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.
08.08.24
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.
03.07.24
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.
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.
29.04.24
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.
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.
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.
18.12.23
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 28th 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.
08.12.23
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.
23.10.23
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.
23.10.23
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.
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.
25.07.23
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.
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.
13.06.23
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.
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.
30.03.23
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?
29.03.23
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.
28.03.23
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.
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.
08.12.22
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.
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.
06.12.22
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.
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.
22.11.22
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.
22.11.22
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.
18.11.22
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.
17.11.22
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.
19.10.22
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.
18.10.22
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.
11.10.22
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.
20.09.22
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.
20.09.22
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.
19.09.22
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.
22.08.22
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.
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.
20.07.22
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.
20.07.22
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.
07.07.22
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.
30.06.22
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.
29.06.22
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.
20.06.22
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.
17.06.22
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.
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.
13.05.22
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.
11.05.22
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.
13.04.22
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.
12.04.22
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.
11.04.22
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.
28.03.22
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.
07.03.22
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.
04.03.22
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.
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.
13.12.21
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.
13.12.21
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.
13.12.21
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.
07.12.21
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.
03.12.21
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.
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.
29.11.21
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.
22.11.21
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.
22.11.21
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.
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.
29.10.21
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.
27.10.21
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.
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.
25.10.21
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.
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.
27.09.21
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.
23.09.21
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’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.
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.
20.08.21
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.
10.08.21
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.
27.07.21
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.
19.07.21
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.
16.07.21
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.
16.07.21
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.
25.06.21
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.
25.06.21
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.
24.06.21
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.
21.06.21
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.
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.
25.05.21
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.
24.05.21
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.
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.
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.
22.04.21
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.
22.04.21
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.
22.04.21
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.
11.03.21
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.
08.03.21
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.
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.
08.02.21
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.
08.02.21
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.
08.02.21
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.
08.02.21
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.
22.12.20
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.
16.12.20
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.
16.12.20
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.
16.12.20
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.
15.12.20
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.
02.12.20
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.
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.
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.
16.10.20
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.
06.10.20
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.
29.09.20
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.
16.09.20
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).
16.09.20
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’.
03.08.20
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.
06.07.20
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.
04.06.20
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.
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.
11.05.20
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.
07.04.20
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.
11.03.20
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.
31.01.20
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.
11.09.19
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.
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).