centred growth across technology and climate‑related initiatives. She serves as an Ambassador for People For Nature, supporting community education and engagement in climate science, systems thinking and biodiversity awareness through interactive workshops and facilitation.
Her background combines engineering, executive leadership and a passion for purpose‑driven work, enabling her to bring strategic insight and collaborative energy to People For Nature’s mission of empowering citizens to understand and act on the interconnected challenges of climate change and ecological decline. Caroline’s involvement helps bridge high‑level strategy with grassroots climate education and community‑level engagement, fostering a more informed and active citizenry.
Every year, world leaders, scientists, negotiators, businesses, NGOs, and civil society groups gather for global environmental summits known as COPs — Conferences of the Parties at the UN Climate Change Conference. Here is where major environmental agreements, including the Paris and Kyoto Agreements are negotiated and drafted. This year, there will be two major global COPs.
🌿 COP17 Biodiversity (19–30 Oct) held in Yerevan, Armenia.
🌎 COP31 Climate (9–20 Nov) taking place in Antalya, Türkiye.
These negotiations, which will be led by Australia this year, focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, accelerating the energy transition, adapting to climate impacts, and financing climate action globally.
And while these conferences are essential, they can also feel distant from everyday life… unless you’re part of the official agenda.
That is where Citizen COP Australia comes in: a nationwide, people-powered movement bringing the spirit of the COP “Green Zone” (the public area at the UN Conference) into communities across Australia — creating spaces where everyone can learn, connect, share ideas and take action for climate and nature.
Enabled by People For Nature but intentionally independent and distributed, Citizen COP invites communities, organisations, schools, businesses, artists, and local groups across Australia to host their own events during the COP periods.
Rather than a single centralised conference, Citizen COP becomes a network of locally led conversations and actions — a “people’s COP” that makes global negotiations visible, accessible, and relevant at community level.
Help build Australia’s biggest citizen-led Green Zone
The official COP Green Zone creates space for civil society, communities, innovators, youth and organisations to engage beyond formal negotiations. Citizen COP expands that idea.
Our vision is a nationwide Green Zone — where every community, every state and every Australian has the opportunity to participate.
We believe climate and biodiversity action should be participatory, community-driven, and aligned with the values of the future we are trying to create.
Participating events are encouraged to follow a set of shared principles, including:
No flights associated with events or speaker participation
Low-waste and environmentally responsible event design
Vegetarian or plant-forward catering
A focus on local action and community solutions
No paid speakers, encouraging contribution through shared purpose rather than commercialisation
Inclusivity, accessibility, and constructive dialogue
These principles are not about perfection. They are about modelling practical, values-aligned ways of gathering and collaborating.
In a world where large conferences can sometimes carry significant environmental footprints themselves, Citizen COP aims to demonstrate that meaningful engagement can happen locally, affordably, and with minimal impact.
Together, we can build a Green Zone where conversations happen in neighbourhoods, schools, workplaces, community halls, parks and online spaces. A Green Zone where knowledge becomes action.
Many ways to participate
Citizen COP is intentionally designed as a distributed movement rather than a branded, centralised event.
There are many ways you could participate:
Schools may host student climate forums or biodiversity projects.
Councils might facilitate community workshops.
Businesses could organise sustainability discussions or host Climate Fresk, Biodiversity Collage or Circular Economy Collage workshops with staff and customers.
Artists may create exhibitions or performances exploring ecological themes.
Community groups might run repair cafés, nature walks, film screenings, climate cafés, and so much more.
This decentralised approach allows communities to shape discussions around the issues most relevant to them – whether that is renewable energy, biodiversity restoration, circular economy solutions, sustainable food systems, greener cities, climate adaptation, conservation, or community wellbeing.
Global issues call for local solutions
The impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss are deeply local.
At a time when Australia has an unprecedented opportunity to help shape global environmental conversations through its leadership role connected to COP31, Citizen COP creates a way for communities across the country to feel part of that moment.
Citizen COP bridges the gap between global negotiations and everyday life by translating complex environmental issues into practical, human-centred conversations in our neighbourhoods, schools, workplaces, organisations, and communities.
📆 Interested in organising an event, submit your EOI before 31 August.
If you’ve ever looked at a sustainability report and thought, “Where do I even start?” — you’re not alone. And that’s exactly where our ambassador Azra shines.
