Claire O’Rourke

Claire O’Rourke is an author, environmentalist, and advocate with a passion for empowering people to take action on the most pressing challenges of our time. With two decades of experience in journalism, communications, and campaigning across Australia and around the world, Claire has dedicated her career to using storytelling as a powerful tool for driving social change.

Currently the CEO of AEGN, Claire is dedicated to mobilising people and resources to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises. She has held key leadership roles, including as Australia Director and Energy Transformation Co-Director at The Sunrise Project, National Director of Solar Citizens, and a senior leader at Amnesty International Australia. Claire also played a pivotal role in the successful Every Australian Counts campaign for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, demonstrating her deep commitment to advocacy that delivers real impact.

A skilled campaigner and strategist, Claire believes in the power of people and communities to drive transformation. She’s passionate about fostering behavioural change, building movements that nourish and sustain individuals, and ensuring that social and environmental justice remains at the heart of progress.

Her first book, ‘Together We Can’, shares inspiring stories of Australians from all walks of life who are taking meaningful action to address climate change. It’s a call to action, both urgent and hopeful, showing how collective efforts can lead to powerful, lasting change. Additionally, half the royalties from the book support climate action through the Groundswell fund.

Claire is also deeply committed to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Pasifika peoples, as well as for communities on the front lines of climate impacts. She is particularly focused on ensuring a just transition; one where Australian communities not only adapt to change but thrive in a cleaner, fairer, and more resilient future.

At her core, Claire is driven by the belief that we have the power to create the world we want to see. Whether through campaigns, advocacy, or storytelling, she continues to inspire action, connection, and hope.