The Global Nature Positive Summit was the first of its kind. Here are Climateworks Centre CEO Anna Skarbek’s key takeaways

This week Australia hosted the world’s first Global Nature Positive Summit in Sydney. Five years ago, Climateworks Centre co-hosted the first Australian Natural Capital Summit, which developed the first Natural Capital Roadmap for Australia.  The Global Nature Positive Summit is a sign of significant progress that the Australian Government has now hosted over 1,000 international and local practitioners and leaders from business and governments on this topic.

Taking stock of corporate transition planning

Climate commitments abound in corporate Australia.  For more than a decade, companies of all sizes have increasingly made climate and sustainability commitments as investor and customer pressure to act on the climate emergency intensifies.  In 2023, the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors found that 61 per cent of ASX200 companies had net zero commitments, compared to 48 per cent in 2022.

New program to transform industrial zones launches in Ho Chi Minh City

Climateworks Centre has launched a new program to facilitate the establishment of net zero industrial precincts in Vietnam.  This follows an MOU signed by Climateworks and Ho Chi Minh Institute of Development Studies on the sideline of Ho Chi Minh City Economic Forum (HEF).

Renewables are the cheapest way to reduce Australia’s energy emissions

Over the next two decades, Australia will need to reduce its electricity sector emissions to near zero. It will need to do this while meeting rapidly increasing electricity demand to support other sectors of the economy in decarbonising. 

Australia has just been handed a map for getting to net zero. Here’s how it will guide us

Australia’s push for net-zero emissions received a welcome boost on Thursday, with the release of an official report showing how Australia can seek to cut domestic emissions across each sector of the economy.

Protecting mangroves and seagrass could boost Indonesia’s new climate targets

Indonesia has signalled it could include blue carbon ecosystems — carbon-rich coastal and marine areas, like mangroves and seagrass — in its new climate targets.

Eight recommendations for Australia’s Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Roadmap

So far, Australia’s strategies to reduce its transport emissions have focussed on increasing the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs). But with transport being Australia’s fastest-growing source of emissions, Climateworks Centre’s latest transport scenario modelling shows it is necessary to use all available solutions to decarbonise the sector.  In addition to zero-emission vehicles, these solutions include:  increasing the use of public transport, active transport and rail freight (A.K.A ‘mode shift’) reducing some travel activity where there are opportunities to move people and goods more efficiently.

Fortescue has put its ambitious green hydrogen target on hold – but Australia should keep powering ahead

Australian mining and energy giant Fortescue announced late on Wednesday that its ambitious green energy goal – to produce 15 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually by 2030 – will be placed on hold.

Re-imagining land use for climate change

There is no net zero emissions without nature. In 2023, that was brought to the attention of the world at COP28 in Dubai.

EVs alone won’t save Australia from climate emergency

Australia’s transport sector needs to decarbonise fast in order to meet emissions reductions in line with limiting global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Data and modelling can help accelerate decarbonisation in Southeast Asia, ASEAN Green Future webinar hears

In 2022, ASEAN nations’ installed solar and wind capacity was less than 1 per cent of the region’s potential, according to independent energy think tank EMBER.  This vast untapped potential presents significant investment opportunities, said Dr Dinita Setyawati, Senior Electricity Policy Analyst, Southeast Asia at EMBER.  ‘At the same time, it provides a strong case for more reform in regulations and policy environments,’  she said at a recent webinar hosted by Climateworks Centre as part of the ASEAN Green Future project.

Southeast Asian climate, energy leaders learn from Australian experience

A holistic, multidimensional approach to the energy transition was central to a two-week immersive experience for climate and energy leaders from Indonesia and Vietnam in early 2024.  Climateworks Centre hosted 15 leaders for the inaugural Southeast Asia Just Energy Transition Fellowship Program, as part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Australia Awards Fellowships in February.

How Australia’s energy system could change in a net zero future

Australia’s energy system will look different in a net zero emissions future. To play its part in addressing global climate change, Australia will need to rapidly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions – including emissions from its electricity system.  This means the energy system needed to support Australia’s decarbonisation could look very different from the system serving the nation today.  Securing a reliable energy system powered by variable renewable energy could change how electricity is used, stored and governed.    Hold on, step back.

Interactive: Decarbonising transport, Australia’s fastest growing source of emissions

Transport is Australia’s third-largest source of emissions. It’s also the fastest growing – it’s set to become the nation’s largest source of emissions by 2030.

New modelling: Australia’s credible transport transition beyond electric vehicles

New scenario modelling by Monash University’s Climateworks Centre demonstrates that Australia can bolster transport decarbonisation by expanding its approach to include a suite of solutions, calling for a shift in the way governments plan and fund transport in the face of modest electric vehicle (EV) uptake.   Climateworks Transport Program Lead, Helen Rowe said: ‘Developing a credible plan to reduce transport emissions requires a shift in the way governments at all levels plan and fund transport – putting emissions reductions at the heart.’ The Climateworks modelling, presented in its latest report ‘Decarbonising Australia’s transport sector: Diverse solutions for a credible emissions reduction plan’, examines what a credible plan to decarbonise Australia’s transport sector could look like, going beyond electric vehicles and giving the country more options to successfully turn the wheel on its third-largest and fastest-growing source of emissions.

Future Made in Australia could act as ‘national net zero filter’ 

Climateworks Centre welcomes the targeted public investment detailed in the 2024–2025 Federal Budget as part of the Future Made in Australia package.  Climateworks’ Sustainable Economies Lead Kylie Turner, who was in the Budget lock-up, said: ‘The federal government’s Future Made in Australia framework is a key climate pillar for this Budget and could function as a national “net zero filter”, coordinating industry decisions and funnelling investment in the right direction.’ ‘It is precisely the kind of coordination the nation needs to make the most of its once-in-a-lifetime green economy transformation,’ she added. 

Experts available on the Budget 

Kylie Turner Kylie Turner, Sustainable Economies Lead, Climateworks Centre who is in the Budget lock-up and has decades of experience working across government, business and the not-for-profit sector.

Nature-based sequestration in our decarbonisation scenarios for Australia

For Climateworks Centre decarbonisation scenarios 2023, we asked our model for the lowest-cost pathways for Australia to deliver on the Paris Agreement and meet future energy demand in a growing economy.

Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Summit fosters new collaborations for the low carbon transition

In April, Climateworks Centre co-hosted the inaugural Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Summit in Vietnam, where business leaders, policymakers and industry experts discussed the acceleration of opportunities for green economy investment and trade between the two countries.

Summit to strengthen green economy opportunities for Vietnam, Australia

Australian Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister will meet Vietnamese and Australian business leaders, policymakers and industry experts in Vietnam to discuss how the countries can accelerate opportunities for green economy investment and trade. 

Green economy summit: How can Australia get more from its relationship with Vietnam?

Next week, more than 100 green energy, technology, education and finance companies from Australia and Vietnam will gather in Ho Chi Minh City.

Renovations and rewiring can multiply the decarbonisation dividend 

Our research shows why conversations about home electrification should go hand in hand with conversations about improving home insulation and energy performance.  Electrifying an energy efficient home reduces net demand, meaning faster decarbonisation at scale.

Climate collaboration celebrated at national awards

The Australian Industry Energy Transitions Initiative (Australian Industry ETI) – a four-year collaboration of more than thirty organisations dedicated to decarbonising Australia’s heavy industry – was selected as a finalist for the Banksia Foundation’s Net Zero Action Award.

How Australia’s gas use is reduced in our decarbonisation scenarios

In 2022, gas contributed about 20 per cent of Australia’s emissions, based on Australian Government data. Besides the emissions released when gas is used, emissions are also released during gas extraction, transport and – in the case of gas exports – during the process of liquifying it.  Climateworks Centre’s most recent decarbonisation scenarios show how this might change in a future where Australia reduces its emissions in line with the Paris Agreement. 

Climateworks Centre announces Joanne Chin as Chief Operating Officer

Leading human resources executive, Joanne Chin, has been appointed Climateworks Centre’s new Chief Operating Officer.  Joanne comes to Climateworks with nearly a decade of private sector executive leadership experience including tenures at Google, autonomous vehicle startup Waymo, and the Kraft Heinz company.

Climate and clean energy sit high on Australia’s ASEAN agenda

This week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states and Timor Leste for a special ASEAN summit in Melbourne, where – for the first time – climate and clean energy featured as a key agenda item.

Climateworks Centre hosts Southeast Asia Just Energy Transition Fellowship program

Fifteen climate and energy leaders from Indonesia and Vietnam have converged on Melbourne for the Southeast Asia Just Energy Transition Fellowship.

One year into the Indonesia and Vietnam’s Just Energy Transition Partnerships [↗️ Lowy Institute]

It’s a long and winding road – but the destination is crucial, writes Trang Nguyen for the Lowy Institute Interpreter (link opens Lowy Institute website).

Renovating an Australian home can reduce emissions and energy costs. So how do savings in your state or territory stack up?

Our Climate-ready homes report shows most Australians could dramatically reduce their energy use and save thousands each year, by upgrading the thermal efficiency of their homes.  The findings are relevant for the majority of existing residences across Australia – 11 million homes across all climate zones, from cool temperate to hot-dry or tropical.  When analysed by state and territory, the greatest potential savings are found in regions with colder winters – which is also where most Australians live.  Nationally, however, even the lowest potential savings (in warmer climate zones) add up to nearly $1,000 a year.  And of course, human health and wellbeing improvements stack up right alongside these savings.

Vietnam’s challenge to wean off coal [↗ Lowy Institute]

Fossil fuels have driven rapid growth but the country has pledged – with global help – to be carbon neutral by 2050, writes Trang Nguyen for the Lowy Institute (link opens Lowy Institute website).

Dr Fraser Thompson brings international sustainable development expertise to Climateworks board

Climateworks Centre has appointed Dr Fraser Thompson to its board of directors, adding significant international sustainability strategy and implementation expertise. A Rhodes scholar with a background in business and economics and a long commitment to sustainable development in the Asia–Pacific region, Dr Thompson’s career has been underscored by his commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions. 

Summer reading and listening recommendations from Climateworks staff

Summer is a great time to branch out and read or listen to something a little different from usual.  If you need some inspiration, take a look at this diverse list of books and podcasts recommended by the staff at Climateworks Centre. 

At the forefront of people-first leadership: Climateworks executive Bhavika Agnihotri to step away from COO role after eight years

After an exciting period of growth and success with Climateworks Centre, Chief Operations Officer Bhavika Agnihotri will leave her role in the new year to enjoy time with family, before looking for her next opportunity.

Reversing biodiversity loss while sustaining food production and meeting the Paris Agreement

Avoiding climate change, halting and reversing biodiversity loss and balancing our food production goals are three interlinked and critical goals for Australia.  But is it possible to reach all of these goals at the same time?  And how can the nation achieve this?

COP28 ‘just transition’ talks are the latest effort to ensure a fair shift from fossil fuels to clean energy

‘Just transition’ is becoming a buzzword at UNFCCC pavilions, board rooms of financial institutions, and academia. The 28^th Conference of Parties (COP28), hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has directed significant focus on providing alternative jobs for carbon-intensive sectors, diversification of regions and compensation to companies for their loss of revenue.

