People For Nature

Tag: Climate literacy

  • Meet our ambassadors: Sholihah Rahmatunnisa Utami

    Meet our ambassadors: Sholihah Rahmatunnisa Utami

    Sholihah began as a Climate Fresk facilitator in September 2024, became a Biodiversity Collage facilitator in November 2024, and recently took on the role of Circular Economy Collage facilitator in February 2025.

    With a background in STEM and experience as a biology teacher, Sholihah recognised the vital role of science communication in addressing environmental challenges. She believes that people often don’t take action not because they don’t care, but because they don’t fully understand the issues at hand.

    When it’s tough to inspire action, Sholihah draws strength from the enthusiasm and resilience of her fellow facilitators.

    “Their dedication to educating others, despite the challenges we face, continues to motivate her. The drive they bring to the work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of every effort in creating meaningful change.“

    🤝 Connect with Sholihah on LinkedIn 💚

    My Journey as a People for Nature Student Ambassador

    How it started

    My first Climate Fresk was back in June 2024, when I was still in Indonesia. With a background in environmental engineering, I knew some things about climate change, but I didn’t know what to expect in the workshop, so I still very much looked forward to it. Sitting in that room, piecing together the causes and effects of climate change with a bunch of strangers using a deck of cards, and exchanging all the knowledge we collectively had, I found it really exciting. It didn’t feel like a lecture. It felt like everyone in the room was figuring things out together, and somehow that made the whole thing land so much harder and memorable.

    Then in November 2024, a few months after I moved to Melbourne for my Master of Environment at the University of Melbourne, I attended my first Biodiversity Collage at FACET, Swinburne University. Same energy and logic, but different topic. This time it was about biodiversity loss, ecosystems, and how deeply interconnected everything is. I left that session thinking about it for days.

    Both times, what struck me was the content, but also the format and how everyone interacted. The way the workshops are structured means that no one person is the expert. Everyone brings something to the table, and together you build this shared picture of something huge and complicated. That collective intelligence model is something I hadn’t really experienced before, and it fundamentally changed how I think about environmental education.

    Why I wanted to become a facilitator

    After those first workshops, I knew I wanted to be on the other side of the table. Not because I had all the answers, but because I wanted to help create that experience for other people. I’ve always believed that one of the most important things in sustainability work is knowing how to communicate complex science to people who are coming from completely different places, whether that’s a student, a corporate professional, or someone who’s never thought much about climate change before. These workshops felt like one of the best tools I’d seen for doing exactly that.

    So I got trained as a Climate Fresk facilitator, and then I reached out to People for Nature Australia about becoming a Biodiversity Collage facilitator too. I love the P4N people so much, the team there has been so warm and supportive throughout the whole process. Audrey especially, the one whom I knew from day zero, has been incredibly helpful in guiding my facilitation journey, and that kind of support really does make a difference when I was just starting out.

    The journey so far

    I started as a participant, then became a volunteer facilitator, and more recently I’ve had the chance to step into corporate facilitation too as a paid opportunity. After I’d delivered more than five workshops, I was invited to help co-facilitate a paid Climate Fresk for a company, one that was tailored specifically to their team and context. That was a really different experience. The audience was different, the stakes felt different, and I had to think much more carefully about how to make the content relevant to their world and their industry.

    As of now, I’ve facilitated more than 15 workshops in total across Climate Fresk and Biodiversity Collage, with around 3 of those being corporate sessions. Every single one has taught me something new.

    What I’ve gained from doing this

    Definitely more than I expected. The obvious things are the facilitation skills and the networks. I’ve met so many interesting people through these workshops, people I would never have crossed paths with otherwise. But the less obvious thing is how much I’ve learned about active listening. When you’re facilitating, your job is to hold space for the group, not to steer it toward your own perspective. That’s harder than it sounds, and it’s something I’m still working on.

    What I find most valuable is how the workshops are structured beyond just the cards. The creative sessions, the parts where people get to sit with the emotional weight of what they’ve just learned, and the reflection for action sessions at the end, these are the moments where things really shift for participants. It’s not just about understanding the science as well, since we also have to figure out what to do with that understanding. Being in the room when that happens and facilitating the whole process, watching creativity, emotions, and ideas roam and floating around the room is something that is always really special for me and I always feel very honoured to be a part of that. I also love that every workshop brings together such different people with different lived experiences. Hearing how someone from a completely different background connects to these issues, in ways I hadn’t thought of, is something I look forward to every time.

    This work, along with a few other things I’ve been involved in around environmental engagement, contributed to receiving a Highly Commended award at the University of Melbourne Sustainability Awards 2025 in the Student Leadership category!

