Future of Government Series, A new choice – Climate for growth
If climate change impacts were distinct from the health and economic crises caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, that would be easier for Australia. But both crises and their solutions are linked – this means Australia has a new choice to make. Deloitte Access Economics, 2020
Economic growth is often treated as preordained – economic models assume a system of production where unconstrained greenhouse gas emissions sit alongside unconstrained economic growth – when in fact, it isn’t. This linear view has come up against science which tells us that our economic prosperity is at risk from inaction on climate change.
It’s time to rethink the debate on climate change! To better understand not only the economic and environmental consequences of a warming world, but also the impacts on society, our communities and the way we live, our wellbeing and opportunities, even our human rights. And in flipping the debate on climate change, what are the implications for government policies and citizen behaviour?
At our second webinar in the Future of Government Series on 18 March, a distinguished panel of influential leaders engaged in a compelling and thought provoking discussion on climate change – Claire Atkinson (Deloitte), Georgine Roodenrys (Department of Environment and Science) and Susan Harris Rimmer (Griffith University – moderated by Dr Pradeep Philip (Deloitte Access Economics).
Claire is a Director in Deloitte Access Economics’ economic analysis and public policy team with expertise in microeconomic analysis and policy reform agendas. She works with government agencies and firms across Australia using economics to address some of the most complex public policy and economic problems confronting Australia.
Claire co-led the development of Deloitte’s climate change modelling capability to measure the physical impacts of a changing climate on economies – and the transition to net zero emissions. Using this modelling, Claire was the lead author of Deloitte’s recent thought leadership A new choice: Australia’s climate for growth.
Prior to joining Deloitte Access Economics, Claire worked in the public sector at the Queensland Treasury Corporation focusing on whole-of-government economic and fiscal policy.
Georgine is Executive Director, Climate Change and Sustainable Futures, Department of Environment and Science.
She is a lawyer by training and her technical expertise is in climate and energy policy. In her 20 year career she has been driving and participating in energy and climate action projects and policy at the executive level in Australia, New Zealand and in the Middle East across both the public and private sectors including with Origin Energy and BP.
Since joining government, Georgine has led the delivery of the Queensland Climate Change Response in 2017 and has been instrumental in the delivery of the Palaszczuk Government’s $500 Million Land Restoration Fund, $500 Million Workers Assistance Package and the $200 Million Future Skills Fund.
Georgine is currently responsible for delivering the Queensland Climate Action Plan 2020-2030.
Professor Susan Harris Rimmer is the Director of the Griffith University Policy Innovation Hub. Previous university appointments include Deputy Head of School (Research) in the Griffith Law School and Director of Studies at the ANU Asia-Pacific College of Diplomacy.
Sue leads the Climate Justice theme of the Griffith Climate Action Beacon which seeks to develop the knowledge, leadership, capacity and responses to enable effective and just climate action throughout society. The Climate Action Beacon focuses on interdisciplinary research and cross-sectoral practice collaborations as catalysts for climate action.
Sue is a non-resident Research Associate in the Gender and Growth Initiative at Chatham House in the UK. In 2018, she was named one of Apolitical’s 100 Most Influential People (globally) in gender policy and one of 20 Queensland Voices Female Leaders in 2019. She was previously the advocacy lead at the Australian Council for International Development and has also held roles with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the National Council of Churches, Attorney-General’s Department and the Parliamentary Library.
Moderator – Dr Predeep Philip, Lead Partner, Deloitte Access Economics
READ our wrap up of the webinar on the IPAA blog below.
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