Navigating Net Zero: APAC Climate Guide
In our APAC Climate Guide, experts across the region share their insights as they help clients to navigate the transition. We look at the incentives encouraging clean energy, how carbon markets are expanding, the growth of sustainable finance and the role of the private sector. We also look at focus areas in each jurisdiction, from wind power in Japan to electric vehicles in China.
05 February 2025
Wind farms in Queensland: regulatory changes set to have a big ‘impact’
As of Monday 3 February 2025, all wind farms in Queensland will be subject to impact assessable development as a result of legislative changes pushed through on Friday 31 January 2025.
03 February 2025
Supply chains and data challenges steal the show at ImpactX Agriculture and Land Decarb Forum
Climate change is already impacting on farmers and growers in Australia - for example due to increasing bushfires, changing seasonal patterns and extreme rainfall and flooding. As global warming intensifies, farm profits are expected to decrease by between 11% – 50% by 2050 – with increased profit reduction under higher warming scenarios.
11 December 2024
Navigating Net Zero: APAC Climate Guide - China
Already the world's largest producer of solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles, China is expanding to new industries and export opportunities. With its strong manufacturing base and increasing focus on R&D, China can innovate in areas like energy storage, smart grids and carbon capture technologies.
11 December 2024
Modern slavery update: Government appoints Commonwealth Anti-Slavery Commissioner to enhance national response
The Modern Slavery Amendment (Anti-Slavery Commissioner) Act 2024 (Cth) came into effect on 7 November 2024 and amends the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) (Act) by establishing the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner (Federal Commissioner) as an independent statutory office holder.
19 November 2024
Navigating Net Zero: APAC Climate Guide - Japan
In the first chapter of our Navigating Net Zero: APAC Climate Guide, we look to Japan. Our regional experts share their insights on the significant challenges and opportunities as Japan aims for a net-zero economy.
12 November 2024
Valuing nature: recognising the risks and reaping the rewards
The science is clear: Nature and climate change are inextricably linked. Like hands on a clock, incremental changes add up – and the clock has been ticking while the world has focused on limiting global warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius.
04 November 2024
NEXT: Business, Purpose, Future - Edition 8
Welcome to NEXT, a forward-looking exploration of the issues, trends and dynamics shaping commerce, leadership, and the workplace. In this issue you will find a guide to some of the emerging issues businesses are thinking deeply about, as well as a call for collaboration between businesses, government and the third sector to respond with vision, resilience, and empathy.
04 November 2024
Blue Finance – Unlocking the Power of the Blue Economy
As the world prepares for the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), a relatively overlooked area is set to increase in prominence and importance: the health and sustainable use of our oceans. Safeguarding the eco-systems of our seas will demand significant investments. It’s critical for businesses to understand the associated climate risks.
31 October 2024
The world’s first Global Nature Positive Summit: reflections, takeaways and updates on Australia’s nature positive reforms
From 8 to 10 October 2024, the Australian and New South Wales governments co-hosted the world’s first Global Nature Positive Summit (Summit) in Sydney, which KWM attended.
15 October 2024
Opening the doors to international funding for Australian critical minerals
Over the past week, several positive announcements have been made for Australian listed critical minerals mining companies and critical minerals projects within Australia
03 October 2024
Update on embodied carbon emissions in the construction and real estate sectors
As Australia moves towards achieving net zero by 2050, the construction and real estate industries (and their regulators) are looking beyond emissions from the operation and maintenance of their assets but also looking at reducing carbon emissions embodied in building materials and generated by the construction of buildings.
27 September 2024
Your Guide to the 2024 draft JORC Code – do the proposed changes go too far?
The long-awaited update to the JORC Code is here, with JORC releasing the 2024 Draft JORC Code for public feedback on 1 August 2024.
20 September 2024
A (net zero) Future Made in Australia: what to expect and how the tax system plays a key role
As the world transforms to net zero emissions and undergoes the most significant changes since the industrial revolution, the Federal Government’s decarbonisation plan aims to make Australia an indispensable part of the global economy.
