Arup, with support from the Sydney Opera House, was proud to present the second year of Momentus hosted in the Yallamundi Rooms at the Sydney Opera House.

The event brought together great minds across the private sector, government, community and academia, for a thought-provoking discussion on how we can collectively create momentum to address the challenges of climate change. Specifically, it raised the question of ‘how can we connect great minds and explore brave action to achieve decarbonisation?’

To explore and discuss this question, we brought together a cross-industry panel moderated by Stan Grant, Journalist, Author, Moral Philosopher, Film Maker and Communicator:

Amanda McKenzie, Chief Executive Officer, The Climate Council

Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO, President, Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE)

Tristram Carfrae RDI, Fellow, Arup

Melanie Grills, Arup’s First Nations Programs and Projects Lead, opened the event with a poignant Acknowledgement of Country, acknowledging the Indigenous and traditional ecological knowledge systems built up for tens of thousands of years by First Nations communities and prompted the audience to reflect on the question: “What can I do to relearn?”

Jessica Gooch, Director, Strategic Engagement & Impact at the Sydney Opera House, followed, recognising the significance of gathering for bold action, “It really does encourage so many people from different disciplines to think about how we can work together towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.”

In five-minute bursts, our panel provided diverse perspectives on the decarbonisation challenge from an environmental and energy, science and research, and engineering and built environment lens. We then had a robust and optimistic discussion with questions from the audience. Here are some of the highlights:

Watch the full Momentus broadcast

Vision, vulnerability and verve

Amanda McKenzie introduced the ‘three V’s’ for courage in tackling the climate crisis: vision, vulnerability, and verve. She stressed that action requires a bold vision, highlighting the Climate Council’s ‘Seize the Decade’ report, which found that Australia could reduce emissions by 75 per cent by 2030, but only with decisive action and a willingness to embrace unpopular views.

Progress also demands vulnerability, with governments and sectors sharing successes, failures, and lessons learned. Amanda called for a deeper connection to nature, reminding us to consider the world we want to leave for future generations. Lastly, she emphasised verve, stating we must be "evangelical about the issue", much like she has since 2018, reminding people everywhere she speaks that “Australia is one of the sunniest countries in the world and one of the windiest.”

COP31 presents Australia with a window for climate innovation

Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO highlighted Australia's opportunity, alongside Pacific Island partners, to set an ambitious benchmark for climate innovation by hosting COP31, positioning the nation as a leader in global action. Ambitious climate targets would emphasise the urgency of developing and deploying low-carbon technologies, with Australia supporting other countries’ decarbonisation efforts.

This will require investment in upskilling the workforce, particularly in regional areas, to build climate-ready infrastructure and renewable energy systems. Dr Woodthorpe AO also underscored the need for greater public and private sector investment in low-carbon research and development, which has dropped to just 1.68 per cent of GDP since the 1980s. “Australia has an opportunity with COP31 on the horizon to bring these elements together and signal global leadership.”

Designing for decades to drive decarbonisation

Tristram Carfrae highlighted the chance to decarbonise the built environment, which accounts for 40 per cent of global emissions, through reuse and designing spaces that will be loved for decades, like the Sydney Opera House. Inspired by the global energy transition, where investment grows 30 per cent annually – nearly double that of fossil fuels – Carfrae urged similar progress in building design and operation.

The decarbonisation strategy is clear: boost thermal and electromechanical efficiency and electrify buildings. For embodied carbon, where strategies are more complex, Carfrae's approach is to "build less, reuse existing structures, design more efficiently, use low-carbon materials, and minimise waste." His passion lies in creating places that will endure and adapt over time – the most sustainable option – like Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia, where construction has become an "act of theatre," attracting global audiences.

Change needs investment, solutions and optimism

A common thread throughout the night’s discussion was that we already have the tools to restore nature and address climate change. What is needed now is investment, innovative solutions, and unwavering optimism.

“We have great workforce that are highly educated. We have the people to create solutions – we just need to invest in them.” 
Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO

“As people electrify, we make things far more efficient and provide people with alternative solutions. My brother for example, has fully electrified his home with solar panels and batteries and his energy demand has gone down by 82 per cent.”
Tristram Carfrae RDI

“Those who have a leadership role in the climate space need to be bringing that sense of optimism and possibility. We have to show that it can be done because the only way it will be done is if those who have a vision articulate it and make it clear.”
Amanda McKenzie