Renovate homes to cope with cost of living crisis and climate change impacts, Climateworks Centre says

Australian households could save up to $2,200 a year on energy bills by upgrading homes built before 2003 with better insulation and electrifying appliances and heating, a new report by Monash University’s Climateworks Centre says.

How could Australia actually get to net zero? Here’s how

Every bit of warming matters if we want to avoid the worst impacts for climate change, as the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change shows.

Australia can still decarbonise in line with the Paris Agreement

New scenario modelling by Monash University’s Climateworks Centre demonstrates that Australia can achieve net zero emissions in line with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius with decisive and increased action across all sectors of the economy.

Mandatory climate-related financial disclosures for Australian companies, explained

The Australian Treasury has released a proposal setting out the climate-related information many companies may soon need to disclose. The recent exposure draft released by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) outlines the proposed disclosures in full.  Under the proposal, companies will need to disclose climate-related information as part of their general financial reporting, starting as early as July 2024 for some companies.  Australian Security & Investments Commission chair Joe Longo described the shift as the ‘biggest change to corporate reporting in a generation’.

Who pays and how: The COP28 dilemma of debt and equity

COP28 will take stock of the step change in ambition needed, but the gulf in climate finance promises and realities presents an obstacle to a stronger action.

Australia’s green hydrogen hour has arrived

Green hydrogen could be a fossil fuels replacement in some sectors if Australia takes the immediate steps to embrace it. In a world grappling with the complex problem of reducing carbon emissions to limit global warming, the universe’s most-abundant element has the potential to unlock part of the puzzle.

Climate solutions are already in our nature

From natural seawalls to mangroves, countries are starting to combat climate change with nature-based solutions. COP28 might drive more of these efforts.

Decarbonising short-haul road freight could halve Australia’s freight emissions

A new report from Climateworks Centre finds that Australia would be on track to cut more than half of freight emissions by implementing already available solutions in short-haul road freight.

Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Program: Catalysing sustainable business collaboration

Australia and Vietnam have shared ambitions to realise opportunities within the green economy, and the Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Program aims to reshape the contours of the green economy by equipping Australian businesses with the knowledge, capabilities and networks to catalyse sustainable business collaboration with Vietnam.

The road is long and time is short, but Australia’s pace towards net zero is quickening

The marks of industry have forever changed the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, edged by the Blue Mountains to the south and ancient rainforests to the north.

Indonesian business and government representatives discuss ways forward for low-carbon energy transition investment 

How can business, finance and government work in harmony in Indonesia for a just transition of the country’s energy system? That was the topic of the ASEAN Energy Business Forum side event ‘Investing in Energy Transition in Indonesia: Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Practice’held in Bali last month.  The event provided an opportunity for representatives of renewable energy businesses to share their experiences with policymakers, and vice-versa.

Release of Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures framework a welcome step – and Australia can lead on nature reporting

Nature related disclosures are an important step on the path to help build an economy that works with, rather than against, nature.

Asia-Pacific can ‘accelerate climate actions with strengthened collaboration’: Professor John Thwaites AM

The Asia-Pacific’s greenhouse gas emissions keep rising and in some respects the region is going backwards. Climate action was the only Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 13) in which outcomes went backwards in the Asia-Pacific between 2015 and 2023.

Blue carbon and ocean-based sectors can meet half of Indonesia’s net zero target by 2050: report

Blue ecosystems and ocean-based sectors, such as maritime transport and offshore renewable energy, can contribute 49 per cent of Indonesia’s net zero emissions transition.

Raising Australian building standards can deliver climate-ready homes sooner

A consultation process is underway to inform what standards will be considered for Australia’s National Construction Code (NCC) 2025. Performance requirements in the NCC set the lowest quality to which a building can be legally built, and will ultimately support national commitments to achieve legislated net zero targets.

Addressing financial and investment barriers to accelerating ASEAN’s clean energy transition

Ensuring Southeast Asia’s energy security and financial stability are among the priorities while Indonesia is ASEAN Chair in 2023. To achieve these goals, the region needs to accelerate and strengthen its clean energy transition through innovative financing solutions.  Southeast Asia is a rapidly growing region, accounting for 3.6 per cent of the world’s economy in 2022.

Climateworks and Woolworths announce natural capital pilot

Climateworks Centre and retailer Woolworths Group have announced they will co-design a new pilot program to test incentives for farmers to measure their natural capital in Woolworths Group food supply chains.

Natural capital measurement enabled by new reference catalogue

Natural Capital Measurement Catalogue (NCMC) Version 1.0 aims to provide a consistent reference source for a comprehensive set of natural capital metrics and methods.

Insights from modelling the decarbonisation of Australia’s industry sector

This article is adapted from Ro Maxwell’s presentation at our Briefing Room event ‘How to decarbonise Australia: Industry, energy and technology’.

Indonesia can lead the way on ocean-based climate action. New Climateworks analysis and mapping shows how

Baca versi Bahasa Indonesia Ocean-based climate action can deliver up to a quarter of the global annual greenhouse gas emissions cuts pledged under the Paris Agreement.

Analisis dan pemetaan Climateworks menunjukkan peluang Indonesia untuk memimpin aksi iklim berbasis kelautan

Read the English version Aksi iklim berbasis kelautan berpotensi mengurangi seperempat emisi gas rumah kaca (GRK) tahunan global, yang dijanjikan dalam Paris Agreement.

For Emi Gui, it’s a love of nature that fuels her passion for energy and development

Energy System Lead Emi Gui has been working with officials from ASEAN member states to enhance their knowledge of low-carbon energy transitions.

Sectoral decarbonisation plans a welcome priority for Australia’s government 

In a keynote address to the Australian Clean Energy Summit, the Climate Change and Energy Minister announced the Australian Government will develop sectoral plans based on Climate Change Authority decarbonisation pathways.  ‘Developing sectoral pathways is the right approach to take,’ said Australia Country lead Anna Malos.

Championing decarbonisation in Southeast Asia 

Climateworks is prioritising work with countries in Southeast Asia with high projected emissions growth, creating solutions that can be shared and scaled throughout the region.  Our approach focuses on partnerships, coalition building and capacity building.  In the past month, our work in the region has touched on all three of these areas, giving us opportunities to share solutions as well as learn from others championing the region’s decarbonisation.

For Jannata (Egi) Giwangkara, Indonesia’s energy transition is ‘personal’

Egi leads projects in energy policy, power sector transformation, low carbon development, and supports business development. We took a few minutes out of his busy schedule.

Anna Skarbek appointed to Net Zero Economy Agency Advisory Board

Climateworks CEO Anna Skarbek has been appointed to the Advisory Board of the Australian Government’s Net Zero Economy Agency. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen made the announcement on Wednesday.

How does climate change affect my business?

The impacts of climate change are increasingly being felt across businesses in all industries.  Understanding the effects of climate change is key to the long-term commercial success of any business.

How Australia can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in ‘hard to abate’ sectors

Australia has the tools and technologies at its disposal to decarbonise most sectors of its economy. However, sectors such as heavy industry and heavy-duty transport are sometimes called ‘hard to abate’ (or ‘harder to abate’), because of their high levels of emissions and the relatively high cost of reducing those emissions.  Hard to abate industries could include steelmaking, mining, the aluminium supply chain, chemicals (such as fertilisers and plastics), cement, oil and gas, aviation, shipping and heavy road transport.

Thinking beyond EVs to decarbonise Australia’s transport sector

In the recent Federal Budget, the Australian Treasurer announced more than $4.5 billion in climate-related spending, the bulk of which will fund efforts to reduce Australian emissions.  Among the Budget’s line items was $20.9 million dollars over five years to decarbonise transport and infrastructure, including $7.8 million to develop a Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Roadmap and Action Plan.

The Australian Federal Budget takes important steps toward net zero on hydrogen, housing and more

On Tuesday night, the Australian Treasurer delivered the first Federal Budget since the nation’s parliament put net zero targets into law.

Australia finally has a Net Zero Authority – here’s what should top its agenda

The Albanese government has announced a Net Zero Authority to reduce national emissions and help industry, communities and workers manage the shift to a low-carbon economy.

MoU between Monash, Climateworks and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry will assist Indonesia’s private sector to decarbonise

KADIN Net Zero Hub has signed a two-year MoU with Monash University, Indonesia and Climateworks Centre to build capacity within Indonesia’s private sector and to accelerate corporate commitment to net zero emissions.

How universities can spearhead the net zero revolution

Universities’ vast campus infrastructures and large populations of students, staff and commercial tenants can make them seem like miniature cities. And, like cities, these campuses contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

BPKP launches ESG assessment guidelines for Indonesian State-owned enterprises

On Monday 17 April 2023, BPKP (Badan Pengawasan Keuangan Pembangunan) launched its ESG Assessment Guidelines for State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) to help them improve their sustainability reporting practices.

Place-based approaches can help industrial regions decarbonise quicker – here’s how

Decarbonising Australia’s industrial sector will be essential for Australia to reach net zero. The Australian Government can set the right policy signals with ambitious long-term goals to diversify economically in new clean industries and coordinate investment in specific locations.

How sustainability disclosure can help Indonesian corporations compete and thrive

To amplify sustainability disclosure and promote corporate integrity, countries in the Asia-Pacific region are progressively refining their regulatory frameworks on corporate sustainability.

Australia’s main iron ore exports may not work with green steelmaking. Here’s what we must do to prepare

Making steel was responsible for about 7 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2020. That’s because steelmakers in countries like China, Japan and South Korea have long relied on fossil fuels like coal to make steel in blast furnaces.

The Safeguard Mechanism and National Reconstruction Fund are law. Now it’s time to seize the opportunities they hold

The Australian Parliament has passed two key pieces of climate-related legislation this week – the Safeguard Mechanism and the National Reconstruction Fund.

Aligning our work on the natural capital measurement catalogue with the global Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures

This week, the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) released the final prototype of its beta framework.  Driven by a need to make nature visible in decision-making, the TNFD has emerged as a framework for businesses to act on nature-related risks and opportunities.  The TNFD is a voluntary, market-led approach that will see companies quantifying the dependencies and impacts of their activities on nature.  The framework is currently being developed by a global network of 40 representatives, with a consultative group of over 900 institutional supporters, from financial institutions, corporations and market service providers.

Policy wields most power in climate mitigation

The final report of the IPCC’s sixth assessment cycle shows we have the tools, but not much time, to keep the global goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C within reach The end of the IPCC’s sixth assessment cycle marks a crossroads for global climate ambition.

Good news in climate solutions for March, 2023

Indonesia to subsidise one million electric motorbikes, two Australian states break renewables records and US scientists make a battery breakthrough — all this and more in this month’s good news in climate solutions.   Want more updates on climate solutions?

In conversation with Senior Analyst Coral Bravo

Coral Bravo leads the data gathering and analysis for Climateworks’ Net Zero Momentum Tracker project, which shows how Australia’s largest companies (ASX200) have tracked against their publicly available climate commitments.

Nature-based solutions’ critical role in meeting the climate challenge — and why land use needs more attention

How would you change over half of the world’s croplands to better support carbon removal? Or dedicate a land area several times the size of Tasmania to renewable energy on Australia’s mainland?