13 September 2024
Can the data centre goldrush go green? Malaysia’s Johor shows we can move fast, but more is needed
Johor sits at the southern tip of Malaysia, minutes away from neighbouring Singapore. Lesser known than the nation’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, and less developed than its most populous state of Selangor, Johor – and its capital Johor Bahru – are rapidly rising in prominence.
29 August 2024
Mandatory Climate Reporting Bill Passes the Senate and ASIC Releases Latest Report on Greenwashing: Are You Ready?
Last week was a big week for ESG in Australia. On 22 August 2024, the Australian Senate passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Infrastructure and Other Measures) Bill 2024 (Bill) with some minor amendments. Schedule 4 of the Bill would implement Australia’s first mandatory climate reporting regime. The day after, ASIC released Report 791 (ASIC’s interventions on greenwashing misconduct: 2023-2024) (ASIC Report) which provides detailed findings, recommendations and good practice examples from its surveillance activities over the past 15 months. In this alert, we deep dive into the latest on mandatory climate reporting and greenwashing.
27 August 2024
Non-bank lenders and mandatory sustainability reporting
On 22 August 2024, the Australian Senate passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Infrastructure and Other Measures) Bill 2024 (Bill) with some minor amendments.
27 August 2024
The rise of carbon trading between governments: Can businesses benefit from Intergovernmental Carbon Credits under Article 6.2?
We talk a lot about global carbon trading markets – yet relatively little about the mechanism by which countries trade emissions reductions. That mechanism - Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) – is a strategic tool for nations to not only comply with their climate commitments but also to leverage their carbon sink resources effectively.
26 August 2024
New Bill to reform the NSW Biodiversity Offset Scheme
The Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Biodiversity Offsets Scheme) Bill 2024 (Bill) was introduced to the NSW Parliament last Thursday to reform the State’s biodiversity offset scheme.
22 August 2024
New Environmentally Sustainable requirements for Commonwealth procurement of construction services
The Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Policy (the ESP) came into effect on 1 July 2024. This brings the Commonwealth government’s approach to procurement closer to Australia’s commitment to net zero by 2050.
12 July 2024
7 Takeaways for Businesses from the ACCC’s Draft Guide on Sustainability Collaboration
In this update we identify 7 key takeaways for businesses wanting to collaborate to achieve sustainability outcomes, including a new streamlined authorisation process for particular types of collaboration.
09 July 2024
Queensland’s next wave of environmental reforms: second Bill passes to amend Environmental Protection Act 1994
After passing the first wave of environmental reforms through the Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2023 (Qld) last year.
12 June 2024
Breaking new ground: ASX50 sustainability reporting and governance in 2023
With mandatory climate reporting imminent, the contents
of this publication are poised to become business-critical to
more of corporate Australia than ever before.
06 June 2024
Risks of Gen AI - Energy and ESG
The vast majority of AI systems are trained and deployed on power-hungry servers housed in large data centres that use enormous amounts of electricity and water, amplifying the effects of climate change that are already being felt around the world.
23 May 2024
Carbon farming methods in 2024: proponents to start putting pen to paper
As predicted in our previous alert, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has now launched a new proponent-led approach to developing new Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme methods.
23 May 2024
European Parliament Green Lights EU’s CSDDD: Time to Get Ready for the New Era in ESG Obligations
The EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) will pave the way for a new era of corporate due diligence obligations.
22 May 2024
Federal Budget May 2024-25: Environment & Climate change
To combat climate change and facilitate Australia’s transition to a low-carbon economy, the Government has introduced various measures to the Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water portfolio in the Budget.
14 May 2024
The international bid for legal certainty on carbon credits: taking China’s example to the UN
What rights attach to a carbon credit? Who owns it? The legal nature of carbon credits sounds like a niche concept that only concerns lawyers, but it goes to fundamental aspects of trading and finance that have implications for businesses. And United Nations bodies are working to develop a comprehensive and coordinated legal framework for carbon credits.
26 April 2024
Accelerated planning permit application assessment for renewables projects in Victoria
Victoria’s Minister for Planning has gazetted changes which enable accelerated assessment of planning applications for renewable energy facilities, utility installations, and associated subdivisions, to unlock investment and help Victoria meet its legislated emissions reduction, renewable energy, and net zero targets.