Based in Melbourne, Azra is a Senior Consultant in the Climate Impact team at Pangolin Associates. Her day-to-day work sits at the intersection of data, strategy, and real-world impact — helping organisations understand their greenhouse gas emissions, define reporting boundaries, and uncover meaningful ways to reduce their climate footprint.
But what really sets Azra apart isn’t just her technical expertise — it’s her ability to make complex climate concepts feel clear, approachable, and even empowering.
Making Climate Make Sense
A big part of Azra’s work is translating the often overwhelming world of climate reporting into something people can actually engage with.
“I spend a lot of time helping organisations feel confident navigating their reporting obligations,” she says. “But more importantly, helping them see that they can take meaningful action.”
That focus on clarity and confidence is at the heart of everything she does — whether she’s working with corporate clients or volunteering in the community.
Passion Meets Purpose
Azra is deeply passionate about climate education and environmental literacy. Not just in a technical sense — but in a human one.
She believes that when people truly understand sustainability, they stop feeling paralysed by it.
Instead, they feel empowered.
“I love helping people move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling capable,” she shares. “That shift is where real change begins.”
Why People For Nature?
For Azra, joining People For Nature was a natural fit.
She was drawn to the organisation’s community-based approach — where learning isn’t just theoretical, but hands-on, social, and deeply connected to the natural world.
“I really value how the program connects people to nature while building understanding,” she says. “It’s such a powerful way to support communities — especially young people — to feel informed, inspired, and part of something bigger.”
Bridging Two Worlds
At the core of Azra’s work — both professionally and as a volunteer — is a simple but powerful mission:
Bridging the gap between technical climate knowledge and everyday understanding.
Whether she’s consulting with organisations, facilitating conversations, or engaging with local communities, Azra is constantly working to make sustainability feel less like a distant concept… and more like something we can all be part of.
And that’s exactly the kind of energy we love to see in our ambassador community 💚
Want to get involved like Azra? Join us in turning knowledge into action — one conversation, one workshop, and one community at a time.
Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue — it is a leadership challenge
Boards and executive teams are navigating a world of accelerating climate impacts, changing regulations, shifting investor expectations, supply chain disruptions and growing community scrutiny.
Yet one critical capability is often missing from leadership development programs: climate literacy.
Just as financial literacy enables leaders to understand financial performance, climate literacy enables leaders to understand climate-related risks, opportunities and decisions that shape the future of their organisation.
Climate literacy is not about turning executives into climate scientists. It is about giving decision-makers the confidence and shared understanding they need to lead in a rapidly changing world.
At People For Nature, we believe informed leaders are essential to building a resilient future. Through Climate Fresk, a proven science-based collaborative workshop, we help organisations transform complex climate science into practical understanding — empowering leaders and teams to turn climate risk into meaningful action.
The climate challenge is becoming a business challenge
For many years, climate change was treated primarily as an environmental or sustainability issue. Today, it is increasingly recognised as a strategic issue that affects every organisation.
Climate-related risks can influence:
operational continuity through extreme weather events;
supply chain reliability;
insurance availability and costs;
access to capital and investor confidence;
regulatory obligations;
workforce expectations and talent attraction;
long-term business resilience.
Boards and executives are responsible for making decisions under uncertainty. But meaningful decisions require a shared understanding of the systems driving these changes.
Without climate literacy, leaders risk relying on fragmented information, reactive responses or isolated sustainability initiatives rather than embedding climate considerations into strategy.
Climate literacy is a leadership capability
Effective leadership requires the ability to understand complex systems, identify emerging risks and make informed choices.
Climate literacy helps leaders answer fundamental questions:
What is driving climate change? Understanding the science behind greenhouse gas emissions, feedback loops and climate impacts provides a foundation for strategic thinking.
How does climate change affect our organisation? Leaders need to connect global climate trends with operational, financial and reputational risks.
What action creates meaningful impact? Moving beyond awareness requires understanding where organisations can reduce emissions, build resilience and contribute to positive change.
A climate-literate leadership team can move conversations from:
“What is happening?”
to:
“What does this mean for our organisation, and what decisions do we need to make?”
The gap between climate awareness and climate action
Many organisations have committed to sustainability goals. Many leaders genuinely want to contribute to solutions.
The challenge is often not motivation — it is shared understanding.
Climate conversations can become complicated by:
overwhelming amounts of information;
uncertainty about priorities;
technical language;
competing business pressures;
uncertainty about where to start.
This is where participatory learning approaches can make a difference.
Rather than delivering another presentation filled with facts, Climate Fresk brings leaders together to explore the causes and consequences of climate change through a collaborative, evidence-based process.
