The 1.5 degree challenge | McKinsey & Company

Biden’s plan to combat climate change leaves coal-loving Australia an outlier | Washington Post

Joe Biden's victory in the presidential election was largely welcomed by America's friends as a step toward more predictable and conventional U.S. foreign policy. One close American ally, though, faces a thorny predicament as a result of Biden's plan to build a global coalition to combat global warming: Australia.

State of the Climate 2020 | BOM and CSIRO

Australia’s climate has warmed on average by 1.44 ± 0.24 °C since national records began in 1910, leading to an increase in the frequency of extreme heat events.

Australia will not be invisible to Joe Biden, especially when it comes to China and climate change | The Guardian

Joe Biden represents hope on a number of fronts. If his campaign pledges carry meaning, Biden will try to kickstart the cause of international climate action – which is both urgent and important – and he will attempt to restore America as a constructive and steady presence in global affairs, including engaging in this region about the challenges posed by China’s hegemonic ambitions.

BHP targets China's steel sector emissions as climate pressure builds | The Age

BHP and China Baowu Steel Group (formerly known as Baosteel) have entered into a five-year agreement to work on projects aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the highly emissions-intensive steel sector, estimated to be responsible for up to 10 per cent of global emissions.

Millennial makes history after successfully suing super fund for not doing enough on climate change | ABC

Rest super fund commits to net-zero emission investments after Brisbane man sues.

Australian Pension Fund Settles Climate Change Lawsuit | Chief Investment Officer

“Rest acknowledges that climate change could lead to catastrophic economic and social consequences and is an important concern of Rest’s members,” the pension fund said. “Climate change is a material, direct, and current financial risk to the superannuation fund across many risk categories, including investment, market, reputational, strategic, governance, and third-party risks.”

A Biden presidency would put pressure on Scott Morrison over climate change | The Conversation: Grattan on Friday

“Assuming things go Biden’s way, Morrison would pivot to what would be a more conventional presidency, although one that would bring its own challenges for him, especially on climate policy."

Centre-right thinktank warns Morrison government of 'grave future for coal exports' |

“Failing to commit to net zero by 2050 will diminish our international standing, and harm our competitiveness,” the report says.

Climate of the Nation: Climate Change Concern Hits 82% | The Australia Institute

In the wake of the devastating Black Summer bushfires, an overwhelming majority of Australians (82%) say they are concerned about climate change resulting in more bushfires, according to a new benchmark report released today by the Australia Institute’s Climate & Energy Program.

Post-Abe agenda: Suga says Japan to go carbon-free by 2050 | ABC7 San Francisco

Japan will achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga declared Monday, outlining an ambitious agenda as the country struggles to balance economic and pandemic concerns.

Coal exports delayed after China orders companies to stop buying | Queensland Mining and Energy Bulletin

A state-controlled utility in eastern China cancelled about 10 cargoes of Australian coking and thermal coal that were due for delivery in November and December because the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) told staff to cancel the order. The cancellation was unusual since the utility had long-term contracts with the Australian mineral producer according to Argus Media.

Investors lead push for Australian business to cut emissions more than government forecasts | The Guardian

Major investors and super funds will lead a push for the private sector to make much deeper cuts in national greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 than planned by the Morrison government, including setting a target based on what scientists say is necessary.

Risk list goes viral as climate change slips out of focus | Insurance News

Infectious diseases and the global pandemic have soared up the ranks in Axa’s latest survey of most pressing global risks, with COVID-19 triggering a dramatic jump in health concerns to first place from eighth, knocking climate change from the top spot.

Adopting Paris-aligned climate plan would create billions of dollars in fresh Australian investment opportunities | IGCC

IGCC Chief Executive Officer, Emma Herd, said Australia could not afford to ignore the investment opportunities identified under an orderly transition. “Investors, companies and governments will need to work together to create a trajectory to achieve a resilient net zero emissions economy by 2050, including deeper emission reductions over this decade. “

“If we get this right, Australia could reap the benefits of $63 billion in fresh private investment over the next five years, and over $1 trillion by mid-century, in domestic opportunities alone. If we continue as we are, we’ll leave billions of dollars in investment opportunities behind.”

Wind farms could power every home by 2030 - PM | BBC News

Speaking to the Conservative party conference, the PM announced £160m to upgrade ports and factories for building turbines to help the country "build back greener". The plan aims to create 2,000 jobs in construction and support 60,000 more. He said the UK would become "the world leader in clean wind energy".

Letter from economists: to rebuild our world, we must end the carbon economy | The Guardian

From deep-rooted racism to the Covid-19 pandemic, from extreme inequality to ecological collapse, our world is facing dire and deeply interconnected emergencies. But as much as the present moment painfully underscores the weaknesses of our economic system, it also gives us the rare opportunity to reimagine it. As we seek to rebuild our world, we can and must end the carbon economy.

Australian coal plants 'on a hiding to nothing' and likely to close before schedule | The Guardian

Australia’s ageing coal-fired power plants make little money and are likely to shut sooner than planned due to the amount of cheap renewable energy coming into the grid, the chair of Australia’s Energy Security Board said.