Mad World
- Words by Peppermint
Last Thursday, AYCC chair and leading Aussie environmentalist Anna Rose faced off against former Senator and renowned climate sceptic Nick Minchin on the ABC1 special I Can Change Your Mind About Climate. The documentary (and Q&A panel afterward) heavily divided the public, much like the issue of climate change – and its associated ‘realness’ or ‘urgency’ – continues to. In the lead up to the release of her new book Madlands, we caught up with Anna to pick her brain about dealing with climate change sceptics and new ways forward for environmental action.
How do you feel the show went?
I never expected to go on a journey with a politician who’s spent his career arguing that industries can pollute our air, soil and water without limits. But while we disagreed about many things, Nick and I did find some common ground in our vision for Australia’s future. I was glad that the documentary could end on Nick and I agreeing that Australia should transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy.
Was there anything you learned (particularly from Nick’s point of view) along the journey?
This experience has taught me that those of us who accept the science of climate change have to find even better ways to explain ourselves. Given a proper understanding of the indisputable scientific facts, every person should be able to support responsible action on climate change. There has been a huge campaign against science, and it’s managed to cut through to some sections of the Australian population. If, as a result of this, the understanding of climate change isn’t strong enough, it just means environmentalists will have to find new ways to communicate climate science. We will never know every single thing about every single aspect of our climate system. But this doesn’t mean we can ignore the information that we do have.
Do you feel that Nick changed his view in any way or learned from the experience?
In London, towards the end of the journey, we met conservative British MP Zac Goldsmith. In a conversation with him, Nick accepted that the world has warmed and said (his exact words): “Human emissions of CO2 probably made some contribution to that.” Most people who refuse to accept the science of climate change deny any link between carbon pollution and the world warming – so to me this was a huge step forward.
97 out of 100 climate scientists are now in agreement about this – why do you think the public still has a 50/50 split?
There isn’t really a 50/50 split. There are a small group of people, often funded by fossil fuel magnates, who have spent a lot of money trying to cast doubt on scientists. But despite this, a Newspoll survey last year and an Ipsos survey released last week found that around 90% of Australians believe that climate change is caused either partly or entirely by human activity. That makes Nick’s view an unusual one that doesn’t reflect the opinions of the majority of Australians who support taking responsible action to cut carbon pollution.
Do you have new ideas now about the way forward for climate change advocacy?
I’m about to go on a three month long road tour talking to outer suburban, regional and rural communities about climate change science, impacts and solutions. It’s important to keep doing the grassroots work changing hearts and minds, one person at a time, to build the critical mass of support that we need to bust misconceptions about the price on carbon pollution and build more support for action on climate change.
I have lots of ideas for other campaigns and projects but there’s so much to say to I don’t even know where to start!
Anna’s new book, Madlands: The Journey to Change the Mind of a Climate Sceptic is out now at all good bookstores. Thanks to Melbourne University Press, we’ve got five copies to give away to five lucky readers! Simply head to our Facebook page and join the conversation for your chance to win. {Competition closes 5pm, Monday May 7th and includes Australian postal addresses only}.
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Look, I don’t want to make anyone panic but IT’S DECEMBER!!! If you’re planning to give homemade gifts, you’re going to have to act fast. …
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As issue 64’s gorgeous cover artwork by artist @LisaCongdon proudly proclaims: you belong here. Yet for trans and non-binary people, acceptance still remains hard won – and increasingly under threat.
In our latest issue, we spoke to actress and transgender rights advocate @GeorgieStone, multi-hyphenate life coach, pilates and meditation teacher, diversity educator and runway model @RudiLandmann, artist and seven-time Archibald finalist Kim Leutwyler (@CarlosBob) and multidisciplinary artist Sunday Jemmott of @SundaysArtClub about their wins and worries – and why belonging matters deeply.
Read more from our ‘Transforming the Narrative’ feature in issue 64, at newsagents and stockists now!
Photos: @NickCog, @KateLukePhotography for @DangerousFemales, Kim Leutwyler, @RissVisualStudio
#PeppermintMagazine #YouBelong #TransLivesMatter #NonBinary #HumanRights
Who’s going to the sold out Liberty Fabrics Showcase in Brisbane or Melbourne? 🙋♀️
To say we’re excited is an understatement! Maybe we’re biased because our lovely Laura (Sewing Manager) is walking in the fashion parade along with many other incredible sewists in our community, but also - there’s SO many good things: retail stalls featuring exclusive products, rare finds and all things @LibertyFabrics, and sneak peeks at brand-new quilting and fashion collections, including the Liberty Fabrics Spring/Summer ‘Floral Rebellion’ collection.