In just three hours, participants build a shared mental model of the climate system, identify connections between causes and impacts, and begin exploring pathways for action.
Why boards and executives need a shared climate language
Organisations transform when leadership teams align around a common understanding.
Climate literacy enables executives and boards to:
1. Ask better questions
Climate-literate leaders can challenge assumptions, identify blind spots and engage more effectively with sustainability teams, consultants and stakeholders.
2. Make better strategic decisions
Understanding climate systems helps leaders integrate climate considerations into investment decisions, risk management and organisational strategy.
3. Engage teams with confidence
Employees increasingly expect their organisations to take meaningful action. Leaders who understand the challenge can communicate with authenticity and inspire participation.
4. Move beyond compliance
While regulations and reporting requirements are important, climate leadership is about more than meeting obligations. It is about preparing organisations for the future.
From climate risk to meaningful action
The organisations that thrive in the coming decades will be those that can adapt, innovate and collaborate.
Climate literacy is a foundation for that transition.
At People For Nature, we work with organisations to build climate capability through engaging, science-based learning experiences. Our Climate Fresk workshops help leaders and teams understand the climate challenge, connect the science to their context, and identify opportunities for meaningful action.
Because climate action starts with understanding.
And understanding starts with informed leadership.
Build climate capability in your organisation
People For Nature equips corporate leaders with the climate understanding they need to lead with confidence.
Through Climate Fresk’s proven 3-hour collaborative workshop, we transform complex climate science into shared understanding — enabling leaders and teams to turn climate risk into meaningful action.
Tom Borthwick is a Principal Chemical Engineer and passionate sustainability facilitator dedicated to bridging engineering expertise with environmental action. As an Ambassador for People For Nature, Tom brings a unique blend of technical insight and public engagement to support climate and biodiversity education, helping diverse audiences explore systems‑based thinking and collaborative solutions to environmental challenges.
With a professional background in chemical engineering, Tom has led complex technical processes and safety‑critical projects, where analytical rigour, risk assessment and innovative problem‑solving are core to success. He applies these strengths to his facilitation work — guiding workshops such as Climate Fresk that translate climate science into accessible, interactive learning experiences that inspire curiosity and action among participants.
Tom is also active in community‑driven climate initiatives, contributing to People For Nature that bring together citizens, professionals and change‑makers to deepen climate literacy and collective agency. Through his ambassadorial role, he champions inclusive learning environments where people can connect knowledge with purpose‑driven action for a healthier planet.
Aish became a Fresker in 2022. After meeting Laure Legros at a hackathon, she was encouraged to attend a Fresk event in Perth. She went with a friend, and it turned out to be a life-changing experience for both of them.
Aish’s motivation comes from her fascination with science communication, recognising how often we fear what we don’t understand. The Fresk process allowed her to be part of a story that breaks down complex science into something accessible and relatable.
One of Aish’s most inspiring experiences was facilitating a multi-group Fresk with the French-Australian Chamber of Commerce. The event brought together multiple groups, facilitators, and organisations, and the discussions were transformative.
Several participants shared that their understanding of climate science had changed, and they felt inspired to make significant changes in their lives. They appreciated the clarity the Fresk process provided, which made the complex subject matter easier to trust.
When it’s tough to inspire action, Aish reflects on the belief that perfection is the enemy of progress. She believes that even reaching a small portion of the audience is worth it, knowing that every step forward contributes to the larger cause.
Carmelo became a Fresker in April 2023, driven by a desire to engage his students in climate change education.
One of his proudest achievements was facilitating the largest Climate Fresk, held in Australia with more than 120 IGS staff participating in the workshop facilitated by students.
You can read the IGS Climate Freskcase study here.
Today, he also runs Biodiversity Collage workshop; it’s exciting to see him share his knowledge of biodiversity with schools.
When it’s tough to inspire action, Carmelo reflects on the world his students will inherit, striving to ensure he does his part to make it better.
We feel blessed to have Carmelo as part of the team because students are the seeds of the future we want to cultivate.
Bruce became a Fresker in October 2022 after attending a workshop at his office, led by Laure Legros, the Climate Fresk Country Lead at that time.
After a conversation with her, Bruce knew this was a journey he wanted to continue.
Although he was already aware of the climate issues we face, he was deeply moved by the effectiveness of the Fresk delivery and saw how it impacted other participants. It inspired him to contribute in a meaningful way.
