One of Australia’s leading investor groups has launched a national campaign to showcase clean energy success stories while urging the Federal Parliament to embrace strong climate policy to unlock the next wave of multibillion dollar investment in local industries.
Unveiling its Climate Action Pays Off campaign, the Investor Group on Climate Change said these stories reaffirm how Australia is reaping the benefits of the transition to clean energy and Net Zero.
The campaign shows how new companies are stepping up to provide jobs for local workers while building businesses that are fast becoming the clean energy powerhouses of tomorrow.
“Our Climate Action Pays Off campaign is about showcasing great stories of Australian innovation creating new jobs and economic opportunities,” said Rebecca Mikula-Wright, IGCC Chief Executive Officer.
“With appropriate policy settings – including a strong 2035 carbon emissions target – we can continue building the industries of the future and help Australia become a clean energy powerhouse.”
The Climate Action Pays Off campaign features a number of Australians at companies around the nation who are playing their part and capitalising on the opportunities of the shift to Net Zero.
The campaign tells the stories of a diverse range of Australians working across our regions in companies including:
- Chris, Shift Supervisor, 5B: Manufacturing large-scale solar arrays and deploying them rapidly.
- Nathan, Manufacturing Supervisor, Energy Renaissance: Operating the nation’s first lithium-ion battery gigafactory in the Hunter region.
- Trent, Project and Engineering Manager, MCi Carbon: Transforming carbon emissions from heavy industry to create building and other materials.
- Michelle, Networks Engineer, SA Power Networks: Developing innovative solutions to integrate solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles into the grid.
- Sophie, farmer and small business owner, Verdant Produce: Fifth-generation NSW farmer cutting power bills by 70% through clean energy.
According to Ms Mikula-Wright, this shift to a clean economy is the “single biggest economic opportunity for our nation and the retirement savings of millions of Australians”.
“We have the best clean energy resources in the world which will lower the cost of living and power bills, keep the lights on, and provide secure job opportunities,” Ms Mikula-Wright said.
“This is only the tip of the iceberg, with Aussie companies across our nation showing how clean industries are simultaneously creating new jobs and export opportunities.”
However, Ms Mikula-Wright pointed out that to help Australian businesses embrace a clean future, we need a clear and decisive plan going forward.
“Australia requires a strong 2035 climate target to give investors the certainty they need to keep investing in Australia and ensure our nation doesn’t miss out on economic opportunities including jobs,” Ms Mikula-Wright said.
“We know that the failure to plan and act on climate change is already resulting in more extreme weather events, causing costly disruptions for our farmers, economy, businesses and local communities.
“On one hand we have a remarkable opportunity to get ahead of the curve to support and future proof Australia’s economy now, or otherwise risk further economic pain through a lack of investment and climate costs.”