How to cut a home’s energy use to zero

People looking for cost-effective ways to heat or cool their home can spend hours comparing the energy efficiency of products on the market.

Many Indonesians still misunderstand climate change – so how can we change this?

Despite the country’s good progress in addressing climate change, two recent surveys have shown many Indonesians do not understand climate change or its causes.

‘We can do it’: Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen launches report outlining pathways to decarbonise Australian industry

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon. Chris Bowen MP, says he believes Australia can, with an ‘all-in effort’, decarbonise heavy industry and create jobs across the nation in the process.

Heavy industry in Australia could decarbonise, help limit warming to 1.5 degrees and create up to 1.35 million jobs: new report outlines pathways

A new report has, for the first time in Australia, outlined decarbonisation pathways that show it is possible for five of Australia’s most significant heavy industry supply chains to transition to net zero, consistent with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5ºC.

How our economy-wide decarbonisation models are helping to guide the energy transition

As the transition towards net zero emissions in Australia accelerates, there is an increasing need for rigorous modelling to understand how different parts of the economy can work together to achieve ambitious emissions targets.

Climateworks Centre announces two new senior appointments

As the new year begins, Climateworks is excited to welcome two new senior executives to the leadership team.  Michaela Morris joins us as Head of Program Delivery (commencing February 13) and Luke Brown as Head of Engagement and Partnerships (commencing March 6).

Renewable energy industrial precincts explained

Renewable energy industrial precincts (REIPs) are a promising way to reduce emissions and protect Australia’s future by decarbonising existing industries and attracting new ones to regional areas. 

Opportunities for Vietnam as global net zero economy emerges, corporate climate briefing hears

As a global player and a manufacturing hub experiencing economic growth, Vietnam can grasp the opportunities of the green economy by playing a central role in climate action, a briefing event has heard.

Five minutes with… Dr Sali Bache

Sali is Climateworks’ International Policy and Ocean Lead and was recently appointed to the UN expert panel for GEO7. We chatted with her to better understand the relationship between the ocean and climate – and why sea turtle gender imbalance is a worrying sign. 

In 2022, Australia’s governments finally got moving on climate. Here’s how

We might look back on 2022 as the year when Australian governments finally started taking climate change as seriously as it needs to be.

Australian federal and state governments pick up pace on renewables, transport and industry emissions, latest analysis shows

New analysis of Australian state, territory and federal government climate policies and targets has found that the nation is making promising steps forward in some key areas, such as energy.

Long-serving Climateworks executive Meg Argyriou calls time, leaving a legacy of international expansion

Thirteen years ago, Meg Argyriou was just the second person to be employed at what was then a brand-new organisation known as ClimateWorks Australia.

Half of Australia’s biggest companies have net-zero emissions plans, but there’s more to be done

About half of Australia’s biggest listed companies have plans to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, our new analysis has found. We assessed the climate change commitments of 187 companies out of 200 listed on the Australian Stock Exchange – the ASX200.

Study of ASX200 finds 44% increase this year in Australian companies setting long term 1.5°C climate targets

Twenty-three of Australia’s largest companies have their emissions under long term net zero targets which are aligned with the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement, according to a Climateworks Centre study of ASX200 company climate commitments.

Climateworks at the G20 in Indonesia

The G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation, bringing together the world’s major economies. Several Climateworks staff – experts on just energy transition, sustainable finance and more – headed to Bali to lead, present at, attend and support discussions on climate action.

At COP27, there was subtle progress towards strengthening global climate ambition

A lot has changed between COP26 in Glasgow and this year’s conference in Sharm El-Sheikh as geopolitical turbulence, energy and food price shocks, macroeconomic slowdown and extreme weather events pose renewed challenges for global climate action.

Governance strategies to mobilise waqf

The potential of waqf, a form of endowment under Islamic law, to finance the clean energy transition in Indonesia is vast.

Good news in climate solutions — November 2022

Global summits see emissions reduction deals, France mandates solar on car parks and Townsville to get ground-breaking gravity battery — all this and more in this month’s good news in climate solutions.

In photos: COP27 shines spotlight on Climateworks experts

Climateworks leaders and experts have been in demand at COP27. Alongside meetings with partners, funders and key decision-makers, our delegates have also been presenting and speaking at various events — including two of our own.

Climateworks executive Ian Porter moves into key Australian Government role

Having led Climateworks’ program teams through a period of rapid growth, senior executive Ian Porter has announced he will move on to a high-level position within the Australian Government.

Five minutes with… Wei Sue

Wei Sue, Climateworks Centre’s Head of Strategy, discusses the importance of a strategic approach to system change, the big opportunities for decarbonisation in our region, and scuba diving.  

Climateworks on the ground at COP27

Key members of the Climateworks team are in Sharm el-Sheikh over the next two weeks as delegates to the UNFCCC COP27 climate change conference.

ASEAN, Australia and the role of climate cooperation in Southeast Asia’s net zero goals

Southeast Asia’s importance to the global goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius cannot be overstated. The region’s rapid economic development, coupled with growing climate ambition, provide myriad opportunities for decarbonisation and a strong imperative to act.

What is waqf and how can it help finance Indonesia’s clean energy transition?

Islamic endowments, waqfs (pronounced ˈwəkf), have been gaining popularity in Indonesia as a funding source for its national climate goals. During a recent G20 Energy Transition Working Group session in Jakarta, Vice President of Indonesia Ma’ruf Amin instructed his ministers to tap into the potential of waqf, a charitable endowment or donation under Islamic law, to help finance the country’s clean energy transition.

Good news in climate solutions — October 2022

AGL to exit coal early, German tech could speed steel’s energy transition and Boundless invests in secondhand electric vehicle start-up. All that and more in this month’s good news in climate solutions.

Climateworks takes Australian industrial decarbonisation message to Global Clean Energy Action Forum

The message from last month’s inaugural Global Clean Energy Action Forum (GCEAF) is that it’s time for action, Climateworks Industry Lead Rob Kelly says.

Five minutes with… Brurce Mecca

Brurce M. Mecca, a senior analyst on our Indonesia team, discusses the importance of personal relationships to climate action, his selection for the Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship and his interest in Indonesian indigenous arts.

There’s no path to net zero without nature

Our recent Briefing Room event explored the relationship between land use and nature. Understanding environmental limits provides a baseline to measure impacts.

Indonesian ocean project secures involvement of both prominent marine scientist and leading environmental economist

A Climateworks project exploring ocean-based mitigation has secured the involvement of leading regional figures in marine science, climate policy and environmental economics.  Professor Luky Adrianto has been appointed as chair of the Indonesian stakeholder steering committee for Climateworks’ Southeast Asia Framework for Ocean Action in Mitigation (SEAFOAM) project. 

Good news in climate solutions – September 2022

Record electric vehicle sales in Australia, study shows renewables could save trillions and China has largest fall in emissions in a decade.

Five minutes with… Dr Gill Armstrong

Dr Gill Armstrong, Senior Project Manager in Climateworks’ Cities team, discusses the move to 7-star homes, the need for net zero buildings and her love for bunny rabbits.

7-star housing is a step towards zero carbon – but there’s much more to do, starting with existing homes

Energy-efficiency standards for new homes in Australia are being upgraded for the first time in a decade. New homes will be required to improve minimum performance from 6 stars to 7 stars under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS).

Good news in climate solutions — August 2022

New climate laws emerge across the globe, banks hit the breaks on fossil fuel, and long-discussed changes announced at Energy Minister’s meeting.

Why it’s so hard to buy an electric car in Australia and what can be done about it

If you’re thinking about buying an electric car, you’re in good company. In 2021, nearly 10 per cent of new cars sold globally were electric.

Accelerating Australia’s EV uptake can save vehicle owners $1,300 per year in running costs

Australians could save more than $20 billion in petrol and maintenance costs if electric vehicles (EVs) made up three-quarters of new car sales by 2030, according to Climateworks Centre analysis released today.  New report Accelerating EV uptake: Policies to realise Australia’s electric vehicle potential, shows raising Australia’s ambition to 76 per cent of new vehicle purchases being electric by 2030, and 100 per cent by 2035, would benefit consumers and cut transport emissions.

Here’s what you need to know about the Australian Government’s climate change bills

Presuming they get support from the Senate crossbench, the Australian Government’s climate change bills are expected to become law next month.

Energy Ministers’ meeting an important step in Australia’s net zero transition

Australia’s Energy Ministers have agreed on important steps forward for the domestic energy system. The decision to include emissions reductions in the NEO is important in helping ensure Australia’s electricity system is ‘fit for purpose’ to meet the climate crisis.

Benefits of lifting Australian National Construction Code energy standards reaffirmed in joint statement

Climateworks Centre is among more than 100 organisations to sign a joint statement emphasising the strong community support in Australia for lifting energy standards in the 2022 National Construction Code.

How can energy regulation help Australia reach net zero?

John Thwaites outlines how changes to the National Electricity Objective (NEO), among other regulatory changes, could help Australia achieve its emission reductions targets, in this edited extract of a speech given to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and Australian Energy Regulator (AER) Regulatory Conference in Brisbane on 4 August 2022.

G20 seminar looks at how to finance just energy transition in emerging economies

A G20 seminar series, co-hosted by Climateworks Centre in Jakarta, has explored innovative approaches to financing that can help emerging economies to transition to renewable energy in a fair and sustainable way.

Wei Sue appointed Head of Strategy

Climateworks CEO Anna Skarbek is delighted to announce that the external and internal recruitment process for the organisation’s new Head of Strategy led all the way back to within our very own talent pool, with Wei Sue accepting the role.

Building capacity in business for net zero planning to drive systemic change

We are in the midst of a transformational decade and one that will be defined by the world’s ability to transition to a net zero emissions economy.

Good news in climate solutions — July 2022

International commitments, Treasury to model climate change’s economic impact and Australia on track to be half-powered by renewables within three years.

Guiding Indonesia’s BPKP on its role in sustainable development

The Government of Indonesia is bringing to life its commitment of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 29 per cent by 2030. Crucial in achieving this goal will be holding government agencies and state-owned enterprises accountable for these targets.

Sustainable finance can support ASEAN states’ net zero ambitions

At the COP26 in Glasgow, most ASEAN member states renewed their decarbonisation commitments, with nine out of ten members committing to net zero targets.

Electricity demand management has huge potential — and Australia has just scratched the surface

Australia’s east coast energy market has been on a rocky road for the past few weeks. It begs the question: how could the market change to avoid the next crisis?

How net zero is the new normal — part two

Two years ago, we were in the middle of an acrimonious debate on climate. But more recently, a panel discussion between Climateworks’ CEO and leaders from business observed that climate transition planning and action are the new normal.

Why the 1.5 degree Celsius goal is still achievable and more relevant than ever

The 2015 Paris Agreement saw nearly 200 countries commit to limiting human-induced global temperature increases to well below 2 degrees Celsius (°C), while pursuing the goal of keeping the rise to 1.5°C.

How changing whole systems can help solve the climate challenge

‘We are at a crossroads. The decisions we make now can secure a liveable future. We have the tools and know-how required to limit warming.’Hoesung Lee, IPCC Chair Over a decade ago, Climateworks launched with a focus on decarbonising Australia’s economy.