One of his proudest moments was when his workshop inspired two of his students, Tim and Erica, to become facilitators themselves. Soon, he’ll be helping them deliver their first workshop, continuing the cycle of empowerment and education.
What keeps Bruce motivated, especially when it’s tough to inspire action, is the thought of future generations who will inherit the world we shape today.
While the challenges ahead are significant, he believes that every small positive impact counts, and we owe it to those yet to be born to do what we can now.
“There are a lot of people – a lot of generations – that have not yet been born. There is little doubt that the world that they face is going to be worse by almost every measure than the one that we live in. But it is not a binary outcome. It will not be a matter of success or failure. Any small impact we can make is positive. And we owe it to those who have no voice because they have not yet been born to do what we can.“
Ewa became a Fresker in June 2022 through the WorkForClimate Academy, where the Climate Fresk workshop played a pivotal role in her training. She is also a Biodiversity Collage facilitator. She has co-facilitated many workshops, reaching hundreds of participants.
Her motivation to get involved came after the birth of her son, when she realised the challenges future generations would face due to climate change. Unsure where to begin, she connected with Laure, the Climate Fresk Country Coordinator at the time, who recommended the Academy. This led her to become a Climate Fresk facilitator.
Ewa is passionate about raising awareness in Australia and volunteers at local markets while also contributing to the creation of communication tools for Climate Fresk Australia’s social media. With a background in marketing communications, she enjoys using her skills to further the mission.
“Being part of this community is a reminder that our collective voice is stronger. I also prefer to focus on what I can do rather than being discouraged by the inaction of others.”
Young people are already experiencing the effects of a changing climate.
That’s why at People For Nature, we believe it is crucial to integrate climate education into schools and universities. Early education fosters a sense of responsibility and urgency, ensuring that the next generation is ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
Building climate literacy through teacher-led Climate Fresks
One example of our work is with Fort Street High School. Since 2022, the school has made climate education a core part of its annual Sustainability Week and it organises Climate Fresk workshops for Year 10 students (ages 15–16).
Fort Street High School recognises that climate change must be meaningfully embedded in the classroom, not only to raise awareness, but to empower students with solutions they can apply in shaping a better future.
The approach
Fort Street High School wanted to create a program that could be sustained for the long term. So, rather than relying solely on external facilitators, we trained eight teachers to co-lead the workshops. By taking this ‘train the trainer’ approach, we gave these teachers the knowledge, skills and confidence to run their future workshops autonomously, which they have been doing successfully for the last few years.
Since 2025, teachers have taken on full facilitation and organisation of the workshops themselves.
Results & key impact
The Climate Fresk workshops continue to be a key part of the school’s Sustainability Week with strong engagement from both teachers and students.
We witness a high level of student engagement, showcasing a clear benefit in engaging and empowering teachers to lead the Climate Fresks as they already have a trusted relationship with the students.
Carole Defago, Climate Fresk Program Lead at People For Nature
Additional student feedback supported the success of this climate initiative:
The final presentation of the projects, which the groups presented together in the school hall as a sort of trade fair, [involved] pitching each project to their peers, their teachers and to students from Years 7-9, who now eagerly anticipate their own opportunity to address the climate crisis in this program. The final “bazaar” was full of energy and enthusiasm, with student experts explaining patiently and passionately the urgent need to face the issues their product or system addressed.
Impact beyond the school
We trained eight new Climate Fresk facilitators, building on our existing group of facilitators across Australia.
Furthermore, this success story has inspired other schools to adopt a similar model:
💚 Redlands school has implemented a full-day Year 9 program combining a Climate Fresk workshop and film screening.
💚 The Jesuit schools network trained 8 teachers, with facilitation training scheduled for June 2025.
Our long-term vision for climate literacy in schools
Schools can play a pivotal role in fostering a generation of informed and engaged young leaders dedicated to combating climate change and promoting sustainable practices within their communities.
By equipping teachers as facilitators, this model demonstrates how Climate Fresk can be scaled sustainably within education systems. It is our long-term ambition to see climate literacy and systems thinking embedded in the national curriculum. The Fort Street High School approach highlights the potential for educators to drive change within their schools, fostering a culture of climate action and student-led sustainability projects.
📩 Let’s start the conversation.
Contact us today if you are interested in developing a climate education initiative in your school! We’d love to chat.
Together, we can drive positive change, one action at a time.
