This Month
‘Sustainable’ investors flee references to climate change
Even the small activist firm that led the shake-up of ExxonMobil’s board in 2021 is distancing itself from ESG.
Climate change means Australia has entered the ‘age of the engineer’
Increasing bouts of extreme weather have turbocharged already high demand for engineers across Australia, the incoming head of Aurecon says.
Billionaire investor Daniel Besen tips into Sydney’s Climate Tech
The venture capital newcomer, founded by Patrick Sieb and Tom Kline, matches companies with large corporates’ specific decarbonisation needs to derisk investments.
The secret history of the Arctic and Antarctica
When polar regions melt, the vaults are thrown open – “ancient water, carbon, and microbial life return to the surface to shape and change the world.”
January
Postgrads enter climate workforce looking for a clean start
Demand for workers with climate skills is already increasing, as more job postings specifically cover adapting to the green transition.
Meet the McKinsey analyst turned teal powerbroker
Allegra Spender, who could hold the balance of power after the next federal election, grew up in privilege but prides herself on being able to talk to anyone.
Banks should face penalties for restricting loans under ESG
Readers’ letters on who banks should lend to, election promises, the ESG pushback, Star Entertainment’s bid for tax relief and Taiwan.
Why the ESG pushback isn’t about Trump
Large parts of the world want access to the things we take for granted, and that means large amounts of reliable and affordable energy.
Dutton was not being divisive by opposing the Voice
Readers’ letters on the opposition leader, campaign finance laws, Liberal Party preselections, climate change, Georgina Downer, Tasmanian forests, and smartphones.
Just 28pc of offices will meet major tenants’ climate needs
Government and blue-chip private sector tenants are pushing to move into green offices, but they are in short supply.
Macquarie, IFM-backed net zero group suspends itself as Trump looms
The world’s biggest climate finance alliance cited “different regulatory and client expectations” in starting a review and making its membership list secret.
Why this country thinks it will have to bring back daylight saving
Authorities in Brazil nearly brought back daylight saving late last year to conserve energy amid a historic drought that had threatened hydroelectric power generation.
Californian fires to push premiums higher, worsening poor policy cover
The rising cost of insurance policies has already meant a third of about $60 billion in natural disaster damage over the past decade was left uninsured.
Big super to keep pushing companies on climate
New climate disclosure laws mean even retail super funds will engage with companies on climate this year. Poor workplace safety and governance is also a concern.
More reported missing as strong winds fuel LA blazes
The Eaton fire, which has killed at least 11 people, ranks among the 10 deadliest in California history. Officials say the death toll is likely to rise.
The hottest year on record sparks fears of a ‘dangerous new era’
Temperatures broke another record in 2024 and experts warn this could bring faster wildfires, bigger storms and more extreme weather.
No, the budget is not out of control
Readers’ letters on Australia’s economy, sport and climate change, wage theft, populism, emissions reporting, AustralianSuper’s performance and beer bellies.
How Australia’s unpredictable weather is changing sport
Athletes now worry that unpredictable weather may affect participation and ultimately the financial viability of sports long-term.
December 2024
Fire threat rises amid worst conditions since 2019 Black Summer
Damaging winds are fanning extreme fire danger as hot and dry weather envelops large parts of Victoria, south-west NSW and much of eastern South Australia.
Ten wildcard scenarios for 2025
To navigate the future, it can help to anticipate the unlikely. Here are 10 unbelievable-sounding things that could happen next year.