Video on scope three emissions a conversation-starter for companies

A Climateworks video is raising awareness of the need for companies to tackle emissions along their value chain. The video highlights how companies can start addressing the complex process of reducing these scope three emissions.

How net zero is the new normal

Two years ago, we were in the middle of an acrimonious debate on climate. Then came a global pandemic, the Glasgow Pact, further extreme weather events and natural disasters, conflict in the Ukraine, disrupted energy supply and changes to government.

‘Setting up industrial regions for net zero’ report finds huge potential for decarbonisation

Major industrial regions – including the Pilbara, Kwinana, Hunter, Illawarra and Gladstone – have the natural resources, workforce and baseline infrastructure that can be expanded to support Australia’s net zero transition, according to a new report.

Good news in climate solutions — June 2022

Vietnam planning switch from coal, mining giant looks to wind and solar and NSW invests $1.2 billion in renewable energy infrastructure.

Australia has officially set a new climate target. What matters now is how the nation meets it

Australia has formally committed to increasing its climate ambition. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has signed an updated, strengthened Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement on climate, through the UN framework convention on climate change.

CEO Anna Skarbek joins GFANZ Asia-Pacific Advisory Board

Climateworks Centre CEO Anna Skarbek is among six leading climate and finance figures joining the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero Asia-Pacific Advisory Board, which is newly formed.

Australia has overshot three planetary boundaries based on how we use land

We used to believe the world’s resources were almost limitless. But as we spread out across the planet, we consumed more and more of these resources.

Here’s what to expect from the Labor government on climate

Public concern over climate change was a clear factor in the election of Australia’s new Labor government. Incoming Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed to action on the issue, declaring on Saturday night: ‘Together we can take advantage of the opportunity for Australia to be a renewable energy superpower’.

MoU between Monash, Climateworks and state agency BPKP will assist Indonesia’s transition to a green economy

BPKP, Indonesia’s regulator for state-owned enterprises and key public sector agencies, has taken a significant step towards implementing its environmental, social and governance (ESG) plans, by signing a two-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Monash University, Indonesia and Climateworks Centre.

How to ‘bend the curve’ of emissions in each sector during the next term of government to stay aligned with 1.5 degrees

For over a decade of IPCC releases, climate scientists have marked 2025 as the global deadline for peak emissions if we are to keep ‘1.5 degrees’ on the table.

Construction code review a chance for Australian governments to demonstrate their commitment to net zero

Mid-year, Australian federal, state and territory ministers are scheduled to gather for a significant decision that could have far-reaching impacts for all Australians: they will meet as part of the Building Ministers Meeting, to discuss an overall update to the National Construction Code (NCC) which could improve efficiency standards for new buildings and major renovations in Australia.

Finding climate-aligned solutions amid new and ongoing economic challenges for Australia

Two years ago, Climateworks Centre set up a group to focus on stimulating the Australian economy with climate-aligned measures to fend off a possible post-COVID recession.

Good news in climate solutions — May 2022

Millions of dollars announced for hydrogen in the Hunter, Australia’s largest bank announces cheap loans for green homes and more options for EV chargers.

Does Indonesia’s carbon tax have the power to trigger a sustainable market shift?

In the middle of the year, the Indonesian government will put its carbon tax into practice through a pilot program directed at coal-fired power plants, but it’s yet to be determined how much it will reduce Indonesia’s greenhouse emissions.

‘Living within limits’ report investigates the environmental boundaries in which Australia can prosper

A new Climateworks Centre report investigates the environmental limits Australia must work within so it can continue to prosper for generations to come.

Exciting new faces and an appreciative farewell within Climateworks’ Board

Much has evolved in Climateworks’ ambition to accelerate the transition to net zero emissions – but a constant has been the steady support of a fantastic Board whose experience and commitment spurs us onwards.

Climateworks’ executive on the move following a decade of significant impact and change

Following an extraordinary eleven years with Climateworks, senior executive Amandine Denis-Ryan will step back from her full time role with Climateworks, initially taking several months break to travel with her family.

The latest IPCC report sets a challenge. Here are some ways to meet it

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has published its Working Group III report, providing a global assessment of efforts to mitigate climate change.

Good news in climate solutions – April edition

One ‘giant leap’ for hydrogen, the ‘biggest green deal since Paris’, Mumbai to decarbonise 20 years ahead of the rest of India, and South Australia could be the first big grid to go without synchronous generation.

Adam Majcher Legacy Program reflection

The Adam Majcher Legacy Fellowship was set up in honour of former Climateworks staff member, Common Cause Australia co-founder and Climate Reality Project organiser Adam Majcher, who passed away suddenly in 2017.  The program is an annual opportunity offered to an outstanding university student or recent graduate who demonstrates potential to build collective impact and to strengthen the solutions story on climate change in Australia.

Three things Indonesia needs to ensure the transparency of its emission trading scheme

Indonesia, one of the world’s biggest coal producers and greenhouse emitters, plans to launch its pilot emissions trading scheme in July, which can possibly lead to the implementation of the first national carbon market in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia is set to launch its pilot emissions trading scheme. Here’s what we know

Emissions trading schemes allow firms to trade emission rights. Firms with low abatement costs will be given incentives to reduce emissions and sell their emission permits to firms with high abatement costs, enabling an economy to achieve emission reductions in the least cost manner.

Documentary video shows climate education through a different lens

Climateworks Centre research shows Australia has the technology to achieve net zero emissions by 2035, CEO Anna Skarbek tells the makers of a documentary released this month.

Climateworks Centre: updating our name to recognise our reach beyond Australia

After more than a decade bridging the gap between research and climate action, we’re updating our name to recognise our work in Australia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

Good news in climate solutions – March edition

Victoria has launched Australia’s first offshore wind targets. This is a significant and forward-looking commitment that demonstrates the important role of state and territory governments in decarbonising Australia’s electricity sector – fundamental to Australia achieving net zero emissions and limiting warming to 1.5 degrees.

Nations with developing economies are eager to decarbonise, they just need the finance they were promised

There is no lack of understanding in how such funds would be put to good use: Our Investment Vision Guide developed last year offers a template for how investment, once delivered, can be strategically applied.

Climateworks Centre and Monash Sustainable Development Institute are providing training to support Westpac  employees on pathway to net zero

Supported by Climateworks Centre and Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Westpac is taking steps to ensure their employees have the knowledge and skills to support customers along their Paris-aligned transition.

Westpac and the CEFC are the latest to join a major industry initiative exploring Australian industry’s transition to net zero emissions in supply chains

Westpac and the CEFC join major industry initiative to explore net zero emissions in supply chains, underscoring the key role of finance in the transition.

In 2022, Australia has every reason to act on climate

Last year, the global focus for climate action doubled down on limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees. In 2022, it’s critical for Australia to step up.

Natural Capital Investment Initiative to accelerate, thanks to a multi-year funding commitment

Agriculture businesses working to improve natural capital, while reducing emissions, will be able to test common measurement frameworks and new incentives under the next phase of the Natural Capital Investment Initiative, which has secured three years of funding from the Macdoch Foundation.

Good news in climate solutions – December edition

Record growth for renewables, funding to address climate risks and more. A year after its launch, the Australian Climate Transition index – developed by BNP Paribas in collaboration with Climateworks Australia, ISS ESG and Monash University’s Centre for Quantitative Finance and Investment Strategies – outperformed the market by over 7 per cent.

Applying system change methodology to drive ambitious climate action

To help catalyse emissions reductions at the necessary scale, we are taking a ‘system change’ approach: shifting from supporting governments and businesses to take incremental changes, to instead seeking changes that are transformational, broad reaching and long lasting.  Climateworks was created in 2009.

A year of growth for Climateworks and global climate action

Our work – spanning Australia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific – stepped up this year, as did climate action around the world.

Land use strategy and planning – a critical enabler toward net zero

As our webinar and follow up articles have highlighted, there are a range of pressures we must address for the future of Australia’s food and land use.

Climateworks continues raising the bar for ambition

In 2015, when the Paris Climate Agreement was ratified, the world had a focal point – a goal around which to build action.

ASEAN’s Emerging Mission for a Low Carbon Energy Transition

To date, almost all Southeast Asian nations have announced net zero emissions pledges, accounting for about 91 percent of the region’s carbon emissions.

System leads appointed for Sustainable Finance and Food, Land and Oceans teams

As Climateworks takes on a systems change approach, new appointments are bringing subject matter expertise. Liam Walsh has been appointed to the role of System Lead for Food, Land and Oceans.

Summer reading (and watching)

In need of some summer reading? The Climateworks team have compiled their ‘must reads’ of 2021: a mix of op-eds and long reads, pivotal to the year that was.

How infrastructure can help deliver a net zero Australia: event summary

Climateworks’ final Briefing Room webinar for 2021 asked whether Australia’s infrastructure sector has the momentum it needs to prepare for our net zero emissions future.

Professor John Thwaites AM wins an outstanding leadership in engagement award

Carefully nurtured partnerships and an entrepreneurial mindset are critical to the success of many initiatives at the Monash Sustainable Development Institute and Climateworks Australia.

Three steps Indonesia can take to create a solid domestic carbon market

As one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases and the fourth-largest coal producer, Indonesia must continue pursuing its efforts to create a domestic carbon market.

ASEAN Green Future Project: Further, Faster, Together

The world is currently at a tipping point where the implementation of the national decarbonization commitments made at COP26 will largely determine whether the world can realise the 1.5°C aspiration of the Paris Agreement.

Food system transformation and the role of consumer demand

Mitigating climate change entails a radical transformation in the food and land use system. Responding to questions raised in a Climateworks webinar, Liam Walsh – System Lead for Food, Land and Oceans – explores the role that citizens, diets and sustainable food production might play in this complex transformation.

The ocean is essential to tackling climate change. So why has it been neglected in global climate talks?

Climate change is commonly discussed as though it’s a uniquely atmospheric phenomena. But the crisis is deeply entwined with the ocean, and this has largely been neglected in international climate talks.

Good news in climate solutions – November edition

New commitments from governments around the world, Australia surges forward with solar, a clean energy network for Indigenous communities and more.

Young climate leader awarded Adam Majcher Fellowship 2021

The Adam Majcher Legacy Fellowship was created to honour former Climateworks staff member, Common Cause Australia co-founder and Climate Reality Project organiser Adam Majcher, who passed away suddenly in 2017.  The fellowship honours Adam Majcher’s work advancing climate change solutions, by developing the unique pathways of young Australians creating change.

Climateworks reflection: What happened at COP26 and what comes next?

The long-awaited summit marked a significant moment in climate action, with countries expected to bring greater ambition to keep 1.5 degrees within reach – a goal once seen as unrealistic, but now recognised as crucial.

Tonga fulfils another commitment to the Paris Agreement

On November 11th 2021, the Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) on behalf of the Government of Tonga, submitted Tonga’s Low Emission Development Strategy 2021 – 2050 (LT-LEDS) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat.

COP26: not what all people and the planet need, but there is a renewed endeavour

COP26 heralded a significant shift in momentum in a year where the importance of limiting global heating to 1.5 degrees was acknowledged across the globe.