Over the past 150 years, the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in Earth’s atmosphere has increased from a relatively stable 280 parts per million (ppm) to a concerning 420 ppm today. 420 ppm is not just a number – it is a key driver behind climate change, leading to devastating environmental consequences that impact everything from ecosystems to weather patterns to economies. The urgency to act has never been clearer. However, in the face of such a monumental challenge, the path forward is not one of isolated efforts but of collective action – of recognising the power in numbers.
This was the core message behind the Climate Fresk workshop organised by Future Group during its annual EOFY summit in Australia.
The workshop brought together over 120 employees from across the company – it was the biggest professional Climate Fresk in Australia.
Futureproofing a Movement
Future Group (Future Super, SmartMonday, Guild Super, Child Care Super and Verve Super) is on a mission to lead the movement to use the power of money to invest, advocate and campaign for a future worth retiring into. The company has proven that purpose-led super can shake up an industry, shift narratives, and build power.
The summit was designed to challenge employees to think about Futureproofing Our Movement – it was about defining scaling impact, not just in terms of size, but in terms of influence, strategy, and collective movement-building.
In the opening remarks, Future Group emphasised the need to create systemic change. But achieving that requires more than just corporate commitment; it requires a rallying of voices, talents, and capital to drive real progress. Power in Numbers is an acknowledgment that collective efforts, combined with clear and consistent action, have the potential to make the next decade of climate action even bolder.
The Power of Education
The Climate Freskworkshop is a fun, educational experience that aims to help participants understand the complexities of climate change and its wide-ranging impacts. It is based on climate science and focuses on how various human activities and natural systems are interconnected in driving global warming.
By educating employees about the science behind climate change and the systemic changes needed, the Future Group took a critical step in ensuring that each person within the organisation understands and actively supports the company’s values and mission.
This is crucial in a time where the complexities of climate change can feel daunting. Understanding the issue at a deeper level empowers individuals to take actionable steps—whether it’s reducing personal carbon footprints, advocating for more sustainable business practices, or contributing to larger community efforts. To take action and build solutions, we first need to understand the problem. Companies embedding climate education into the workplace are doing more than raising awareness—they’re cultivating a culture of action, where every employee is empowered to be a change-maker.
Collective Action Drives Change
Each employee brings something unique to the table—whether it’s expertise in finance, marketing, technology, human resources or other. Power in Numbers means harnessing these diverse skills and perspectives to advance a shared mission. It also means harnessing collective financial strength to shift markets, accelerate climate solutions, and drive systemic change. The result is a company that doesn’t just talk about sustainability but actively integrates it into every aspect of its operations and culture.
A Call to Action for Companies
Companies must actively educate their employees, align their mission with sustainable practices, and create an environment where collective action is the driving force behind change.
Integrating climate education into corporate culture is not just an ethical imperative – it’s a strategic one. The world is watching as businesses face increasing pressure from consumers, regulators, and stakeholders to address climate change. The companies that will thrive in the future are those that foster a culture of innovation and leadership, and scale their impact by leveraging the power of workforce and the power of consumers. It’s about creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the walls of any single organisation. By aligning our voices, our capital, and our mission, we become more than just a group of individuals- we become a force for change, one that can help transform the world in ways we’ve yet to imagine.
The next decade is crucial. It’s a time when decisive action must be taken to reduce global emissions from greenhouse gasses. And as Future Group’s summit and Climate Fresk workshop showed, the power to drive that change lies in our collective hands.
People For Nature empowers your people to create positive change for nature
As businesses face the growing urgency of climate and biodiversity challenges, we believe your organisation has the potential to lead the way in creating meaningful change.
Sustainability isn’t just a responsibility — it’s an opportunity. Forward-thinking businesses are already taking the lead, strengthening their brands, reducing costs, and future-proofing their operations.
If you want to equip your team with the knowledge and confidence to make a difference, we’re here to help!
📩 Let’s start the conversation.
Contact us today to organise a Climate Fresk, Biodiversity Collage or Circular Economy Collage workshop for your team.
Together, we can drive positive change, one action at a time.
This article was originally published on LinkedIn by Climate Fresk Australia.
Himanshu is a recent Master’s in IT graduate from Monash University and a software engineer based in Melbourne. Outside of coding, he loves getting outdoors and exploring nature with friends, drawn to Australia’s stunning landscapes. For Himanshu, spending time in nature isn’t just recreation — it’s what makes you truly want to protect it.
He strongly believes that technology can be a powerful force for conservation. “With the right tools, we can monitor ecosystems, track wildlife, and turn data into meaningful action,” he says. By harnessing tech for good, Himanshu hopes to help build systems that not only understand the natural world but actively contribute to saving it.
