About Us

About Us

Australia has an enormous solar and wind energy potential – in fact, some scientists argue that we could meet the global renewable energy demand 100 times over.

Western Australia alone could be a global renewable energy super-power. Our unique geography and natural resources make us a potential world leader for producing every type of renewable energy – but of total energy generated in WA only 17% is from renewables, compared to  32% nationally.

The Better Climate program aims to facilitate WA’s transition to a low-carbon economy and create massive job opportunities. Between 2015-2019, employment in the renewables industry increased by 63% in WA, and it could grow much faster if we can grab hold of the opportunities and overcome the challenges of decarbonising WA. Shifting Western Australia’s main electricity grid to 90 per cent renewables by 2030 is not only technically and economically feasible but would generate 5,000 jobs a year on average.

And decarbonising WA also means a safer, fairer, cleaner home for us all!

That’s why Better Climate was set up – as CCWA’s climate action initiative advocating for green jobs and a green economy for Western Australia.

Through community partnerships and engagement, we embrace opportunities to build awareness and support local communities as they strive for a fairer, safer place to live, learn and work.

Better Climate is an initiative from the Conservation Council of WA

CCWA is Western Australia’s foremost not-for-profit, non-government conservation and environment organisation. We have been a prominent and forthright voice for conservation for more than 50 years working directly with communities, government, Traditional Owners, industry, and media to promote a more sustainable WA and to protect our natural environment.

Our Story

Clean State was established in 2018 as a climate program of the Conservation Council of WA
Since then, we’ve made a big impact - generating a volume of valuable research into WA’s potential as a clean energy powerhouse.
Our Clean State Jobs Plan was a success.
Our seminal 2020 Jobs Plan delivered 26 fully costed, fully viable recommendations for the WA government to create 200,000 clean jobs and kickstart WA’s transition to net-zero carbon emissions.
15 of these recommendations have now been actioned or implemented.
Including $60 million for renewable energy and battery projects around the state, $60 million for conservation projects in regional areas, $17 million for batteries and solar in the Kimberley, including in First Nations communities, and $15 million to boost emergency services and fire brigades who are dealing with the impacts of climate change.
From 2018-2022, Clean State built up a support base of over 20,000 everyday Western Australians.
We also consulted with a broad range of local institutions on building a clean economy. During that time, we continued community organising and campaigning for climate action at a grassroots level.
As of 2023, Clean State became Better Climate.
We are driving evidence-based solutions to diversify our economy and create thousands of jobs within new, sustainable industries through collaboration, research and policy recommendations. We continue to build awareness around climate impacts and support local communities - for a fairer and safer place to live, learn and work.

Our Team

Jayde Rowlands

Program Manager

Jayde Rowlands is the program manager for Better Climate. Jayde joined CCWA earlier this year, driven by the conviction that Australia’s renewable energy transition – and move towards net zero – should have communities and workers at its heart. Jayde previously worked in the resources sector and is a former political and union organiser.

Angelica Munoz

Policy and Research Officer

Angelica Munoz is a Research Officer for Better Climate and joined CCWA in January 2022. Angelica is passionate about economics, public policy and building a sustainable and diversified economy that we can all be proud of. Angelica has a background in economic policy, and data analysis.  

Orla Latawski

Community Organiser

Orla Latawski is a community organiser for Better Climate and joined CCWA in April this year. Orla is passionate about engaging the community in policymaking and joined the campaign to ensure WA makes the most of its abundant natural resources on the road to a decarbonised economy. Orla has a background in communications and parliamentary education.

Isabella Tripp

Community Organiser

Isabella Tripp is a community organiser for Better Climate and joined CCWA in April this year. Isabella is passionate about jobs – especially in our regions, building on our strengths in the energy industry, and protecting Western Australia’s unique environment for future generations. Isabella has a background in conservation, land management, and horticulture.