    If you’re thinking about becoming a facilitator

    Do it. Seriously. You don’t need to be an expert in climate change or biodiversity to facilitate these workshops. You just need to be curious and willing to listen. The model is built on collective intelligence, which means the group does the work together. Your role is just to guide that process.

    The skills you build, knowing how to communicate complex ideas to all kinds of people, how to hold space for difficult conversations, how to connect with people you’d never normally meet, these are genuinely useful for anyone who wants to work in sustainability, conservation, or really any field that involves people caring about the world.

    I started out flipping cards in a room in Indonesia with no idea where it would lead. Somehow it brought me here, facilitating workshops in Melbourne, building a network I didn’t expect, and learning things I couldn’t have planned for. If anything, I might say this journey is one of the best things that happened to my student’s journey here in Australia. If you’re on the fence, I’d really encourage you to give it a go!

  • Meet our ambassadors: Aish Srinivas

    Meet our ambassadors: Aish Srinivas

    Climate Fresk facilitator, WA

    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.

    🤝 Connect with Aish on LinkedIn 💚

  • Meet our ambassadors: Carmelo Fedele

    Meet our ambassadors: Carmelo Fedele

    Climate Fresk & Biodiversity Collage facilitator, NSW

    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 Fresk case 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.

    🤝 Connect with Carmelo on LinkedIn 💚

  • Meet our ambassadors: Bruce MacDonald

    Meet our ambassadors: Bruce MacDonald

    Climate Fresk Facilitator, VIC

    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.“

    🤝 Connect with Bruce on LinkedIn 💚

  • Meet our ambassadors: Stéphane Schneider

    Meet our ambassadors: Stéphane Schneider

    Climate Fresk Facilitator, NSW

    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!”

    🤝 Connect with Stéphane on LinkedIn 💚

  • Meet our ambassadors: Ewa Slocinska Ragot

    Meet our ambassadors: Ewa Slocinska Ragot

    Climate Fresk & Biodiversity Collage facilitator, NSW

    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.”

    🤝 Connect with Ewa on LinkedIn 💚

  • Building climate literacy at Fort Street High School through teacher-led Climate Fresks

    Building climate literacy at Fort Street High School through teacher-led Climate Fresks

    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.

  • The biggest professional Climate Fresk workshop in Australia – Future Group

    The biggest professional Climate Fresk workshop in Australia – Future Group

    Power in numbers

    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 Fresk workshop 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.

  • Embedding Climate Literacy in Banking

    Embedding Climate Literacy in Banking

    The Bank Australia Approach

    Bank Australia is a customer-owned bank with a strong commitment to social and environmental impact. With 70% of its customers prioritizing climate action, the bank is committed to aligning its operations with a sustainable future. As part of its broader purpose, the organisation has been actively integrating climate and biodiversity considerations into its operations, strategy, and decision-making.

    To empower its people to navigate the complexities of climate change, and to embed climate awareness into the bank’s culture, Bank Australia has engaged in climate literacy and systems thinking initiatives that help employees better understand the links between finance, nature, and long-term risk.

    Through interactive learning experiences, staff are encouraged to explore how climate science connects to their roles and how their decisions can contribute to more sustainable outcomes. 

    “I recently had the opportunity to attend the Climate Fresk workshop at our Bank Australia Collingwood head office moderated by Bruce M. from People For Nature, and it was a really good reminder of just how imminent and interconnected the impacts of climate change are.

    The session breaks down complex climate science in a clear, practical way and helps put the bigger picture into perspective. It resets and prompts you to keep climate awareness still at the front of mind and not lose it in the noise around.

    What I appreciated most was how the conversation stayed grounded and it wasn’t overwhelming, instead, it was a chance to pause, reflect, and rethink how our everyday choices and work connect to broader climate outcomes

    It also aligned nicely with Bank Australia’s Climate Action Strategy focus, encouraging shared responsibility and practical thinking rather than grand gestures.

    Also, a small fun fact I learned along the way: “Fresk” is an English adaptation of the French word “fresque”, meaning a fresco or mural which feels fitting, as the session is all about stepping back and seeing the whole picture.”

    Minisha Reddy, Impact Lending Support Consultant at Bank Australia.

    By investing in climate education, Bank Australia is strengthening internal awareness, aligning its workforce with its values, and building the capability needed to support Australia’s transition to a low-carbon, nature-positive economy.

    This approach reflects a growing recognition that informed employees are key to driving meaningful, organisation-wide change. It also positions Bank Australia as a leader in sustainable finance, earning recognition from customers for its authentic commitment to climate action.

    Photos credit: Minisha Reddy, Bank Australia.

    📩 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.

  • Meet our ambassadors: Himanshu Kulkarni

    Meet our ambassadors: Himanshu Kulkarni

    Climate Fresk Facilitator, NSW

    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.