23 April 2024
Australia’s road to ‘nature positive’: newly announced detours and delays
Those who have been waiting to see the Federal Government’s long-awaited ‘nature positive’ reform package will have to wait a little longer, with the Minister for Environment and Water announcing on 16 April 2024 plans to stage the introduction of the reform legislation.
18 April 2024
The rise of green and social capital – ESG-related trends for Australian private funds
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is not a new concept for private funds. Most institutional investors and fund managers have had ESG policies in place for many years.
11 April 2024
Climate-related financial disclosure
On 27 March 2024, the Treasurer introduced and read the Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Infrastructure and Other Measures) Bill 2024 (Bill) to the House of Representatives.
03 April 2024
OnBoard March 2024
OnBoard delivers our leading market insights purposefully curated for directors, general counsel and company secretaries.
27 March 2024
Carbon Markets Regulatory Tracker
As Australia transitions to a low-carbon economy, we see carbon markets play an increasing role to help achieve net zero ambitions. Staying on top of deadlines and developments is essential.
26 March 2024
Climate litigation review 2023: disputes heat up (no cool change ahead)
The global trend of increased climate litigation showed no signs of abating in 2023. Several new proceedings were instituted in Australia, including by regulators as they take an increasingly active approach particularly in relation to ‘greenwashing’.
21 February 2024
NEXT - Edition 7
We hope you find this edition of NEXT to be thought provoking and we look very much forward to continuing the conversation with you across the year.
19 February 2024
Carbon Farming Methods in 2024: passing the pen from Government to proponents
has held the pen when it comes to deciding what carbon farming projects can be carried out and what boxes those projects must tick under the relevant methods to be eligible.
12 February 2024
Sleeping Carbon Giant Awakes: China’s Renewed Voluntary Carbon Market is Here – What You Need to Know
The long-awaited renewal of the China Certified Emission Reductions (CCER) market is expected to drive trading activity, develop the market and spur innovation. This is a critical step towards China reaching its ‘30.60’ decarbonisation target: peak emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060.
26 January 2024
Draft Sustainability Reporting Legislation released for consultation
On 12 January 2024, Treasury released draft legislation, Treasury Laws Amendment Bill 2023: Climate-related financial disclosure, and an accompanying explanatory memorandum and policy document for the implementation of mandatory sustainability reporting in Australia.
19 January 2024
ESG Predictions: What path awaits in 2024?
We canvassed our ESG experts across the firm for their predictions of key changes and trends expected in 2024.
01 January 2024
The KWM take on COP28
Read about various trends and business implications from our global ESG experts across the four key themes of COP28.
08 December 2023
A Christmas Miracle: Last-minute horse-trading gets the Nature Repair Market over the line
In an unexpected turn of events, the Federal Government’s Nature Repair Market legislation – which had stalled in the Senate and recently been deferred until at least April 2024 – has now passed after the Government struck a last-minute deal with the Greens.
07 December 2023
Navigating The Net Zero Transition - Regional Snapshot
In our country chapters, we look at initiatives to encourage the transition to a net zero economy – across emissions reduction targets, carbon markets, financing, transport, housing and buildings, and agriculture. Here is a brief snapshot. More detail and examples are in the country chapters.
24 November 2023
Navigating The Net Zero Transition: Spotlight on Southeast Asia, Japan and the Republic of Korea
The reality of the ground we need to cover to reach global decarbonisation targets is driving policies, investment and innovation. To do this effectively and within desired timeframes it’s critical that we embrace collaboration by working together, sharing knowledge and simply connecting people.
24 November 2023
Navigating The Net Zero Transition - Chapter 5: the Republic of Korea
Among the largest economies in the world by GDP and a powerful member of the G20, the Republic of Korea has developed a strong industrial activity sector in recent decades.
24 November 2023
Navigating The Net Zero Transition - Chapter 2: Indonesia
Indonesia is at a critical juncture in shaping its energy future. The archipelago nation faces the challenge of boosting energy supply by ensuring universal electricity access for its people by 2040, while cutting carbon emissions to reach its net zero target by 2060. This is happening against a backdrop of one of the fastest-growing economies globally. Indonesia has experienced rapid economic growth since the 1970s, reducing poverty levels across its population of almost 280 million. Now, climate change threatens its diverse ecosystem. Communities are vulnerable to flooding, rising sea levels and heatwaves.