Joining People For Nature was a natural step for Himanshu.
“I wanted to contribute my skills to a mission that is critical for our survival,” he explains. For him, technology and nature aren’t opposites — they can work together. With purpose-driven tech, he believes we can create a future where both thrive.
Himanshu’s passion reminds us that innovation and conservation go hand in hand, and that the next generation of environmental action will be powered by people who can think in code and in ecosystems.
Mandy started her Climate Fresk journey at her current workplace, Airbus, in May 2024. She decided to become a facilitator herself as she felt she could do more to expand climate literacy within her company and among the general public.
As a facilitator within her company, Mandy admits it can be challenging to stay up to date with two sets of materials: one pack of Climate Fresk cards focusing on the aviation industry, and one for the general public. At the same time, she is excited about the number of people her workshops can reach.
I believe that increasing climate literacy in Australia is incredibly important. By being a part of People For Nature, I’m able to reach more people from all walks of life.
Mandy joined People For Nature as an ambassador and is excited to continue spreading climate education among everyday citizens, and within her workplace.
I’m excited to be a part of People For Nature, as we not only work on climate education but also advocate biodiversity conservation and rescue activities for our precious native wildlife.
2025 was a big year for People For Nature. Together with our amazing community, we educated thousands of Australians on climate and biodiversity, ran hands-on workshops, and inspired action for nature.
From citizen science projects to corporate partnerships, our collective efforts are making a real difference — and we want to share it with you.
Dive into our 2025 Impact Report to see the stories, the numbers, and the people driving change. Let’s celebrate what’s possible when people power meets nature.
As a psychologist Gaye believes that our wellbeing is inseparable from the health of the Earth.
I want to help people reconnect with the natural world and nurture the emotional resilience and care needed to protect our planet in the face of climate change.
A Climate Fresk facilitator, Gaye played a key part in bringing the Youth program for AlterCOP 30 to life in Brisbane in November 2025.
Being part of a community helps tackle climate change by turning individual concern into collective action – sharing knowledge, changing habits together, and building the momentum needed for real, lasting impact and change.
Some people work on climate solutions in boardrooms. Others bring them to life in circles of conversation — where citizens become part of the solution.
Meet Mélanie Ducros.
Originally from New Caledonia and now based in Victoria, Mélanie is deeply committed to climate action across the Pacific region. Her work is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: when people are informed and empowered, they become a driving force for change.
Mélanie is a process, energy and environmental engineer, with nine years of experience working on international development projects across West and North Africa and the Indo-Pacific. Her work has focused on the intersection of renewable energy, sustainable water access and climate adaptation — where technical solutions meet real human needs.
Today, she continues this journey through her work on energy transition with the French–Australian Indo-Pacific Centre for Energy Transition (FACET), helping shape conversations around a more sustainable future between France, Australia and the broader region.
But one of her most meaningful contributions happens in a very different setting: a room full of people, markers on tables, and a Climate Fresk unfolding through shared discovery.
She shares:
“Being an ambassador for People For Nature inspires me because I am convinced that citizen-led initiatives like P4N are essential to driving real change. Facilitating Climate Fresk workshops gives me the strong feeling that I am contributing to meaningful impact. It is also incredibly enriching — I always leave each workshop inspired and energised by the conversations and insights shared by participants. As ambassadors, we receive as much as we give.”
This is what citizen-powered change looks like: not distant, not abstract — but shared, participatory, and deeply human.
And it grows every time someone steps into the conversation.
Climate Fresk and Circular Economy Collage Facilitator, NSW
Lisa became a People for Nature Ambassador in 2025. She’s a Climate Fresk and Circular Economy Collage Facilitator based in Sydney.
Lisa draws on her background in biotechnology research and education to inspire citizen science and drive collective climate action. As a scientist, educator, and advocate, Lisa champions evidence-based innovation and community engagement to tackle environmental challenges—from ocean health to climate resilience.
I believe the true solution lies in empowering individuals through education and fostering collective responsibility for a sustainable future.
Climate Fresk & Biodiversity Collage Facilitator, Sydney
Jonathan has been a Climate Fresk facilitator since 2022 and a Biodiversity Collage facilitator since 2024.
He is driven by a strong will to prove to his children that we can be part of the solution to the climate crisis. His aim is to expand climate and biodiversity literacy as wide as possible to help create that critical mass of responsible people who will shift the system and challenge the status quo.