Cities in Australia are a major cause of emissions – but they can be a part of the climate solution, too

Cities are a combination of things we see – buildings, transport infrastructure, parks and public spaces – and things we experience, such as culture and community.

Soil carbon: A source or a sink in the net zero challenge?

Dr Romy Zyngier outlines the Australian debate on the role that soil carbon capture and storage can and should play in mitigating climate change and in offsetting emissions.

Building Australia’s natural capital

Responding to audience questions during our recent Climateworks webinar, the second article in our series outlines the challenges and benefits to measuring our natural assets and the services they provide.  Our world’s natural areas are under significant threat as demand for land for agriculture and urban development rises.

Pathways to net zero the focus for CEDA discussion with Ministers, industry and Climateworks CEO

Ahead of COP26, CEDA gathered an expert panel to discuss the way forward for Australia, to hasten our energy transition in a rapidly decarbonising world.

Philanthropy steps up to the urgent call for climate action funding

Globally, more and more philanthropic foundations are announcing public commitments to protect our planet. Where in the past philanthropic focus has largely focused on medical research and support, and poverty relief and education, the urgent call for funds to mitigate the effects of climate change has shifted funding direction towards sustainability and environment protection.

Australia can chart a 1.5 degree compatible path, here’s how: Event summary

In October, Climateworks hosted an expert panel presenting findings from two new reports which spotlight the urgent actions needed from companies and state and territory governments.

The Morrison government is set to finally announce a 2050 net-zero commitment. Here’s a ‘to do’ list for each sector

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has finally struck a deal with the Nationals and is expected to take a pledge of net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050 to the Glasgow climate conference.

Chasing Southeast Asia’s green future

Climateworks recently brought together an expert panel to discuss the outlook for ASEAN nations, given their key trading partners have all pledged to net-zero by mid-century.

Climateworks statement on the federal government’s net zero by 2050 announcement

Ahead of COP26, Australia’s federal government has set a target to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Climateworks CEO Anna Skarbek breaks down what this means, as the world raises ambition and seeks to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees.

Good news in climate solutions – October edition

Investment in green solutions and change change mitigation, investors push for climate action – see all the latest good news in our monthly blog.

A crucial moment for food and land use systems

Building on a recent Climateworks webinar, our Food, Land and Oceans team is kicking off a new article series. In it, we’ll explore opportunities for Australia to transform our food and land use systems to meet the challenges of climate change, protect biodiversity and improve health and wellbeing.

Climateworks report shows what net zero best practice means for business and reveals examples of Australian companies getting it right

Two Australian ASX-listed companies have set net zero emissions targets fully aligned with global science and there is evidence of growing climate leadership in most corporate sectors.

Australia can capitalise on state and territory net zero momentum to keep the global 1.5 degree goal in play: report

State and territory government net zero targets and policies since the start of 2020 demonstrate Australia is capable of meeting global expectations for climate action, according to a new report by Climateworks Australia released today.

Investor Roundtable – Event Summary

Significant potential in regional Australia, shifting markets and collaboration across government and industry will pave the way for large-scale projects. On 28 September, Climateworks Australia and Beyond Zero Emissions co-hosted an investor roundtable to explore the opportunities for boosting Australia’s existing and new industries by establishing a national program for Renewable Energy Industrial Precincts (REIPs).

Challenges and opportunities for Australia’s industry sector

In a recent Briefing Room event, Climateworks Chair John Thwaites spoke with an expert panel to discuss some of the challenges and opportunities within this critical pillar of our export economy.

OECD assessment reinforces the benefits of rapid climate action for Australia.

In a wide-ranging review of Australia’s economic policies and position by the OECD, climate change action was one of the four priority sets of recommendations.

Good news in climate solutions – September edition

Years off your home loan, carbon-free flying, and cheaper, better batteries solved with sugar. All this and more in the latest good news in climate solutions.

Tongan culture and technical analysis come together for a stronger long-term low emissions strategy.

As the world prepares for the 26th United Nations Conference of the Parties in Glasgow later this year, Tonga is finalising its long-term, low emissions development strategy.

Australia signed the Paris Agreement. Then what happened?

By Emma Peterson, Anna Malos, Meg Argyriou and Anita Foerster In a little over a month, the 26th international Conference of Parties (COP) will meet – either in person or perhaps virtually – in Glasgow, Scotland.

Australia’s transport emissions: the role of hydrogen in reaching zero emissions

Green hydrogen is an emerging technology for reducing emissions that requires further investment in research and development. For some parts of the transport sector, the case for green hydrogen is more viable that electrification.

NCC22 update: Draft provisions a chance to embed long-awaited energy improvement measures for new homes

This week, the Australian Building Codes Board released for public consultation the draft National Construction Code 2022 provisions. Climateworks Australia welcomes the provisions as the vital next step towards improving the energy performance of all new homes throughout Australia.  ‘Minimum standards for housing haven’t shifted significantly for over a decade,’ says Climateworks Senior Project Manager Michael Li.

Australia’s transport emissions: the role of infrastructure in reaching zero emissions

Rachel Lynskey unpacks how infrastructure can influence transport systems for the better: providing options for shifting to clean transport modes as well as improving health and environment outcomes.

Net zero ambition in infrastructure: Western Australia’s draft strategy is a step forward for the sector

Last month, the state infrastructure advisory body of Western Australia released their inaugural state infrastructure strategy in draft form for public input.

Climateworks and CSIRO multi-sector energy modelling informs AEMO’s most ambitious release to date.

In July this year, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) released scenarios outlining pathways to decarbonise Australia’s energy system. The release includes a 1.5 degree-aligned ‘hydrogen superpower’ scenario, produced through Climateworks and CSIRO’s AusTIMES model.

Good news in climate solutions – August edition

Financial firms speed the closure of coal-fired plants; a first-of-its-kind building code for California; green steel out the door, and more.

Indonesia raises their net zero ambition – can they be a leader for climate commitments in Southeast Asia?

Guntur Sutiyono is our Country Lead for Indonesia.Alin Halimatussadiah is LPEM-FEBUI Head of Environmental Economics Research Group. Indonesia’s new long term low-carbon and climate resilience strategy – which includes aspirations to reach net zero emissions by 2060 or sooner –  is a sign the nation can be a leader for climate ambition.

United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change sixth report on ‘state of the planet’ – the window for action is open, but narrowing

Key findings – including the increase in extreme weather events, unprecedented sea-level rise, an average temperature increase of 1.5 degrees possible by the early 2030s – show efforts to avoid every additional increment of warming is worthwhile in the race to decarbonisation.

Australia’s transport emissions: the role of electric vehicles in reaching zero emissions

Our first in a series on the complex and interdependent nature of the transport system, Rachel Lynskey explores why electric vehicles are an important part of the net zero conversation – but not the whole picture.  Australia’s transport sector includes one of the most energy- and emissions-intensive road vehicle fleets in the world.

Australia’s transport emissions: seeing the sector as a whole shows a path to zero emissions

Our new series, researched and written by Rachel Lynskey, Project Officer for Transport, explains how the transport sector is interconnected – and that solutions for reducing emissions must be, too.

Climateworks welcomes Ian Porter

Ian will oversee our work in four physical systems – cities, energy, industry and food, land and oceans – and three enabling systems of sustainable economies, finance and corporates.

New system and country leads for Climateworks

As part of an ambitious strategy to accelerate the net zero transition in Australia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific, new roles take a system and country perspective.

Climateworks, Sustainable Development Solutions Network and Sunway University supporting a green future for ASEAN nations

Climateworks have partnered with the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and the Jeffrey Sachs Center on Sustainable Development at Sunway University to build the economic and technical case for decarbonisation of seven economies in the ASEAN group: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Good news in climate solutions – July edition

Alice, a nine-passenger, two-crew member aircraft, produces no carbon emissions, significantly reduces noise, and costs a fraction to operate per flight hour.

Heavy industry’s net-zero transition effort boosted by $2m ARENA grant and partnership with Rio, HSBC

An effort to transition ‘hard-to-abate’ sectors to net-zero emissions by 2050, including iron and steel, aluminium and chemical supply chains has been boosted by both a $2 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and major players Rio Tinto and HSBC joining the initiative, along with research provider BloombergNEF.

Stakeholders finalise vision and sector pathways in the final stage of Tonga’s long-term low emissions development strategy

Climateworks, along with Global Green Growth Institute and Relative Creative, are supporting Tonga to develop its long-term low emissions strategy (LT-LEDS).

Australian Industry Energy Transitions initiative wraps up first phase, releasing early findings into emissions reduction opportunities across supply chains

A year on from the initiative’s launch, the first phase of the Australian Industry Energy Transitions initiative has wrapped up, bringing together industry and business leaders to work collectively towards net zero emissions by 2050.

Climateworks joins Green Economy Coalition, Green Growth Knowledge Platform and the Asian Development Bank’s SEADS Platform

Climateworks is scaling its contribution to emissions reduction in Southeast Asia, joining the Green Economy Coalition, Green Growth Knowledge Platform and the Asia Development Bank’s SEADS Platform.

What role can philanthropy play in creating pathways to a sustainable food and land use system?

How can food systems sustainably provide healthy food for a growing population, while addressing and adapting to climate change? At the recent Philanthropy Australia summit; food, land and philanthropy experts came together to discuss how philanthropy can support Australia to become a leader in sustainable food, agriculture and land use transitions.  The food and land sector is about far more than reducing emissions.

Energy sector pays tribute to outstanding leader: vale Chloe Munro, AO

Chloe Munro, AO, an outstanding leader from the clean energy sector, has passed away.  Chloe’s contributions to the sector are many: the inaugural chair of the Clean Energy Regulator from 2012-2017, Chloe also held roles at the National Water Commission, AquaSure; Hydro Tasmania; Victorian Government Department of Primary Industries and Department of National Resources and Environment.

Good news in climate solutions – June

The end of the Keystone XL pipeline, solar takes the renewables crown, the G7 backs mandatory climate risk disclosure for companies, Indonesia moves towards renewable energy and NSW sets its sights on complete vehicle electrification.

As COP26 draws closer, the latest G7 summit shows the devil will be in the detail

The end of international coal investment and protecting biodiversity were on the agenda for the recent 47th G7 summit. But November’s COP26 needs to deliver greater ambition and more detail, if global temperature rise is to be limited to 1.5 degrees.

Energy sector climate commitments are insufficient for Australia to achieve a Paris-aligned transition to net zero: report

Australia’s energy companies are starting to move on emissions, but the country’s highest-emitting sector can and must set a faster transition pace.

International Energy Agency report calls for an end to new fossil fuel investment, adding pressure for Australia to raise ambition.

Pressure is mounting for wealthy countries, including Australia, on the back of the latest report from the OECD’s energy agency. The International Energy Agency (IEA) Roadmap outlines a global pathway towards net zero emission energy by 2050.

Reconciliation Week 2021: Recent favourites for allies from the Climateworks team

Reconciliation week runs every year in Australia, between two historic dates. The 27th of May – anniversary of the 1967 referendum, which altered Australia’s constitution to include Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander peoples – and the 3rd of June, when the High Court of Australia voted in favour of Eddie Mabo’s challenge to ‘terra nullius’, a major win in the battle for recognition of Indigenous land rights in Australia.