24 November 2023
Navigating The Net Zero Transition - Chapter 4: Vietnam
Vietnam is among the fastest growing markets in ASEAN. Strategically located in the centre of Southeast Asia, its GDP, foreign direct investment and middle-income population have all grown over the past decade. Vietnam’s share of annual global emissions is relatively small - approximately 0.88% in 2021 - for a population of almost 100 million, or roughly 1.2% of the world’s people. The country is severely affected by climate change. With 3,260 km long coastline, many low-lying cities and river delta regions, Vietnam ranks first in the world for exposure to flooding alongside Bangladesh. The World Bank estimates Vietnam lost around US$10 billion in 2020 due to climate impacts. Without appropriate adaption and mitigation measures, climate change could cost Vietnam around 12% to 14.5% of GDP annually by 2050 according to World Bank estimates.
24 November 2023
Navigating The Net Zero Transition - Chapter 3: The Philippines
The Philippines is among the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change. Increases in the frequency and intensity of typhoons, changes in rainfall patterns, rising sea levels and increasing temperatures all pose a serious threat to the archipelago nation’s ecosystems and its 100 million+ population. This makes poverty-reduction efforts even harder.
24 November 2023
Navigating the net zero transition - Chapter 6: Japan
Japan is the third-largest economy in the world and among the world’s highest emitters. Home to approximately 126.5 mn people, Japan consists of several thousand islands most of which are covered by mountains and surrounded by steep shorelines. The topography limits renewable energy development and Japan’s susceptibility to natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes has impacted nuclear generation following the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Power Plant accident. Triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake, this event tipped Japan’s economy into recession. A little over a decade on, Japan’s economy is showing signs of recovery – and investors are circling.
24 November 2023
Navigating The Net Zero Transition - Chapter 1: Singapore
The net zero transition presents significant opportunities for Singapore, with its export-oriented, innovation-hungry, open economy. Yet it also carries significant challenges. Singapore is managing water and food scarcity, and rising sea levels threaten the low-lying landmass.
23 November 2023
Funding Australia’s transition to net zero – the Australian Government’s Sustainable Finance Strategy
Treasury released its Sustainable Finance Strategy Consultation Paper (Strategy) on 2 November 2023, signalling a significant transition for the Australian sustainable finance industry from being largely market-led to a government-led approach.
16 November 2023
Australia’s road to ‘nature positive’: (why aren’t) we there yet?
It has been almost 12 months since the Federal Government unveiled its ‘Nature Positive Plan’, which set the stage for 2023 to be filled with extensive environmental reform.
15 November 2023
Queensland’s Housing Availability and Affordability Bill: New tools to help facilitate development
The Housing Availability and Affordability (Planning and Other Legislation Amendment) Bill 2023 (Bill) was recently introduced to Queensland Parliament to address current housing supply and affordability challenges.
13 November 2023
TNFD publishes final framework as TCFD disbands
On 12 October 2023, the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) published its sixth and final status report.
03 November 2023
Climate Active Reforms: dumping “carbon neutral” and getting real with direct emissions reductions
On Friday 20 October, the Commonwealth Government announced its proposed updates to the Australian Government’s Climate Active certification program.
02 November 2023
High Court rules that Victoria’s electric vehicle charge is unconstitutional
On Wednesday 18 October 2023, the High Court of Australia handed down its decision in Vanderstock & Anor v State of Victoria [2023] HCA 30.
20 October 2023
Indonesia’s Nickel Rush – Riding the Waves of the EV Battery Revolution
Nickel is set to become one of the most important critical minerals in the net zero transition, reaching a predicted global market of almost US$60bn within 5 years. Future industry growth will be driven by the dramatic increase in demand for lithium-ion EV batteries – of which nickel is a key component. Given the exponential growth in demand, there is still a high risk that supply will fall short in the coming decade.
12 October 2023
Extensive regulatory reforms and funding for Victoria’s housing sector
The Housing Statement ambition is up to 800,000 new homes in the next decade, increasing to 2.2 million by 2051.