Being an ambassador for People For Nature offers me an amazing platform to spread awareness on the climate and biodiversity crisis whilst being supported by an incredible bunch of people. I love being part of this community. It brings me strength and perseverance to keep pushing when it sometimes feels like we are not making any progress.”
Climate Fresk, Biodiversity Collage, and Circular Economy Collage Facilitator, NSW
Oscar is an experienced sustainability educator, passionate about demystifying the science behind climate change through gamification.
He is a Climate Fresk, Biodiversity Collage, and Circular Economy Collage Facilitator, based in Sydney, NSW.
Oscar believes education is key to driving real change in the way we treat our only home.
“I love the energy of being among people keen on protecting our earth. At People For Nature I see the passion and creativity required to make an impact using education. It’s why I love being here.”
Carole is an experienced Climate Fresk and Biodiversity Collage Facilitator based in Sydney, NSW.
With over 15 years of experience driving improvement and leading high-performing teams across diverse sectors, Carole brings a deep understanding of what it takes to create meaningful change. Her climate journey is rooted in a belief that education is the first step towards action.
Carole channels her passion for learning into empowering individuals and organisations to take informed climate action. Whether she’s delivering workshops or mentoring others, Carole is helping build a future where climate knowledge leads to confident, collective action.
Virginie is a Climate Fresk facilitator in NSW. She joined the Fresking community a few years ago and has loved being a part of it ever since.
“I’m passionate about how climate education can spark change even for those who already have a strong knowledge of climate science. There’s always another layer to uncover. Every workshop leaves me inspired by the rich, honest conversations that unfold. They help all of us (me included) see more clearly the paths we’re on, and the choices we can make, together or individually, for a more sustainable future.”
“I’m genuinely excited to guide others through these workshops and share what I’ve learned, so they leave feeling empowered, just as I do after every single session, to take on more climate action.
I’m equally excited to keep learning alongside this caring community, who bring such a wealth of ideas and perspectives. It’s a powerful group from all over Australia, with different mindsets and backgrounds, coming together to turn knowledge into meaningful action, one step at a time”
Tom is a seasoned, pro-trained Climate Fresk facilitator for business, based in Sydney.
He also volunteers as an ambassador with People for Nature, supporting climate education and engagement across the community.
Through his firm, EcoProsper Consulting, Tom helps leaders navigate the converging crises of climate, ecology, and economic disruption, transforming uncertainty into strategic clarity and action.
He supports businesses and mission-led organisations across Australia to become more regenerative, resilient, and future-fit, using globally recognised tools like Climate Fresk, the Doughnut Economics Design for Business tool, and the En-ROADS climate simulator.
“Fresking is one of the most effective ways to build shared understanding and motivation for action, whether in the community or inside an organisation. It’s fun, team-building, and evidence-based. Action on climate is urgent, and helping more people experience a workshop like Climate Fresk is part of how we scale awareness and action.”
Tom is available to deliver Climate Fresk workshops for organisations during business hours, Australia-wide.
Australia is already experiencing the impacts of climate change in ways that affect our communities, ecosystems, and economy.
Despite the urgency, one of the biggest challenges we face is the lack of understanding and awareness of the causes, consequences, and solutions for climate change.
Additionally, in the age of social media, false claims and misleading information about climate change can spread rapidly, undermining public understanding and delaying climate action.
That’s why, at People For Nature, our focus is on educating all Australians – young and old – with the knowledge to make informed decisions and advocate for policies that protect our environment.
By using trusted sources and scientific data, we can combat the spread of misinformation and equip individuals with the facts they need to make informed decisions.
Our goal is to educate 27,000 Australians by 2027 — to tackle climate and biodiversity challenges and drive real change for a sustainable future.
Youth Climate Education
Young people are already experiencing the effects of a changing climate.
That’s why it’s crucial to integrate climate education into schools and universities. Early education fosters a sense of responsibility and urgency, ensuring that the next generation is ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
Teaching children and young adults about the science of climate change, its impacts, and potential solutions can inspire a new wave of climate-conscious leaders, entrepreneurs, and activists who will shape Australia’s future.
When delivered well, climate education fosters hope, builds emotional resilience, and empowers action.
Our work with schools
We deliver workshops tailored specifically to younger audiences. Our Climate Fresk for Kids is a fun, interactive, and age-appropriate version of the internationally acclaimed Climate Fresk workshop.