Good news in climate solutions – May

Thailand to go full EV by 2035, a ‘radical’ deal to cut plastic waste, Sydney ramps up its net zero goal and the IEA hones in on a global pathway to net zero.

Raising Indonesia’s net zero ambition: the pivotal role of energy systems in setting and reaching a net zero target

Indonesia has pledged to reach net zero by 2070. But recent developments suggest Indonesia could raise its net zero ambition to 2060, or even sooner with international support.

Victorian government takes important steps on emissions reduction

The Victorian government’s recently released emissions reduction targets are part of an ongoing, state-legislated process. The announcements include pledges across multiple sectors, and show the ‘how’ behind the state’s ambitions.

Leaders Summit on Climate: Nations step up commitments, but what does it mean for countries in our region?

Last week, United States President Joe Biden hosted the Leaders Summit on Climate. The President invited 40 leaders from around the world, including 17 countries from the US-led ‘Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate’ – responsible for close to 80 per cent of global emissions and gross domestic product.  Other invitees included leaders from nations demonstrating strong climate leadership, those especially vulnerable to climate impacts, or those charting innovative pathways to a net-zero economy.

The global 1.5°C carbon budget has reduced by 30 per cent in just three years – trends show we must reduce emissions faster

Amandine Denis-Ryan, Head of System Change and Capability, has recalculated the global carbon budget, finding it has fallen by 30 per cent.

Recruitment continues at Climateworks as we scale up to meet the challenges of the climate decade.

Climateworks is moving to a system change approach, to embolden governments and businesses to graduate from taking incremental steps to instead becoming drivers of systemic change.

Indonesia has set an ambitious target for electric vehicles: what factors can support the nation’s shift to an electric-dominated transport sector?

By Dr. Emi Gui, Senior Project Manager; and Farraz Theda, intern. Despite ambitious targets and financial incentives, what an electric-vehicle dominated transport sector could look like for Indonesia is not well understood.

Helping farmers and land managers measure their ‘natural capital’.

The Natural Capital Investment Initiative has developed an open source prototype to define natural capital measurement. In Australia, there is an extensive knowledge base amongst farmers, their representatives, government, the research community and intermediaries including natural resource management organisations.

Good news in climate solutions – April

ACT fleets go electric, Thailand’s net zero master plan in the works, feeding cows seaweed to fight emissions and greening crypto.

What to watch out for at the US-led Leaders Summit on Climate this Earth Day

By Dani Robertson, International Project Manager Kicking off on Earth Day 2021, the United States is hosting a virtual summit to galvanise efforts on climate action, bringing together 40 world leaders from the largest emitting countries, including Australia, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Outgoing Food, Land and Oceans Lead Eli Court reflects on nearly a decade of impact

When did you start at Climateworks, and what led you to join? I started at Climateworks in April of 2012. Wow.

On the road again: here’s how the states can accelerate Australia’s sputtering electric vehicle transition

Rupert Posner, Climateworks Australia Last month, Volkswagen Australia chief Michael Bartsch revealed Australia’s clean technology laws were so weak, his German head office would not supply Australians with the company’s top selling mid-range electric vehicles.

Technology regularly outperforms expectations – so what does this mean for future decision-making?

Senior Project Manager Tom Yankos looks back at a decade of Climateworks modelling. He finds that the global trend for technology to outperform expectations is also relevant to climate research.

Good news in climate solutions – March

Customers are influencing business to switch to greener options. Peter Ker and Simon Evans at the Australian Financial Review.Federal green bank powers up Victoria’s ‘Big Battery’ with $160m boost.

Celebrating women acting on climate

March 8 is International Women’s Day, where we celebrate women across the globe and challenge gender bias and inequality. Our strength at Climateworks is our diversity of experience.

Tonga’s long-term low emissions development strategy enters the next phase of stakeholder workshops

Climateworks is partnering with Global Green Growth Institute and Relative Creative to develop a long-term low emissions development strategy for the Kingdom of Tonga.

Economic imperative drives Australia’s state and territory action on climate

Early last year, a potential silver lining to the COVID-19 crisis emerged: Australia’s carbon emissions were falling. By June, Australia’s emissions had decreased by 3%, with transport emissions falling 6.7% as cities locked down.

Climateworks is scaling up to meet the challenges of the climate decade

In 2015, all countries agreed in Paris to work to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius and to strive for 1.5 degrees.

CEO Anna Skarbek discusses Joe Biden’s election with ABC 24

The 46th President of the United States has committed a trillion dollars in funding for the policies, including investment programs and government procurement.

Good news in climate solutions – February

Solar power continues to shine despite the coronavirus downturn, with every state and territory except Tasmania breaking records for installed capacity of large-scale and rooftop solar last year.

2021: new year, new momentum

The first year of this decade will be remembered as one of the most challenging of our time. Yet 2020 brought a significant shift in climate action, and solutions.

Scott Morrison has embraced net-zero emissions – now it’s time to walk the talk

Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday acknowledged what many Australian businesses, investors and others have long known: the global economy is transitioning to net-zero emissions, and so too must Australia.

Climateworks board members honoured

Climateworks Australia is proud to congratulate our Chair, Professor John Thwaites, and long-time board member, Sam Mostyn, who have been recognised in this year’s Order of Australia awards.

See you in 2021!

Today is the last official work day for the Climateworks team in 2020. We’re very much looking forward to a break to recharge after an enormous year.

CEO Anna Skarbek reflects on 2020

Back in January, many thought 2020 would be defined by the bushfires. What long-term consequences did they have? The fires personalised the issue for a lot of people.

Summer watching

For us, the result was ‘The briefing room’: seven webinars that explored findings from our Decarbonisation Futures report.  Released in April, analysis from the report demonstrated that Australia’s recovery from COVID-19 could align us with a 1.5 degree pathway.

Summer reading

If you’re in need of some summer reading, check out our suggestions, plus a handy overview of our digital events. James Button – a longtime friend of Climateworks – asks ordinary Australians what global warming means to them.

Australia’s resources sector is preparing for the global net zero transition, but action to address the most significant source of emissions falls well short of the 2050 goal: report

Resource companies are moving their operations towards net zero by 2050, but more action is needed to address downstream scope 3 emissions, according to a new report about the climate commitments of Australia’s 22 largest resource companies.

Good news in climate solutions – December

Climate targets and commitments Temperature analysis shows UN goals ‘within reach’. Matt McGraw at BBC.The oceans are absorbing more carbon than previously thought: the very surface of the ocean tends to be markedly cooler than the water at a few metres depth, resulting in a substantially larger net uptake than previously thought.

Sali Bache: ‘Oceans and ocean based activities offer around a quarter of the solution to the 1.5 degree climate change target.’

‘I went to the beach last Wednesday and when I got home, I felt so much better. Lockdown was the longest time in my entire life that I’ve not visited the beach.

Anna Skarbek joins panel at Responsible Investment conference.

On Friday 27 November, Climateworks CEO Anna Skarbek spoke at a conference organised by Responsible Investment Association Australasia. She joined Jacki Johnson and Robynne Quiggin at a session chaired by Simon O’Connor entitled ‘A Bold Plan to Reshape Australia’s Financial System.

Climateworks CEO Anna Skarbek joins Disruptive Asia series on ‘Sustainability of the Asia Century’

On 26 November 2020, Climateworks Australia CEO Anna Skarbek joined a special panel to launch ‘Sustainability of the Asia Century’, as part of the Disruptive Asia series hosted by the Asia Society.

Climateworks and the Centre for Policy Development host Climate & Recovery Initiative Public Forum

On 23 November, 2020, the Centre for Policy Development (CPD) co-hosted a public forum with Climateworks Australia as part of the Climate and Recovery Initiative.

Fortescue, Cbus and Aurecon are the latest to join Australian industry initiative set up to tackle supply chain emissions

The initiative, convened by Climateworks Australia and Climate-KIC has signed on Fortescue, Cbus and Aurecon to join industry and business leaders working together to address supply chain emissions.

Good news in climate solutions – November

More Australian giants set target commitments, including ANZ, Woolworths and REST. Geelong is set to host one of the world’s largest batteries, thanks to a new initiative from the Victorian government.

Summary: Clean technology energy and industry transitions

On Tuesday, 27 October 2020, Climateworks and the British High Commission held the first of the ‘Building Our Future’ webinar series: ‘Clean technology: energy and industry transitions’.

Futures Series: Transforming the Food and Land Use System

Climateworks delivers workshops in collaboration with Collabforge and Deakin University, to develop a collective vision for Australia’s food and land sector in 2050.

Senior Research Manager Dr Romy Zyngier reflects on three week consultation with industry and sector representatives from the food and land use system.

‘I am filled with optimism as a result of this project, just from seeing the diverse stakeholders so excited and invested in the process.’ That’s Climateworks’ Senior Research Manager Dr Romy Zyngier reflecting on a three-week consultation with some thirty industry and sector representatives discussing the development of food and land in Australia.

Climate, the economy and COVID-19: addressing jobs and net zero emissions

‘Better coordination of efforts between the Commonwealth, the states and the private sector can drive large-scale investment, job creation and economic growth while lowering economy-wide emissions.’ That’s how Climateworks Australia CEO Anna Skarbek described the work of the Climate Recovery Initiative, a project jointly co-ordinated by Climateworks with the Centre for Policy Development.

Zali Steggall’s new climate change bill comes just as economic sectors step up

Anna Malos and Amandine Denis-Ryan, Climateworks Australia Yesterday, Zali Steggall, the independent member for Warringah, introduced her long-awaited climate change bill to the Australian parliament.

Anna Skarbek joins ANU Energy Change Institute Public Forum on the Australian Government’s Technology Investment Roadmap and First Low Emissions Technology Statement

On Thursday 8 October 2020, the ANU Energy Change Institute Public Forum hosted a webinar to explore the implications of the Australian Government’s Technology Investment Roadmap and First Low Emissions Technology Statement.

Tom Yankos joins Mission Shunya podcast to discuss Decarbonisation Futures

Girish Shivakumar from India’s Mission Shunya podcast caught up with Climateworks Australia’s Tom Yankos to discuss the implications of the Decarbonisation Futures report.

Climateworks’ Coral Bravo appears on GBCA podcast The Voice.

Climateworks data analyst Coral Bravo spoke to Tim Wheeler from the Green Building Council of Australia on the GBCA podcast The Voice.

Good news in climate solutions – October

New economic modelling finds Australia could ‘unlock an investment boom’; interest for green hydrogen and investment grows. New economic modelling from the Investor Group on Climate Change finds Australia could ‘unlock an investment boom of $63bn over the next five years’, if climate policies are aligned with a net zero by 2050 target.

Vanessa Sporne: “Positive communication is one of the most critical tools we have in sparking action on climate change.”

Vanessa Sporne, 2020 Adam Majcher Fellow The Adam Majcher Legacy Program seeks to build the capabilities of a future climate leader with placements across Climateworks, the Climate Reality Project and Common Cause. This award honours the work of Adam Majcher who was an invaluable member of the Climateworks team from 2015 until he suddenly passed away in August 2017.