21 September 2023
AgriThinking | Navigating the waters: unpacking Australia’s Bill for a sustainable Murray-Darling Basin
On 6 September 2023, Australia’s Minister for Environment and Water, the Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, introduced the Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Bill 2023 (Cth) (Bill) to Parliament.
21 September 2023
What carbon offset strategy best suits your business?
The voluntary carbon markets present a range of opportunities for business to execute its decarbonisation strategy. Under Australia’s predominant carbon market, the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme administered by the Clean Energy Regulator, more than 13 million ACCUs were transacted in the first quarter of 2023. This is over half the number transacted in 2022, and more than the total transacted in 2020 and 2021 combined.[1]
05 September 2023
Sustainability-linked derivatives - identifying the opportunity for private capital investors
The sustainable finance market is evolving at an accelerating pace. One recent trend garnering growing interest from market participants is the development of “sustainability-linked derivatives” (SLDs).
23 August 2023
How regional collaboration could lift carbon trading in Southeast Asia
Carbon markets are an instrumental tool to assist countries in achieving GHG emissions reduction commitments.
Emissions trading systems in smaller countries face the problem of insufficient market participants and investors which can result in volume and liquidity levels which are insufficient to determine market pricing effectively.
To address this, some countries and regions have harmonised emissions trading systems, to create larger and more liquid carbon markets.
In this insight, we consider potential opportunities for cooperation and harmonisation of carbon trading across Southeast Asia and the broader region.
18 August 2023
The Carbon Market Trends Moving China to a Sustainable Future
China’s efforts to encourage businesses to cut emissions and improve carbon data transparency are critical to achieving a sustainable future. From the national emissions trading system expanding and opening to foreign investment, to carbon cutting incentives for individuals, there is a rising tide of carbon-related initiatives across China.
01 August 2023
Social impact investing – the best things in life are free
The 2023 Federal Budget allocated nearly $200 million over 6 years to address entrenched community disadvantage, including $11.6 million to promote social impact investment. It’s not huge, but a start.
17 July 2023
Mandatory climate reporting in Australia – Treasury proposes a broad reach with a limited safe harbour
Treasury has released its second consultation paper on climate-related financial disclosures. This paper builds on Treasury’s initial consultation paper released late last year. The initial consultation paper received 194 submissions, most of which are publicly available here.
05 July 2023
Considering Sustainability-linked Derivatives? What You Need to Know
The sustainable finance market is evolving at an accelerating pace. One recent trend garnering growing interest from market participants is the development of “sustainability-linked derivatives” (SLDs).
The first SLD was issued in August 2019. In under four years, based on a market survey conducted by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA), the number of banks, companies, consultants and other market participants worldwide that have engaged in SLD transactions has grown considerably.
This insight explores the key features of SLDs, and outlines some of the documentation and potential regulatory issues for market participants that are considering engaging in SLD transactions. We also set out our key tips for navigating these issues.
21 June 2023
The third wave of sustainability disclosures: a look at the task force on Inequality-related Financial Disclosures (TIFD)
We’ve had the TCFD on climate. Then the TNFD on nature. And now there’s the TIFD on inequality.
Three task forces. Three sustainability topics. Three leaps in sustainability reporting.
The key difference with inequality is that it’s in the ‘social’ bucket, rather than the ‘environmental’ bucket. That means we can no longer say the trend towards international and mandatory sustainability reporting is just because of the science and urgency relating to climate change, and its sister topic, nature.
The TIFD signals a broader trend towards reporting issues that have traditionally been considered non-financial but increasingly pose reputational and regulatory risks to businesses. It also reflects the shift towards broad reporting of a business’ impact on sustainability issues, rather than just the impact of those issues on the business and its performance.
Many companies are already reporting on broader sustainability issues that span beyond the ‘E’ in ESG. The TIFD will provide guidance, thresholds, targets and metrics that should help standardise this reporting. If the TIFD follows the same trajectory as the TCFD and TNFD, that puts us squarely on the path to broader mandatory sustainability disclosures in Australia.
As with the TCFD and the TNFD, there will be time to prepare. At this stage, the TIFD is aiming to release the beta version of its framework in 2024.
