Australia contributes far more than our fair share to worsening the climate crisis, and yet our political leaders seem to be going backwards. What are the needs, opportunities and challenges of Australian Climate Politics? And where might the church fit? 

 Dr Byron Smith is an ecological ethicist and Christian minister. His PhD in theological ethics (University of Edinburgh) focused on emotional responses to climate change in the context of Christian identity. He also holds honours degrees in theology, philosophy and literature. His time is split between pastoral ministry at Paddington Anglican Church, and a speaking/writing ministry helping churches join the dots between ecological justice and faith. He has authored a number of scholarly articles and book chapters, is a climate consultant for Common Grace, writes for a variety of online platforms, hosts a news digest podcast, The Good Dirt with Byron Smith, and has joined in nonviolent direct actions against new coal projects and in support of people seeking asylum. Byron lives in Sydney with Jessica and their two young children and loves making soil and honey (or watching worms and bees do so).