This playful, science-based workshop is designed to introduce students aged 10 and up to the basics of climate change. Using colourful illustrations and a card game format, students explore:
🧐 What causes climate change
🌎 Its effects on people and the planet
🙌 How we can take action
This kid-friendly Climate Fresk has been developed by teachers and climate experts to make complex science engaging and accessible for younger learners, without overwhelming them.
We’re working with forward-thinking Australian universities to deliver workshops that:
✅ Build climate and biodiversity understanding across faculties and disciplines
✅ Embed literacy into curricula and campus-wide initiatives
✅ Engage academic and operational teams in meaningful action toward net zero
From science and engineering to law, business, and the arts — climate and biodiversity touch every field. Now is the time to empower every department.
🌿 These are some of the universities are leading the way: The University of Newcastle, Griffith University, UNSW, and UTS.
Community education helps drive broader change
Education isn’t just about understanding the problem – it’s about inspiring people to act. When people understand, they care – and when they care, they act.
Our interactive and fun workshops aim to help people learn about climate change, biodiversity, sustainability and what they can do to make a positive difference.
Climate literacy empowers Australians to participate in climate-related discussions, vote for climate-conscious leaders, and engage in citizen science initiatives that can drive local conservation efforts.
Want to organise a workshop for your community? Get in touch!
Believe in a better future? So do we.
At People For Nature, our mission is bold: to educate 27,000 Australians by 2027 on climate and biodiversity, empowering them to take meaningful action for our planet.
Your donation fuels citizen-powered education that turns knowledge into action—and action into lasting change. Donate today and be part of the change.
💚 Together, we can shape a planet-boundaries literate Australia.
VSL Australia has put sustainability at the centre of its operations, and has a big focus on educating and empowering its workforce.
Internally driven by Jonathan Handschuh, one of our Ambassadors, VSL has run countless Climate Fresk workshops, helping its teams understand climate science and how they play a part in creating a better future.
The organisation has now moved into the next phase of climate education, running Biodiversity Collage workshops. This is deepening understanding, building further engagement and accelerating climate action.
Program Objectives
VSL Australia has set an ambitious climate action plan. To deliver on it, employees need to be engaged and understand the role they can play in achieving its goals. By building climate literacy and fostering awareness of the challenges, people can see how their actions contribute to a more sustainable future.
Impact & Feedback
“Rolling out Climate Fresk workshops across the organisation has helped mobilise our teams. When people connect emotionally with climate facts, their actions become more meaningful and impactful. And the impact extends beyond the workplace: when people connect the dots they drive positive change in their personal lives as well.”
Andrew Manser, Managing Director, VSL ANZ
Interested in organising a workshop for your organisation?
We’ll empower your people to power change for nature. Contact us today to find out more.
Click below to download the VSL Australia case study.
Melissa is a Climate Fresk, Biodiversity Collage and Circular Economy Collage facilitator based in Tasmania.
She joined People For Nature as an Ambassador because she firmly believes in our mission to empower citizens through engaging educational experiences.
Melissa is the founder of Wild-Built, a boutique consultancy offering strategic, cross-disciplinary expertise to help businesses align with future, real-world challenges. Melissa blends 20 years of marketing, brand, business and sustainability skills to help business leaders activate their strategic imagination and their humanity, in service of a liveable future.
“Participating in the workshops offered by People For Nature has changed the trajectory of my life, and I’m inspired to be part of the movement to make that happen for others. We have a rapidly closing window to act on the climate crisis and biodiversity crisis – which are symptoms of our consumerist, extractive way of life.”
“We simply will not see this action from governments and businesses alone – we need to come together, form community and create a shared vision of the future – with a revived reverence for nature – if we’re to create a liveable future for all. People For Nature provides the ideal platform to engage and empower citizens to do just that.”
Stéphane became a Fresker in March 2024, with his first workshop held at International Grammar School in April.
Motivated by curiosity and a desire to put his professional skills to use, Stéphane transitioned to ClimateTech after a 10-year career in Customer Success, where he honed his ability to convince organizations and people to change.
One of his proudest moments was launching the concept of Fresk at the pub. In search of a venue to host a workshop with friends and contacts, he remembered that public houses are community hubs, where the atmosphere of food and drinks fosters connection and conversation.
What keeps Stéphane inspired is the “light bulb” moment he witnesses in every workshop – that powerful instant when someone fully grasps the scope and consequences of climate change. Being the catalyst for that realization is what keeps him going.
“There is not a single workshop without a light bulb moment for one or several attendees. That special moment when someone “gets” the full picture of climate change and the consequences. Being the trigger of that moment keeps me going!”
