As global climate plans take shape, Australia has the chance to lead the clean energy economy—driving investment, job creation, and economic resilience.
With its world-leading solar and battery technology, abundant critical minerals, and strong research sector, Australia can attract billions in private capital and build clean industries and exports. But to seize this opportunity, businesses, investors, and local government leaders are calling for policy clarity and confidence in Australia’s next Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)—the formal global commitment guiding the nation’s emissions reductions through to 2035.
Read on for comments from IKEA, the Investor Group on Climate Change (representing investors for 14.8 million Australians), the B Corp Climate Collective, City Councillors, and others below.
The opportunity is massive. Analysis from Mission Possible Partnership shows that, while Australia has 45 low-emissions industrial plants planned, only seven have progressed beyond Financial Investment Decision. This represents $150 billion in private capital ready to be unlocked—if the right policies are in place.
Rachel Howard, Director of Industrial Decarbonisation, Mission Possible Partnership:
"We know there is a huge opportunity for Australia, it's already punching above its weight on the global stage but if we're to seize the opportunity and continue at the forefront, we need many more clean-tech plants to come online more quickly. Corporate initiatives have led to first-of-a-kind projects but need policy certainty and long-term purchasing security to scale up. We're at a stalemate between buyers and producers, with buyers not incentivised to purchase green products that are still competing against cheaper, higher-carbon products. As we’ve witnessed in several sectors and countries, governments have the power to change this and drive the growth of new green markets and industries."
A strong national climate plan can unlock demand for low-carbon materials, creating certainty for industry. Hudson Worsley, Chair of the Materials and Embodied Carbon Leaders Alliance (MECLA), representing 190 organisations across construction and infrastructure, emphasised:
“Strong, consistent government policy and smart procurement decisions are critical to giving the industry the confidence to help drive Australia’s shift to a clean economy.”
The Global Context: A Defining Moment for Australia
Every country is updating its commitments under the Paris Agreement this year. UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell has called the 2025 national climate plan updates:
"...the most important documents to be produced in a multilateral context so far this century."
As part of the global Mission 2025 campaign, supported locally by Better Futures Australia, business, industry, and city leaders worldwide are urging governments to adopt policies that align with the science of limiting warming to 1.5°C. Major corporate supporters include IKEA, Unilever, and industry alliances such as the We Mean Business Coalition, Principles for Responsible Investment, and locally, the Investor Group on Climate Change.
Rebecca Mikula-Wright, CEO of the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC), stated:
"Australia’s abundant sun, wind, and mineral resources position it as a global leader in the clean energy economy. With the right policy settings, Australia can seize the economic opportunities of a net-zero future while mitigating the financial and environmental risks of runaway climate change. That’s why IGCC’s members—investors responsible for managing the retirement savings of 15 million Australians—strongly support an ambitious 2035 emissions reduction target, underpinned by clear, sector-specific plans to drive investment and economic growth."
A strong, science-aligned climate plan will safeguard Australia’s communities, industries, and infrastructure from mounting climate risks while unlocking economic opportunity. Clear, long-term policies will give businesses the confidence to invest, innovate, and continue to compete in the global clean economy. Australia’s real economy leaders stand ready to work with policymakers to secure long-term prosperity for our economy and communities.
About Better Futures Australia
Better Futures Australia (BFA) mobilises a coalition of businesses, investors, local governments, and civil society to advocate for science-aligned national climate policies. BFA amplifies the voices of real economy leaders to ensure Australia remains on track to achieve a zero-emissions future.
For Media Enquiries and Interviews:
Lisa Cliff | lisa@betterfutures.org.au | +61 429 998 315
Ciara Denham | ciara@betterfutures.org.au
Media Kit and Additional Information: www.betterfutures.org.au/mission2025_aus
Available for Interview (Others Available on Request):
Anna Skarbek, CEO, Climateworks Centre
“Climate action and economic prosperity are fundamentally linked. Australia is now committed to and tracking towards a zero emissions future. The nation has everything it needs to position itself as a global climate powerhouse – securing enormous economic rewards for communities, workers, business and industry.”