15 June 2023
Pathway to sustainable development: legal risks of climate change for the finance sector
This is a result of the important role finance flows play in the global shift toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy[1]. The stakeholders range from pension funds to banks and import-export institutions, which not only face the continuing indirect risks arising from climate action brought against clients and investees, but are also increasingly the direct targets of climate action for their roles in financing projects associated with significant carbon emissions.
01 June 2023
Australia’s Modern Slavery Act Review – Reforms on the Horizon
The eagerly anticipated report on the statutory review of Australia’s Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) (Act) has been released (Report).
31 May 2023
Climate-related disclosure and governance trends of the ASX50 in 2022
A new more rigorous and consequential age has begun for companies’ climate and sustainability considerations.
04 May 2023
Shake up to Queensland’s environmental laws: what’s changed and what happens next?
After an unconventional legislative consultation process, the Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 (Qld) (EPOLA Bill) passed on 29 March 2023, cementing a raft of changes to Queensland’s environmental laws which will have widespread implications across a number of industries.
30 March 2023
Around the world in carbon trading: a glance at regulated regimes
In the latest insight from our Carbon Markets Series, we visit the regimes around the world that are driving change.
29 March 2023
Green light for the Safeguard Mechanism Reforms
The Safeguard Mechanism reforms are set to become law with some amendments, after the Federal Government struck a deal with the Greens to secure their support.
28 March 2023
China's carbon markets set to expand in the Year of the Rabbit
When China’s national carbon market launched in 2021, it promised to act as a powerful tool in combatting climate change.
27 March 2023
Glasgow, Egypt and the carbon market breakthrough: the promise of Article 6
Almost every year since 1995, nations (or ‘states’ as they’re officially known) that are signed up to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) have met to check progress towards cutting greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and negotiate any new developments.
Carbon markets were a key feature of the most recent Conferences of the Parties (COP) – COP26 in Glasgow and COP27 in Egypt. Agreement on a carbon markets ‘rulebook’ – referred to as Article 6 by many, named for the section of the Paris Agreement containing the measures - was a critical step towards scaling carbon markets globally. That includes a central UN mechanism to govern carbon trading and on cooperation between nations.
So what is Article 6, what was agreed, and what does it all mean?
21 March 2023
How technology is transforming green finance: blockchain carbon credit bonds break new ground
Green bonds have surged in use over the past two years, but the future growth and effectiveness of the market is threatened by difficulties confirming the credit quality of an issuer and ensuring proceeds are used to fund green projects.
21 March 2023
Tax update: concessional treatment for carbon credits
This week, the Federal Government released its Exposure Draft for the Treasury Laws Amendment (Measures for Future Bills) Bill 2023: Tax accounting for primary producer registered emissions units.
13 March 2023
Super trustees in the post-ESG world
After signalling its intent by issuing infringement notices to four financial services providers (including one superannuation trustee) and foreshadowing its intensified focus on sustainable finance practices in its Corporate Plan and enforcement priorities for 2023, ASIC has fired a first shot across the bow for superannuation trustees. That shot took the form of commencement of legal proceedings on 27 February 2023 within which ASIC alleged that misleading statements were made about the sustainable nature and characteristics of certain superannuation investment options. This will be a sobering warning to all superannuation trustees to take great care regarding their conduct and disclosure on ESG related matters. This article explores three aspects of those considerations.
13 March 2023
Agrithinking: nature repair market: Australia’s path to ‘nature positive’ is paved with opportunity
After an ambitious start to its term in office, the Federal Government is showing no signs of slowing down as it paves the way for significant environmental reform and a nature positive Australia.
09 March 2023
Developing Robust and Liquid Global Carbon Markets
King & Wood Mallesons (Richard Mazzochi, Partner and Claire Potter, Registered Foreign Lawyer (England and Wales)) is delighted to have worked with the Global Financial Markets Association (GFMA) and other leading industry bodies in preparing the GFMA response to the public consultation published by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO)[1] on recommendations for establishing sound Compliance Carbon Markets and on key considerations for enhancing the resilience and integrity of Voluntary Carbon Markets.
21 February 2023
Climate change litigation targets board of directors in world-first derivative action
Directors beware! A world-first derivative shareholder action has been commenced by ClientEarth in the High Court of England and Wales against 11 Shell directors for breach of their directors’ duties.
