Considering land use changes to achieve net zero emissions in Australia
Agriculture is a significant source of emissions, accounting for 16.6 per cent of Australia’s national greenhouse gas inventory. However, agriculture, forestry and other land use are also essential for removing and storing greenhouse gas emissions and regenerating ecosystems. When most people think about decarbonisation, they think about getting to net zero, meaning emissions are balanced out by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The Climate Change Authority’s recent Sector Pathways Review states that emissions from Australia’s agriculture and land sectors currently come close to balancing each other out.
25.10.24
All Energy conference hears from Climateworks experts
The Clean Energy Council’s All Energy conference – a highlight in the clean energy calendar – this year featured six Climateworks Centre experts.
25.10.24
Speech: Anna Skarbek speaks on Climateworks’ 15 year anniversary
An edited excerpt from Anna Skarbek’s remarks on 17 October 2024, celebrating Climateworks Centre’s 15th anniversary at the State Library of Victoria.
25.10.24
World-first catalogue released as experts gather for global biodiversity conference
Climateworks Centre has launched a world-first resource to support the consistent measurement of natural capital, which fuels over half of Australia and the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Natural Capital Measurement Catalogue (NCMC) is a user-friendly, open source, scientifically rigorous resource developed by Monash University’s Climateworks Centre, over four years alongside experts, industry, government and research stakeholders.
25.10.24
No home left behind: a postcode approach to electrification
In Australia and overseas, it’s clear that homes without gas – running on clean energy – are healthier, have cheaper power bills, and produce lower greenhouse emissions.
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.
10.10.24
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.
25.09.24
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.Â
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.
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.
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.
Future Made in Australia could act as ‘national net zero filter’Â
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.Â
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.
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.
12.04.24
Renovations and rewiring can multiply the decarbonisation dividendÂ
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.
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.Â
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.
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?
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.
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’.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
16.08.23
Sectoral decarbonisation plans a welcome priority for Australia’s governmentÂ
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.
19.07.23
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.
05.05.23
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.
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.
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.
30.03.23
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?
20.03.23
‘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.
21.02.23
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.
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.Â
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.
07.12.22
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.
05.12.22
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.
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.
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.
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’.
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.
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.
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.
13.12.21
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.
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.
31.10.21
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.
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.
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.
18.10.21
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.
15.09.21
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.
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.
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.
26.05.21
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.
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.
26.04.21
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.
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.
27.01.21
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.
16.12.20
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.
23.11.20
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.
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.
16.11.20
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.
13.11.20
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.
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.
21.10.20
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.
01.10.20
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.
28.09.20
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.
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.
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.
16.09.20
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.
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.
30.07.20
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.
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.
01.07.20
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.
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.
Why it doesn’t make economic sense to ignore climate change in our recovery from the pandemic
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.
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.
27.04.20
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.
17.04.20
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.
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.
11.03.20
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.
04.03.20
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.
28.02.20
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.
25.02.20
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.
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.
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.
21.11.19
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.
31.10.19
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.
17.06.19
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.
06.06.19
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.
06.06.19
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.
05.06.19
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.
20.05.19
The UK has a national climate change act – why don’t we?
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.
15.10.18
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.
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 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.
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.
21.05.14
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.
22.04.14
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
New research has identified a large opportunity for industrial companies to reduce their own energy bills while also helping respond to peak demand pressures on the national electricity grid.
20.02.14
Program to help businesses access building upgrade funding
A new public engagement program is being designed to clearly and simply communicate the business case for Environmental Upgrade Agreements to small and medium sized building owners and tenants and help them to finance energy and environmental upgrades to their building.
Australia’s transition to a low carbon economy is underway
Australia has made significant progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building a low-Âcarbon economy, according to new research released today. The Climateworks Australia report, Tracking Progress Towards a Low Carbon Economy, found an increase in activity to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the last decade across all sectors of the economy studied.
30.07.13
National rule reforms will boost cleaner energy
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) last week released its draft determination on a proposal to promote cleaner, medium sized embedded energy systems*.
04.07.13
Climateworks and Australia’s Supply Chain and Logistics Association
As part of its Energy Efficiency Information Grant (EEIG) from the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism, the Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA) has engaged Climateworks to assist with the development and delivery of energy efficiency training and support to Australian transport and logistics SMEs (i.e.
27.06.13
Companies cut energy use saving $1.2 billion
Companies that account for half of Australia’s total energy consumption are implementing projects that will save 4.8 per cent of their energy use, according to a series of reports released by Climateworks Australia today.
03.05.13
Industrial sector could cut energy use by 11 per cent
Australia’s industrial sector could cut its energy use by 11 per cent without adversely affecting business activity, according to a new report released by Climateworks Australia today. Climateworks Interim Executive Director, Greg Garvin said the report identified potential energy savings across the industrial sector which could save businesses money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
11.12.12
Tracking Australia’s progress on reducing emissions
A new national index of business activity and its impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions is being developed to track Australia’s progress towards a low carbon economy.
05.12.12
Review to change national electricity rules welcomed
The Australian Energy Market Commission’s (AEMC’s) decision to review the National Electricity Rules (NER) making it easier for embedded generators to connect to the electricity grid was welcomed today by Climateworks Australia, Seed Advisory and the Property Council of Australia.
15.06.12
Australian retailers missing out on billions in energy savings
Research released today by National Australia Bank (NAB) and Climateworks reveals that a focussed investment in energy efficient initiatives could be more significant for retail businesses’ overall performance than hitting forecast growth numbers.
23.07.11
Geelong community to start planning implementation of Low Carbon Growth Plan for Greater Geelong
Australia’s first Regional Low Carbon Growth Plan will be presented at a public forum today, outlining the financial benefits of a lower carbon future.
08.06.11
Australia’s first Regional Low Carbon Growth Plan for Greater Geelong shows financial benefit of a lower carbon future
A practical plan for how Geelong can achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and build a low-carbon economy will be released today.
20.05.11
Australians to pay more for delaying action on climate change
The easiest and cheapest ways of reducing Australia’s greenhouse pollution are slipping by due to delayed action on climate change, a new report reveals today.
07.04.11
New Low Carbon Growth Plan for Australia
A blueprint for how Australia can achieve an ambitious reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and build a growing low-carbon economy was released today.
16.03.10
New data shows 25% emissions reduction is achievable
Australia can achieve a greenhouse gas emissions reductions target of 25 per cent by 2020 at a relatively low average cost, according to new data soon to be released by Climateworks Australia.