Claire O’Rourke

Claire O’Rourke's Biography

Claire O’Rourke is an author, environmentalist and advocate, with two decades working in journalism, communications and campaigns across Australia and around the world. Claire helps people and organisations take action on climate change and her first book ‘Together we Can’ was published by Allen & Unwin in 2022.

Previously Claire was National Director of Solar Citizens, a community-led renewable energy advocacy organisation. Claire has extensive experience advocating for social impact, including driving communications for the Every Australian Counts campaign for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and as a senior leader at Amnesty International Australia. Claire's current role is Australia Energy Transformation Program Co-Director at The Sunrise Project

Claire’s father worked at coal fired power stations all his career, and now she spends her days working on how we can replace them and ensure workers, communities and First Nations peoples share the benefits as the world quickly moves to clean, renewable energy.

Claire is a campaigner, communicator and behavioural change expert working to transform Australia into a global leader in climate solutions.

Speaking Topics Include

Leadership in times of uncertainty

Positive climate action, from the community to the C-suite

Social research on Australians' views on climate change (including the ongoing Climate Compass segmentation research project led by The Sunrise Project)

The Eco-anxiety challenge and how to address it

Climate tech and innovation

Renewable energy

Philanthropy

Transitioning economies and communities

Advocacy and campaigns (case studies, skills)

Management and coaching skills

Strategy skills (how to analyse a problem, analyse needs, build plan to win)