This year, energy dominated the national conversation, and our work, as communities across the country decided whether our future would be fuelled by renewables or Australia would continue to rely on polluting fossil fuels.
The federal election became what many described as an “energy referendum,” with climate and energy policy emerging as defining issues of the campaign. As disinformation spread, the Climate Council focused on cutting through confusion and highlighting the real-world consequences of different climate and energy choices.
Climate change is now a permanent fixture of Australian elections, and a large voting block prioritises climate action at the ballot box. Recent election outcomes highlight that Australians expect all political parties to put forward credible, future-focused climate and energy policies.
When wildfires raged in Los Angeles and Cyclone Alfred struck Australian communities, we were the top voice helping Australians connect these events to rising climate pollution. Through both these disasters, we stayed focused on sharing clear, evidence-based information – even as some lobby groups publicly challenged this work.
Throughout the year, we worked to make the economic climate risks tangible for more Australians. Our 17 reports and digital tools – like the Climate Risk Map and Heat Map – are helping people visualise how climate change is affecting their own suburbs, homes, and health. These tools were broadcast to millions of Australians and accessed by thousands, who now have a deeper understanding of the connection between the burning of coal, oil and gas, and the impacts of climate change they’re experiencing in their communities.
This year, the Climate Council’s advocacy was instrumental in lifting the upper end of Australia’s 2035 emissions reduction target to a strong 70% – a level unlikely to have been achieved without our intervention – while we continue to push for greater ambition to strengthen the lower end of the target, which currently sits at 62%. Our policy analysis and public engagement strongly shaped national advocacy on the 2035 target and reinforced the importance of strong, evidence-based ambition. This year our expert researchers, communicators, and campaigners worked tirelessly to hold governments to account, debunk dangerous myths, and keep climate action on the national agenda.
Behind all of this work was our remarkable community. Every report written, every story told, every policy win achieved was powered by your generosity and belief in independent, evidence-based action. To our staff, Councillors, Board, partners, and supporters – thank you for your dedication and courage.
As we look ahead, Australia’s clean-energy transformation is accelerating. The Climate Council will continue providing authoritative research, practical solutions and clear communication to help drive down pollution, strengthen community resilience and support a faster clean-energy transition.
Together, we can ensure Australia not only keeps pace with change but leads it – for our children, our communities and everything we hold dear.
