The Economics of Climate Change

In June 2018, CEDA released its second policy perspective for 2014: The Economics of Climate Change.

This report examines the economic impact of climate change for Australia, explores the responses of other nations and considers what policies will be most effective for Australia to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.

Releasing, The Economics of Climate Change, CEDA Chief Executive Professor the Hon. Stephen Martin said climate change was both an environmental and an economic issue, despite recent comments from senior politicians that seemed to question the latter.

"The undeniable fact is that Australia's economy will be critically exposed on two significant economic fronts if we do not ensure an appropriate response to climate change," he said.

"The first area that leaves our economy exposed if we don't take action, relates to the consequences of increasing extreme weather events and the economic and social impact that these events have on Australia's production capacity."

The second area where Australia stands exposed economically to the effects of climate change relates to the availability of capital to fund its infrastructure and other critical needs.

Download research report - The Economics of Climate Change (pdf)

Read the media release - Economy at risk if climate change not addressed

Read opinion piece - Why climate change has everything to do with economics by CEDA Chief Executive, Professor the Hon. Stephen Martin.

Chapters and authors

The global economic environment and climate change

Martijn Wilder AM

This chapter examines what is happening globally with climate change policy in both the public and private sectors and how this may change financing and investment decisions both internationally and here in Australia.

Climate risks: Probabilities, consequences and actions

Professor Quentin Grafton and Professor Rodney J Keenan

This chapter presents a framework for assessing climate risks and considering possible actions that may lower climate risks.

Effective action: Identifying Australia's best options to mitigate climate change

Nathan Taylor

This chapter examines current climate change mitigation policies and options for how Australia can strategically respond to climate change.

Climate policy forums

CEDA held climate policy events around the country as part of launch of The Economics of Climate Change.

Melbourne, 18 June 2015 (launch event)

Speakers:

• Professor Ross Garnaut AO, Professor of Economics, University of Melbourne
• Professor Quentin Grafton, Executive Director, ANU's Australian National Institute of Public Policy
• Martijn Wilder AM, Partner, Baker and McKenzie

Brisbane, 19 June 2015

Speakers:

• Matt Murray, Counselor for Economic Affairs, Embassy of the United States of America
• Martijn Wilder AM, Partner, Baker & McKenzie
• Nathan Taylor, Chief Economist, CEDA

Sydney - Thursday, 3 July 2015

Speakers:

• Rowan Griffin, Head of Sustainability Investment Management, Lend Lease
• Meg McDonald, Chief Operating Officer, Clean Energy Finance Corporation
• Martijn Wilder AM, Partner, Baker & McKenzie

Perth - Thursday, 3 July 2015

Speakers:

• Dr Paul Hardisty, Director, CSIRO Climate Adaptation Flagship
• Danny Price, Founder and Managing Director, Frontier Economics
• Nathan Taylor, Chief Economist, CEDA

Adelaide - Thursday, 10 July 2015

Speakers:

• John O'Brien, Premiers Climate Change Council
• Giles Parkinson, Journalist; former editor of Climate Spectator
• Martiijn Wilder AM, Partner, Baker and McKenzie
• Dr Paul Willis, Director RiAus