Claire O’Rourke is an author, environmentalist, and advocate with more than two decades of experience in journalism, communications, and campaigns across Australia and internationally. She helps individuals, organisations, and communities take meaningful action on climate change, drawing on her background in both grassroots movements and national-level advocacy.
Her first book, Together We Can (Allen & Unwin, 2022), highlights the inspiring stories of people tackling the climate crisis with creativity and determination. Claire is currently the Co-Director of the Australia Energy Transformation Program at The Sunrise Project, where she works on accelerating the shift to clean energy while ensuring that workers, communities, and First Nations peoples share in the benefits of a renewable future.
Claire brings a deeply personal perspective to her work—her father spent his career in coal-fired power stations, while she now dedicates hers to ensuring Australia becomes a global leader in climate solutions.
Previously, she served as National Director of Solar Citizens, a community-led renewable energy advocacy organisation, and held senior leadership roles with Amnesty International Australia. She also played a pivotal role in the Every Australian Counts campaign, which helped secure the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
A campaigner, communicator, and behavioural change expert, Claire is a highly engaging keynote speaker whose talks explore not only climate action but also leadership, resilience, and the psychology of change.
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 (Climate Compass project)
Addressing eco-anxiety
Climate tech and innovation
Renewable energy and transitioning economies
Advocacy and campaign case studies
Management, coaching, and strategic planning skills
Claire O’Rourke’s story is one of hope, strategy, and practical action—a roadmap for how people and organisations can step up, work together, and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
