Australia’s Net Zero Economy Authority enshrined in law
Climateworks Centre CEO and Net Zero Economy Agency Advisory Board Member, Anna Skarbek welcomed this valuable addition to Australia’s institutional arrangements.
New modelling: Australia’s credible transport transition beyond electric vehicles
New scenario modelling by Monash University’s Climateworks Centre demonstrates that Australia can bolster transport decarbonisation by expanding its approach to include a suite of solutions, calling for a shift in the way governments plan and fund transport in the face of modest electric vehicle (EV) uptake. Climateworks Transport Program Lead, Helen Rowe said: ‘Developing a credible plan to reduce transport emissions requires a shift in the way governments at all levels plan and fund transport – putting emissions reductions at the heart.’ The Climateworks modelling, presented in its latest report ‘Decarbonising Australia’s transport sector: Diverse solutions for a credible emissions reduction plan’, examines what a credible plan to decarbonise Australia’s transport sector could look like, going beyond electric vehicles and giving the country more options to successfully turn the wheel on its third-largest and fastest-growing source of emissions.
11.06.24
Future Made in Australia could act as ‘national net zero filter’
Climateworks Centre welcomes the targeted public investment detailed in the 2024–2025 Federal Budget as part of the Future Made in Australia package. Climateworks’ Sustainable Economies Lead Kylie Turner, who was in the Budget lock-up, said: ‘The federal government’s Future Made in Australia framework is a key climate pillar for this Budget and could function as a national “net zero filter”, coordinating industry decisions and funnelling investment in the right direction.’ ‘It is precisely the kind of coordination the nation needs to make the most of its once-in-a-lifetime green economy transformation,’ she added.
Experts available on the Budget
Kylie Turner Kylie Turner, Sustainable Economies Lead, Climateworks Centre who is in the Budget lock-up and has decades of experience working across government, business and the not-for-profit sector.
14.05.24
Summit to strengthen green economy opportunities for Vietnam, Australia
Australian Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister will meet Vietnamese and Australian business leaders, policymakers and industry experts in Vietnam to discuss how the countries can accelerate opportunities for green economy investment and trade.
15.04.24
Climate collaboration celebrated at national awards
The Australian Industry Energy Transitions Initiative (Australian Industry ETI) – a four-year collaboration of more than thirty organisations dedicated to decarbonising Australia’s heavy industry – was selected as a finalist for the Banksia Foundation’s Net Zero Action Award.
05.04.24
Dr Fraser Thompson brings international sustainable development expertise to Climateworks board
Climateworks Centre has appointed Dr Fraser Thompson to its board of directors, adding significant international sustainability strategy and implementation expertise. A Rhodes scholar with a background in business and economics and a long commitment to sustainable development in the Asia–Pacific region, Dr Thompson’s career has been underscored by his commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions.
20.12.23
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.
Australia can still decarbonise in line with the Paris Agreement
New scenario modelling by Monash University’s Climateworks Centre demonstrates that Australia can achieve net zero emissions in line with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius with decisive and increased action across all sectors of the economy.
14.11.23
Decarbonising short-haul road freight could halve Australia’s freight emissions
A new report from Climateworks Centre finds that Australia would be on track to cut more than half of freight emissions by implementing already available solutions in short-haul road freight.
Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Program: Catalysing sustainable business collaboration
Australia and Vietnam have shared ambitions to realise opportunities within the green economy, and the Australia-Vietnam Green Economy Program aims to reshape the contours of the green economy by equipping Australian businesses with the knowledge, capabilities and networks to catalyse sustainable business collaboration with Vietnam.
03.10.23
Release of Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures framework a welcome step – and Australia can lead on nature reporting
Nature related disclosures are an important step on the path to help build an economy that works with, rather than against, nature.
19.09.23
Blue carbon and ocean-based sectors can meet half of Indonesia’s net zero target by 2050: report
Blue ecosystems and ocean-based sectors, such as maritime transport and offshore renewable energy, can contribute 49 per cent of Indonesia’s net zero emissions transition.
13.09.23
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
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
BPKP launches ESG assessment guidelines for Indonesian State-owned enterprises
On Monday 17 April 2023, BPKP (Badan Pengawasan Keuangan Pembangunan) launched its ESG Assessment Guidelines for State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) to help them improve their sustainability reporting practices.
‘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.
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
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
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
Accelerating Australia’s EV uptake can save vehicle owners $1,300 per year in running costs
Australians could save more than $20 billion in petrol and maintenance costs if electric vehicles (EVs) made up three-quarters of new car sales by 2030, according to Climateworks Centre analysis released today. New report Accelerating EV uptake: Policies to realise Australia’s electric vehicle potential, shows raising Australia’s ambition to 76 per cent of new vehicle purchases being electric by 2030, and 100 per cent by 2035, would benefit consumers and cut transport emissions.
17.08.22
Benefits of lifting Australian National Construction Code energy standards reaffirmed in joint statement
Climateworks Centre is among more than 100 organisations to sign a joint statement emphasising the strong community support in Australia for lifting energy standards in the 2022 National Construction Code.
10.08.22
‘Setting up industrial regions for net zero’ report finds huge potential for decarbonisation
Major industrial regions – including the Pilbara, Kwinana, Hunter, Illawarra and Gladstone – have the natural resources, workforce and baseline infrastructure that can be expanded to support Australia’s net zero transition, according to a new report.