20 February 2023
Developing carbon trading markets in Southeast Asia
We describe the development of carbon trading markets in Southeast Asia and anticipate the direction and prospects of further development of these markets in the foreseeable future.
16 February 2023
Carbon trading is booming globally – what is it and how does it work?
The role of carbon markets is expected to increase rapidly in the coming years as nations continue to focus on sustainable economic development and drive towards a net zero economy. Understanding how they work and the role they can play is critical.
13 February 2023
EPA Victoria consults on new separation distance guideline and landfill buffer guideline
The Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has released a new Separation Distance Guideline and a Landfill Buffer Guideline (Guidelines).
10 February 2023
Reforming Australia’s Federal Environmental Laws
The Final Report of the Independent Review of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) was released on 9 January 2023 (the Report). We considered the independent review in our October update on the proposed biodiversity certificates scheme.
08 February 2023
Federal environmental law reform: What you need to know in 2023
The year 2023 is shaping up as a significant year for legislative reform in Australia, with comprehensive changes to fundamental environment and climate change laws expected.
30 January 2023
ASIC’s greenwashing penalties and treasury consultations turn up the heat on sustainability reporting
As pressure grows to achieve net zero by 2050, organisations need to know how regulators are investigating and enforcing ‘greenwashing’.
14 December 2022
Bridging the Gap - being responsible and creating value
Proponents of environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices have at times been accused of prioritising values over value, and concerns around the financial basis for ESG investment can become an obstacle for even the best-intentioned of businesses.
08 December 2022
Parliament releases first annual climate change statement
As part of the economy-wide approach to achieving commitments under the Paris Agreement, the Federal Government has announced further changes intended to support industry emissions reductions, while maintaining competitiveness as the global economy decarbonises.
02 December 2022
Land Court Refuses Queensland Coal Mine On Environment And Human Rights Grounds
In a decision that will have significant ramifications for the coal industry, the Queensland Land Court has found that scope 3 emissions are a relevant consideration and that human rights may be infringed by mining activities.
28 November 2022
Greenwashing – Understanding (and handling) the heat
Greenwashing mentions in global financial press have more than doubled since January. Regulators are intensifying efforts as businesses transition to a net zero economy, fuelling a surge in interest.
09 November 2022
NSW EPA releases its Draft Climate Change Policy and Action Plan for public consultation
On 8 September 2022, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA) released its draft Climate Change Policy (Draft Policy) and Action Plan (Draft Action Plan) for public consultation.
20 October 2022
Green is the new black! Australia and Singapore trailblaze with ‘first-of-its-kind’ Green Economy Agreement
On 18 October 2022 trade ministers in Australia and Singapore signed the Green Economy Agreement (GEA).
20 October 2022
Safeguard mechanism reforms – consultation opens on draft legislation
On 10 October 2022, the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) opened submissions on exposure draft legislation to reform the Safeguard Mechanism under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (Cth) (NGER Act).
12 October 2022
Queensland: A Renewable Energy Superpower
On 28 September 2022, the Queensland Government released the ‘Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan’ (Energy Plan). The $62 billion Energy Plan aims to evolve Queensland into a renewables, hydrogen and clean energy superpower.
30 September 2022
ESG Derivatives: The next sustainable finance frontier
The pace of sustainable finance development is accelerating. Recent years have seen a surge in projects and purposes that focus on all environmental, sustainable and governance aspects and use a variety of formats and products.
26 September 2022
Australia’s GHG reduction targets and Paris agreement commitments to be taken into account in (some) commonwealth decision making
In June 2022 Australian government lodged an updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat in relation to Australia’s obligations pursuant to Article 4 of the Paris Agreement, committing Australia to net zero GHG emission by 2050 and 43% below 2005 levels by 2030.
19 September 2022
Chapter 1: Targets and working together
By leveraging strong economic and trade complementarities, Australian and Chinese businesses are well positioned to unlock new opportunities and deliver a greener future.
14 September 2022
Chapter 2: Powering a net zero world
In 2020, 85% of China’s primary energy needs were met with fossil fuels and 72% in Australia. This is the base from which China and Australia must transform their energy generation and use.
14 September 2022