Also - Liberty legends Mary-Ann Dunkley (Head of Design) and Anna Buruma (ex-Head of Archive) are flying in from London especially!
Keep an eye on our socials this weekend for BTS! 🌸🌼🌺
Brisbane 7/2/26
Melb 14/2/26
From @Laura_The_Maker:
If you know me irl then you probably know that I only do one take for my reels so enjoy this vid of me saying thousands of words about an exciting collaboration I’m participating in for 2026!
Thanks to the teams @2GreenZebras @Regent_Street_Fabrics and @StyleArc for including me on the runway. I absolutely can’t wait!
Obviously I’ll be hoping for enough scrap fabric to make some kind of accessories…
#libertyfabrics #libertyfabricsshowcase
🌻 The Paddington 🌻
This is a much-loved staple, created for Issue 50 in 2021. We love seeing the #PeppermintPaddingtonTop continually popping up in our feeds!
How stunning is our model Elon MelaninGoddessEfon – she told us it was one of the first times she had been asked to come to a shoot with her natural hair. 🌻
We worked with South African patternmaker Sarah Steenkamp of @FrenchNavyNow_ to create this wardrobe essential – the perfect puff-sleeve blouse. Raglan sleeves make it the ultimate beginner sew, plus the gorgeous back buttons let you add your own personal twist.
Pattern via the link in bio! 🪡
Photos: @KelleySheenan
Fabric: @Spoonflower
Model: MelaninGoddessEfon
“In the 1940’s, Norwegians made and wore red pointed hats with a tassel as a form of visual protest against Nazi occupation of their country. Within two years, the Nazis made these protest hats illegal and punishable by law to wear, make, or distribute. As purveyors of traditional craft, we felt it appropriate to revisit this design.”
Crafters have often been at the heart of many protest movements, often serving as a powerful means of political expression. @NeedleAndSkein, a yarn store in Minnesota, are helping to mobilise the craftivists of the world with a ‘Melt The Ice’ knitting pattern created by @Yarn_Cult (with a crochet pattern too), as a way of peaceful protest.
The proceeds from the $5 pattern will go to local immigrant aid organisations – or you can donate without buying the pattern.
Raise those needles, folks – art and craft can change the world. 🧶
Link in bio for the pattern.
Images: @Gather_Fiber @NeedleAndSkein @a2ina2 @KyraGiggles Sandi.204 @WhatTracyMakes AllieKnitsAway Auntabwi2
#MeltTheIce #Craftivism #Knitting #CraftForChange
TWO WEEKS TO GO! 🤩
"The most important shift is moving from volume-led buying to value-led curation – choosing fewer, better products with strong ethics, considered production and meaningful stories. Retailers have real influence here: what you buy signals what you stand for. At Life Instyle, this means using the event to discover and invest in small-scale, planet-considerate brands that align with your values and your customer’s conscience. Consumers don’t need more things; they need better things, and retailers play a key role in selecting, contextualising, and championing why those products matter."
Only two more weeks until @Life_Instyle – Australia`s leading boutique retail trade show. If you own a store, don`t miss this event! Connect with designers, source exquisite – and mindful – products, and see firsthand why this is Australia’s go-to trade show for creatives and retailers alike. And it`s free! ✨️
Life Instyle – Sydney/Eora Country
14-17 February 2026
ICC, Darling Harbour
Photos: @Samsette
#LifeInstyle #SustainableShopping #SustainableShop #RetailTradeEvent
Calling all sewists! 📞
Have you made the Peppermint Waratah Wrap Dress yet? Call *1800 I NEED THIS NOW to get making!
This gorgeous green number was modelled (and made) by the fabulous Lisa of @Tricky.Pockets 🙌🏼
If you need a nudge, @ePrintOnline are offering Peppermint sewists a huge 🌟 30% off ALL A0 printing 🌟 when you purchase the Special Release Waratah Wrap Dress pattern – how generous is that?!
Head to the link in bio now 📞
*Not a real number in case that wasn`t clear 😂
#PeppermintWaratahWrapDress #PeppermintPatterns #SewingPattern #WrapDress #WrapDressPattern