20.06.22
MoU between Monash, Climateworks and state agency BPKP will assist Indonesia’s transition to a green economy
BPKP, Indonesia’s regulator for state-owned enterprises and key public sector agencies, has taken a significant step towards implementing its environmental, social and governance (ESG) plans, by signing a two-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Monash University, Indonesia and Climateworks Centre.
19.05.22
Climateworks Centre: updating our name to recognise our reach beyond Australia
After more than a decade bridging the gap between research and climate action, we’re updating our name to recognise our work in Australia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
07.03.22
Westpac and the CEFC are the latest to join a major industry initiative exploring Australian industry’s transition to net zero emissions in supply chains
Westpac and the CEFC join major industry initiative to explore net zero emissions in supply chains, underscoring the key role of finance in the transition.
Natural Capital Investment Initiative to accelerate, thanks to a multi-year funding commitment
Agriculture businesses working to improve natural capital, while reducing emissions, will be able to test common measurement frameworks and new incentives under the next phase of the Natural Capital Investment Initiative, which has secured three years of funding from the Macdoch Foundation.
14.12.21
The ocean is essential to tackling climate change. So why has it been neglected in global climate talks?
Climate change is commonly discussed as though it’s a uniquely atmospheric phenomena. But the crisis is deeply entwined with the ocean, and this has largely been neglected in international climate talks.
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.
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.
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 can capitalise on state and territory net zero momentum to keep the global 1.5 degree goal in play: report
State and territory government net zero targets and policies since the start of 2020 demonstrate Australia is capable of meeting global expectations for climate action, according to a new report by Climateworks Australia released today.
14.10.21
NCC22 update: Draft provisions a chance to embed long-awaited energy improvement measures for new homes
This week, the Australian Building Codes Board released for public consultation the draft National Construction Code 2022 provisions. Climateworks Australia welcomes the provisions as the vital next step towards improving the energy performance of all new homes throughout Australia. ‘Minimum standards for housing haven’t shifted significantly for over a decade,’ says Climateworks Senior Project Manager Michael Li.
01.09.21
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.
Heavy industry’s net-zero transition effort boosted by $2m ARENA grant and partnership with Rio, HSBC
An effort to transition ‘hard-to-abate’ sectors to net-zero emissions by 2050, including iron and steel, aluminium and chemical supply chains has been boosted by both a $2 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and major players Rio Tinto and HSBC joining the initiative, along with research provider BloombergNEF.
14.07.21
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
On the road again: here’s how the states can accelerate Australia’s sputtering electric vehicle transition
Rupert Posner, Climateworks Australia Last month, Volkswagen Australia chief Michael Bartsch revealed Australia’s clean technology laws were so weak, his German head office would not supply Australians with the company’s top selling mid-range electric vehicles.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
shutterstock Anna Skarbek, Monash University It will be tempting for some to overlook the climate change challenge in the rush to restart the economy after the pandemic.
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
The conversation hour: Anna Skarbek discusses the impact of the coronavirus on climate change.
The coronavirus pandemic has put lives on hold at brought the world to a stop. The ABC’s conversation hour asked if this would mean the issue of climate change taking a back seat.
08.04.20
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.
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
Can Australia follow the UK’s lead to ban fossil fuel cars by 2035?
Australians have the appetite for electric vehicles, what we need now is infrastructure and policy to make it accessible for all.
Local governments helping cut resident and business emissions to zero
Local governments can play an important role in reducing Australia’s carbon emissions. In fact, many already are. New research by Climateworks Australia, with the Monash Sustainable Development Institute as part of the Net Zero Momentum Tracker initiative, analyses the climate commitments and activities of 57 local government areas covering over half of the Australian population.
03.02.20
From ideas to impact: scaling green solutions
Micro factories for e-waste, seaweed farms to sequester carbon, powering whole towns with food waste. There is no shortage of innovative climate solutions.
30.01.20
Monash Lens: One overarching ask for business and investors: Do you have a plan to achieve zero emissions?
An excerpt from Anna Skarbek’s piece in Monash Lens, One overarching ask for business and investors: Do you have a plan to achieve zero emissions?
28.01.20
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
Major Australian property companies are making progress towards net zero emissions
Sector-wide adoption of a net zero ambition is critical to achieving the global mandate to keep temperatures well below 20C whilst striving for 1.50C.
24.09.19
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.
The UK has a national climate change act – why don’t we?
It’s time Australian politicians were guided by national climate change legislation. Shutterstock Anna Skarbek, Monash University; Anna Malos, Climateworks Australia; Cameron Hepburn, University of Oxford, and Matthew Carl Ives, University of Oxford No matter who wins the upcoming federal election, both the ALP and LNP are committed to remaining in the Paris Climate Agreement.
We can be a carbon-neutral nation by 2050, if we just get on with it
Anna Skarbek, Monash University and Anna Malos, Climateworks Australia This is part of a major series called Advancing Australia, in which leading academics examine the key issues facing Australia in the lead-up to the 2019 federal election and beyond.
Strong energy targets for buildings could deliver emissions and power savings in Australia’s Top End: new report
A more stringent National Construction Code with stronger energy performance targets would reduce emissions and power bills for buildings in Northern Australia, according to a new report released today by ASBEC and Climateworks Australia.
New national sustainable food and land use project gets underway
A new initiative aimed at developing a roadmap for a sustainable food and land use system for Australia, was launched today.
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 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.