Climateworks’ Meg Argyriou joins Asia Society’s ‘Disruptive Asia’ panel.

‘How do we ensure our post-COVID recovery is green, clean, and aligned with delivering on the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals?’ That was the question posed by a special session of the ‘Disruptive Asia’ webcast held by the Asia Society on 30 July 2020, featuring Meg Argyriou (Head of International Programs at Climateworks Australia), Patrick Suckling (Asia Society Policy Institute non-resident Senior Fellow and former Australian Ambassador for the Environment), Chi Mun Woo (Partner, Sustainability and Climate Change at Deloitte) and Professor Rebekah Brown (Senior Vice-Provost and Vice Provost Research at Monash University).

Climate change and carbon management strategies for tomorrow’s leaders

Where might the corporate leaders of the future learn to fight climate change today?  Climateworks’ Holly Dillabough knows a place. She’s the course coordinator for a unit called ‘Climate change and carbon management strategies’, that Climateworks delivers to masters degree students in the Faculty of Business and Economics at Monash University.

Climateworks steps up to the STEPtember challenge

Climateworks has been getting active for an important cause this month, with teams taking part in Cerebral Palsy Alliance’s STEPtember to raise funds and awareness for people living with cerebral palsy.

Climateworks Australia partners with the Centre for Policy Development, Ai Group, ACTU and Pollination on Climate and Recovery Initiative

The Climate and Recovery Initiative brings together prominent leaders from government, business and civil society to identify the best ideas for aligning Australia’s economic recovery with a transition towards a net zero emissions economy, and to get them into the right hands.

Response to Low Emissions Technology Statement

Climateworks has welcomed the release of the government’s Low Emissions Technology Statement. Climateworks’ analysis shows that accelerated development and deployment of mature and emerging technologies are critical to ensure that Australia reaches net zero emissions by 2050 and creates a vibrant and resilient economy in a decarbonising world.

Statement on ARENA funding announcement

Climateworks Australia responds to today’s federal government announcement on the funding and ongoing role of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC).  We support the broader mandate for ARENA and CEFC to work across an increased number of sectors, as well as energy.

Good news in climate solutions – September

Australian states include green measures in COVID-19 recovery plans, banks and insurers move away from fossil fuels and into sustainable development.

How Climateworks is supporting investors to assess climate risks and opportunities

Marine Dehayes, Senior Project Manager at Climateworks Australia, wants finance to contribute to climate action. She’s been working on the country’s first forward-looking climate index, the Australian Climate Transition Index (ACT Index).

Stimulating the net zero infrastructure conversation is ‘more relevant than ever’

Michael Li and his team signed off on the Reshaping Infrastructure for a net zero emissions future issues paper in March 2020, just as Covid-19 hit Australia.

Monash internship turned dream job for Jakarta local

Petra Christi recently joined Climateworks as a business analyst in our growing international program. Based in Indonesia, Petra will work alongside senior project manager Guntur Sutiyono and support the development of Natural Disaster Insurance Framework and Sustainable Finance in Indonesia.  Petra first encountered Climateworks through the Monash ‘work integrated learning’ program (WIL).

New Zealand government supports the development of Tonga’s long-term low emissions development strategy

The New Zealand government has announced NZ$591,000 in funding for the project, led by the The Tonga Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communication (MEIDECC).

Australian superannuation funds on the cusp of climate action: report

Superannuation sector efforts to address climate change risks are accelerating in Australia, according to a new report about Australia’s 20 largest licensed funds.

New guide supports decision-makers to unlock green growth and investment opportunities

Growing evidence shows, for countries to achieve low carbon growth, decision-makers must create investment environments that steer finance from ‘brown’ to ‘green’.

Climateworks’ dynamic scenarios modelling underpins the first forward-looking climate index for the ASX300

Climateworks’ dynamic scenarios modelling underpins the first forward-looking Australian Climate Transition Index for the ASX300 Today, international financial institution BNP Paribas announced a series of equity-linked green bonds totalling A$140 million.

Good news in climate solutions – August

Corporate emissions targets and action grow worldwide. The Australian Energy Market Operator says Australia is ‘in the midst of what is likely to be the world’s fastest energy transition’.

Global food and land use transitions: Challenges and opportunities for Australia

Australia’s land is under increasing pressure as global demand for food and fibre increases and land use competition grows. There are ten food and land use transitions the world can adopt to better manage these challenges and opportunities.

Industry heavyweights come together to forge pathways towards a decarbonised future

Some of Australian industry’s biggest companies are supporting a new initiative that will see them work together to better understand pathways to achieving net zero emissions in supply chains.

Summary of the Climateworks Submission to the Australian Government’s Technology Investment Roadmap Discussion Paper

Climateworks Australia has made a submission to the government’s Technology Investment Roadmap discussion paper and welcomes its recognition of the suite of solutions available to reduce Australian emissions.

Mission Innovation announces 2020 Champions

Climateworks CEO Anna Skarbek has been named Mission Innovation Champion for Australia, 2020, which places her in an eminent group of pioneering leaders committed to fostering international collaboration around clean energy R&D and innovation. 

Good news in climate solutions – July

Investments, subsidies and policies for clean energy and climate change solutions dominate around the world. City of Adelaide and City of Sydney reach 100% renewables for electricity.

Anna Skarbek joins Technology Investment Roadmap Discussion

In May 2020 The Australian Government released the Technology Investment Roadmap Discussion Paper as part of a consultation process. On June 12 the ANU Energy Change Institute and Climate Change Institute presented an open public forum to share perspectives from a range of backgrounds.

Australia can transform the transport network to become a global leader

A rapid reduction in transport emissions is possible with the solutions already known and poised for widespread implementation this decade, according to new research from Climateworks Australia.

Good news in climate solutions – June

Green stimulus and international investment continue to spur climate action, while solar power makes gains in Australia. Access to European Union stimulus funds for Europe’s recovery plan will require alignment with green goals, writes Bloomberg.

Statement on Technology Investment Roadmap discussion paper

Climateworks Australia responds to the recent federal government releases, including the King Review response, and the Technology Investment Roadmap Discussion Paper announced today by Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor.

Energy Efficiency Council launches First Fuel Podcast, featuring Climateworks CEO Anna Skarbek.

On May 6 the Energy Efficiency Council launched the first episode of its new podcast, First Fuel, on energy efficiency, energy management and demand response, with Climateworks CEO Anna Skarbek and our major report Decarbonisation Futures the first to be featured.

Green stimulus: an opportunity for economic and climate recovery

Calls for climate to be central in stimulus packages, have been resounding across the world. Here’s a summary of but some of these.  Leaders from major corporations including Rio Tinto, BP, HSBC and Shell have come together with the Energy Transitions Commission, urging massive investments in renewable power systems, boosts for green buildings and green infrastructure, targeted support for innovative low-carbon activities and similar measures.

Working remotely in extraordinary circumstances

In our fifth week of working remotely, the Climateworks staff of almost 50 has been doing a lot of learning. Already well set up for remote work, our team has been experimenting with schedules and tools in this new era of full time ‘working from home’.

Good news in climate solutions – May

Is a green recovery on the horizon? New stimulus can improve efficiency of old buildings, renewable share increases around the world while Austria and Sweden’s grids just got cleaner.

Why it doesn’t make economic sense to ignore climate change in our recovery from the pandemic

shutterstock Anna Skarbek, Monash University It will be tempting for some to overlook the climate change challenge in the rush to restart the economy after the pandemic.

Anna Skarbek joins Australia’s biggest online energy event.

Hosted by the Smart Energy Council and RenewEconomy Stimulus Summit: A Renewables-Led Economic Recovery attracted over 3,500 delegates from across Australia.

Anna Skarbek presents at the Clean Energy Councils Clean Recovery Forum.

On Tuesday 5 May, the Clean Energy Council held a forum with leading political, industry and community representatives to discuss the potential of A Clean Recovery to lead Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19.

Retailers are realising their important role in reducing Australia’s carbon emissions

Major retailers in Australia wield significant economic influence. The sector is Australia’s second largest employer after healthcare, determines consumer choices and affects suppliers, producers and manufacturers across many economic sectors.

Carbon conversations: Anna Skarbek talks Climateworks’ major report.

On the back of Climateworks’ seminal report release, Decarbonisation Futures, CEO Anna Skarbek joined the Carbon Market Institute’s John Connor to discuss the findings.

The conversation hour: Anna Skarbek discusses the impact of the coronavirus on climate change.

The coronavirus pandemic has put lives on hold at brought the world to a stop. The ABC’s conversation hour asked if this would mean the issue of climate change taking a back seat.

Good news in climate solutions – April

UK emissions continue to drop, our environment is getting healthier and the key lessons coronavirus has taught us as we battle climate change.

Energy Insiders Podcast: Anna Skarbek on Australia’s rapid and low cost path to zero emissions

Since the release of ClimateWork’s 2014 report Pathways to Deep Decarbonisation technology costs are far lower and more advanced. Our seminal report shows not only is net zero emissions possible, it could have considerable economic benefits as we recover from Covid-19.

Stimulating Australia’s economy and reaching climate goals can share a single pathway

The latest launch by Climateworks Australia, the Decarbonisation Futures report, builds on previous modelling to show that pathways to zero emissions by 2050 remain open, with new technology enabling Australia to achieve an outcome compatible with a global temperature rise of under 1.5 degrees.  Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, this work is being looked at in a new light – as a way to rebuild Australia’s economy in a climate-friendly fashion.

How can climate action help drive Australia’s recovery? Anna Skarbek in conversation with Australia at Home.

The action needed to address the threat of climate change could also be key to stimulating Australia’s economic recovery from Covid-19.

After the pandemic: how Australia can be a net zero nation by 2050 and stimulate the economy getting there.

The rapid progress and plummeting cost of green technology provide an unprecedented opportunity for Australia to move to a net zero emissions economy by 2050.

Case study: GPT Group

One of Australia’s largest diversified property groups, GPT owns and manages some of Australia’s most well-known retail, office and logistics properties including Melbourne Central, Sydney’s Australia Square and Brisbane’s Riverside Centre.

Good news in climate solutions – March

Telstra leads the way in emissions targets, councils bring forward their net zero targets, Turkey’s energy is now provided by 49% clean energy. All this and more in the latest good news in climate solutions.

Anna Skarbek joins Centre for Climate and Energy Policy panel: Towards a Long-Term Emissions Strategy for Australia

On 26 February 2020, the Centre for Climate and Energy Policy convened a discussion between experts and stakeholders on Australia’s national 2050 emissions strategy.

Infrastructure can lay the foundations for Australia’s net zero emissions future

Infrastructure will play a critical role in supporting Australia’s transition to net zero emissions, according to a new paper released today.

Is your company prepared for the climate transition?

The shift towards a decarbonised future is now well underway. Big players in our global economy are moving as part of a global trend towards climate action.

Electric buses can reduce costs, improve air quality and support local industries.

Electric buses are about to have their moment. Globally there were 460,000 electric buses operating in 2018, an increase of 25% on 2017 numbers, with China representing a huge 99% of the global market.

Cities of Sydney and Melbourne among councils leading momentum to net zero emissions.

Local governments hold significant influence over Australia’s emissions through their connection to people, households and business. Cities account for 70 per cent of emissions globally.

Can Australia follow the UK’s lead to ban fossil fuel cars by 2035?

Australians have the appetite for electric vehicles, what we need now is infrastructure and policy to make it accessible for all.

Local governments helping cut resident and business emissions to zero

Local governments can play an important role in reducing Australia’s carbon emissions. In fact, many already are. New research by Climateworks Australia, with the Monash Sustainable Development Institute as part of the Net Zero Momentum Tracker initiative, analyses the climate commitments and activities of 57 local government areas covering over half of the Australian population.

Good news in climate solutions – January

The world’s largest fund manager is divesting from coal, Spain phased out coal a decade ahead of schedule and Microsoft committed to become carbon negative.

From ideas to impact: scaling green solutions

Micro factories for e-waste, seaweed farms to sequester carbon, powering whole towns with food waste. There is no shortage of innovative climate solutions.

Monash Lens: One overarching ask for business and investors: Do you have a plan to achieve zero emissions?

An excerpt from Anna Skarbek’s piece in Monash Lens, One overarching ask for business and investors: Do you have a plan to achieve zero emissions?

“Look for ways to apply your skills to the great challenges of our time.”

Climateworks CEO Anna Skarbek’s graduation address: Monash Business School In December 2019, Monash University Alumna and CEO of Climateworks Australia Anna Skarbek addressed the next generation of business leaders at the 2019 Graduation Ceremony.

Climateworks Chair Professor John Thwaites on fuel reduction burns

In the wake of Australia’s unprecedented 2019/2020 summer fires, Climateworks Australia Chair and former Deputy Premier John Thwaites spoke to Virginia Trioli on ABC Melbourne Mornings about his experience as Victoria’s Environment Minister.

Anna Skarbek presents keynote to Carbon Market Institute Summit, 2019

In 2019, at the sixth Australasian Emissions Reduction Summit, Climateworks CEO Anna Skarbek shared lessons from ten years of climate action, and how these can be applied to the next decade.

Australian banks are taking steps towards net zero emissions, but actions are not yet comprehensive

Australia’s 20 largest banks are taking steps to reduce emissions from their investment and lending portfolios, but their actions are ad hoc and not yet fully aligned to the net zero goal of the Paris Climate Agreement, according to the latest Net Zero Momentum Tracker report.

Land use futures publishes natural capital roadmap

The Natural Capital Roadmap presents the ideas of over 300 leaders in farming, forestry, natural resource management, conservation, finance, policy, research and government on how to progress the natural capital agenda in Australia.

Growing ambition for net zero strategies

With support from European Climate Foundation and the 2050 Pathways Program, the Global Green Growth Institute and Climateworks Australia visited Tonga in August to conduct scoping for the development of Tonga’s Long Term – Low Emissions Development Strategy.

High level engagement in our Southeast Asia and Pacific programs

Our international team has recently launched a series of discussion papers on low carbon opportunities in Southeast Asia. Off the back of this launch, international project manager Dani Robertson spoke to Devex about building the case for a green economy.

Major Australian property companies are making progress towards net zero emissions

Sector-wide adoption of a net zero ambition is critical to achieving the global mandate to keep temperatures well below 2⁰C whilst striving for 1.5⁰C.

Melissa Yoon: “I believe every single person has a link to climate change in some way.”

Melissa Yoon, 2019 Adam Majcher Fellow The Adam Majcher Legacy Program seeks to build the capabilities of a future climate leader with placements across Climateworks, the Climate Reality Project and Common Cause. This award honours the work of Adam Majcher who was an invaluable member of the Climateworks team from 2015 until he suddenly passed away in August 2017.

Fleet owners could save money by choosing electric vehicles

Climateworks research shows that councils and organisations could save money in the long term by choosing electric for their fleets. CEO Anna Skarbek spoke at the Electricity Vehicle Transition Conference outlining how this could have a huge impact in accelerating Australia’s transition to electric vehicles.

Australia has opened the door to higher performing homes, at lower cost

In July, building ministers agreed to develop stronger minimum energy standards for new houses and apartments. It’s a timely agreement that could set Australian homes towards lower energy bills, less strain on the electricity network and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

CSIRO Launches Australian National Outlook 2019

CSIRO partnered with NAB, Climateworks and more than 20 other partners to develop the Australian National Outlook 2019. Drawing on latest scientific data and modelling from leading experts, the ANO “is a unique way of uniting the power of science with the lived and hoped-for experiences of Australia’s industry leaders,” said CSIRO Chief Executive Larry Marshall.  The models were combined with the business/academic expertise of 52 people from more than 20 Australian organisations to translate outcomes into scenarios for Australia’s natural resources and energy, productivity and services, and cities and infrastructure.

Young climate leader awarded inaugural Adam Majcher Legacy Fellowship

A 24-year old university student from North Melbourne, Melissa Yoon has been awarded the inaugural Adam Majcher Legacy Fellowship that trains and builds the capacities of a future climate leader.

Land use futures team hosts natural capital summit

In early June 2019, the Land Use Futures team – working with NAB and the Queensland State Government – ran the Natural Capital Summit, as part of ClimateWeek QLD 2019.

Land use futures launches interactive website on Australia’s land use

Land use futures has launched a new web interactive that explores the different ways Australia’s land is used and managed. It forms part of the Land Use Futures program, which is working to develop integrated pathways and a roadmap for sustainable food and land use in Australia.

New initiative underway to show Australian organisations’ progress towards net zero emissions

A national tracker of emissions reduction pledges by Australian companies, governments and organisations is part of a new initiative being launched today by Climateworks Australia working within the Monash Sustainable Development Institute.

Climateworks International team revs up

Meg Argyriou, Climateworks Head of International Programs, and her team have been running and participating in panels and events around the world. Meg visited Indonesia to sit on a panel for the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry’s long term strategy.

Land use futures holds workshops in capital cities across Australia

From March to May 2019, the Land use futures team held workshops in capital cities across Australia. These brought together over 150 people from almost 100 organisations, including landowners, agricultural industry representatives, sustainable agriculture consultants, banks, insurers, impact investors, policy makers, natural resource managers and research and development organisations.

The UK has a national climate change act – why don’t we?

It’s time Australian politicians were guided by national climate change legislation. Shutterstock Anna Skarbek, Monash University; Anna Malos, Climateworks Australia; Cameron Hepburn, University of Oxford, and Matthew Carl Ives, University of Oxford No matter who wins the upcoming federal election, both the ALP and LNP are committed to remaining in the Paris Climate Agreement.

We can be a carbon-neutral nation by 2050, if we just get on with it

Anna Skarbek, Monash University and Anna Malos, Climateworks Australia This is part of a major series called Advancing Australia, in which leading academics examine the key issues facing Australia in the lead-up to the 2019 federal election and beyond.

Strong energy targets for buildings could deliver emissions and power savings in Australia’s Top End: new report

A more stringent National Construction Code with stronger energy performance targets would reduce emissions and power bills for buildings in Northern Australia, according to a new report released today by ASBEC and Climateworks Australia.

New national sustainable food and land use project gets underway

A new initiative aimed at developing a roadmap for a sustainable food and land use system for Australia, was launched today.

Monash University and Climateworks win UN Award for Net Zero Initiative

Monash University and Climateworks Australia have won a 2018 Momentum for Change Award presented by the United Nations at the Climate Week conference in New York for the Net Zero Initiative.

Australia not on track to reach 2030 emissions reduction target but potential is there: report

Australia is not yet on track to meet its emissions reduction targets under the Paris Agreement but there are many opportunities to still get there, according to new research released today.

Australia is not on track to reach 2030 Paris target (but the potential is there)

Anna Skarbek, Monash University While Australia is coming to terms with yet another new prime minister, one thing that hasn’t changed is the emissions data: Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions are not projected to fall any further without new policies.

Australia’s buildings must be built for a zero carbon future

Energy standards in Australia’s National Construction Code must be urgently upgraded if new buildings are to be fit for a zero carbon future, according to a new report released today.

Australia’s electric vehicle industry gains momentum: report

On the back of global trends, media interest and growing consumer awareness at home, Australia’s electric vehicle industry grew slightly last year, according to a new report released today by the Electric Vehicle Council and Climateworks Australia.

Latest report from ‘Plug and play’ project released

Climateworks Australia and Seed Advisory have released a new report with recommendations designed to improve transparency, oversight and representation of customer interests in electricity network access requirements.

Australia can meet the energy trilemma – but not by extending coal generation

Australia can address the energy trilemma and provide secure affordable energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions – but not by extending the life of existing coal-fired power stations, according to Climateworks Australia.

Climateworks and the Myer Foundation recognised in national philanthropy awards

Climateworks Australia and its co-founding philanthropic partner, The Myer Foundation won a major award at the 2017 Australian Philanthropy Awards held in Melbourne last night.

Climateworks zero emissions study a finalist in prestigious Banksia Awards

Climateworks Australia was honoured to be a finalist at the 2016 Banksia Awards held in Sydney last night. The report, Pathways to Deep Decarbonisation in 2050: How Australia can prosper in a low carbon world co-lead by Climateworks and ANU with modelling from CSIRO and Centre of Policy Studies was named a finalist in the Communication For Change Award category.

Energy efficiency key priority for Asia Pacific

Energy efficiency continues to be a key policy concern for governments and an increasing focus for business throughout the Asia Pacific.

Climateworks welcomes Victoria’s target of net zero emissions by 2050

Climateworks Australia today welcomed the announcement by the Victorian Government that it will adopt a target of net zero emissions by 2050, as recommended in the review of the Victorian Climate Change Act 2010.

Ian Potter Foundation makes multi-million dollar donation

The Ian Potter Foundation has announced a $3 million grant over four years to Monash University, to boost the capacity of Climateworks Australia to facilitate Australia’s transition to a zero net carbon future.

Global report shows 15 countries’ pathways to a decarbonised economy

A new report released today by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon shows how 15 countries including Australia could together cut  emissions in half while tripling economic output.  The Deep Decarbonisation Pathways project involves modelling teams from all of the major emitters including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, the UK, and the USA.

New project maps Australia’s shift to net zero emissions by 2050

A new project to develop a pathway for Australia to move to a low carbon economy by 2050 while building a prosperous nation was launched today.

Climateworks welcomes Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs

Climateworks and our partners are pleased to welcome Jeffrey D. Sachs, world-renowned economist and leader in sustainable development, to launch How Australia can thrive in a low carbon world: Pathways to prosperity in 2050.

Vehicle emission standards would save motorists more than free trade deal

It was reported earlier this month that Australia’s free trade deal with Japan would mean the average price of a Japanese car will be between $750 and $1500 cheaper (depending on which analyst you believe).

Reforms will boost green energy

The first successful customer led rule change to reform the National Energy Market (NEM) was adopted by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) last week.

Climateworks leads call for best practice vehicle emission standards

Climateworks Australia, in partnership with CHOICE, has called on the Federal Government to introduce best practice light vehicle CO₂ emission standards within the next two years to bring Australia on a trajectory that follows Europe and the United States.

Research identifies further potential for industrial demand side participation