Anna Skarbek, Climateworks Centre CEO, Net Zero Economy Authority board member and founding board director of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.
| media@climateworkscentre.org | +61 492 265 437
Anna Reynolds, Lord Mayor, City of Hobart
"Australia’s cities and regions are on the frontlines of climate action—driving emissions reductions, building resilience, and seizing the economic opportunities of the shift to clean energy. But we can’t do it alone. We need national leadership to back local ambition with strong policy, investment, and certainty to create lasting benefits for communities across Australia."
Anna began her career establishing a community legal centre in North Queensland and over the years has held senior roles in advocacy, policy development and management. She was elected Lord Mayor of Hobart in 2018. | lord.mayor@hobartcity.com.au | 0423 222 149
Blair Palese, Director of Philanthropy at Ethinvest
“Australia must step up and move fast as a climate leader with smart policies to ensure we grab the economic opportunities our abundant rare earth minerals, renewable energy and smart innovators offer us in the rapidly-growing global zero emissions market.”
With 30+ years in climate leadership, Blair directs philanthropy at Ethinvest, founded the Climate Capital Forum, is managing editor of Climate & Capital Media and founded 350.org Australia. | b.palese@ethinvest.com.au | 0414 659 511
Hudson Worsley, Chair, Materials and Embodied Carbon Leaders Alliance (MECLA)
“MECLA is a ‘do tank’ — 190 organisations across construction and infrastructure working to slash the embodied carbon of the construction sector. Transforming the sector is a complex challenge, but also a huge opportunity. From manufacturing, design and material selection through to procurement, construction techniques and end of asset life, every part of the construction ecosystem must evolve. Strong, consistent government policy and smart procurement decisions are critical to giving the industry the confidence to drive Australia’s shift to a clean economy.”
Hudson Worsley, co-founder and director of Presync leads integrated climate solutions in adaptation and mitigation. A B Corp since 2017, Presync drives energy transition, sustainability, and emissions reduction through innovation and collaboration.| hudson@presync.eco | 0478 314 682
Kal Glanznig, Youth Ocean Advocate & Councillor at Sutherland Shire Council
"As a young leader in local government and business, I believe our united voice—supporting an ambitious government—can galvanise federal policymakers to adopt a robust, updated climate plan that safeguards our future while unlocking vast economic prosperity for all Australians."
Kal Glanznig, a leading youth ocean and climate advocate, co-founded Plastic Free Cronulla, created RISING UP, and launched Blue Minds. A TEDx speaker and UN COP delegate, he champions sustainability and youth leadership. Kal is also a councillor at Sutherland Shire council in southern Sydney. kal@kal.gl | 0478 185 113
Rachel Howard, Director of Industrial Decarbonisation, Mission Possible Partnership
"We know there is a huge opportunity for Australia, it's already punching above its weight on the global stage but if we're to seize the opportunity and continue at the forefront we need many more clean-tech plants to come online more quickly. Corporate initiatives have led to first-of-a-kind projects but need policy certainty and long-term purchasing security to scale up. We're at a stalemate between buyers and producers, with buyers not incentivised to purchase green products that are still competing against cheaper, higher-carbon products. As we’ve witnessed in several sectors and countries, governments have the power to change this and drive the growth of new green markets and industries."
Rachel Howard, Director of Industrial Decarbonisation Programs at Mission Possible Partnership | +61 (0) 478 488 938 | Rachel.Howard@missionpossiblepartnership.org | Perth, Australia
Rebecca Mikula-Wright, CEO, Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC)
"Australia’s abundant sun, wind, and mineral resources position it as a global leader in the clean energy economy. With the right policy settings, Australia can seize the economic opportunities of a net-zero future while mitigating the financial and environmental risks of runaway climate change. That’s why IGCC’s members—investors responsible for managing the retirement savings of 15 million Australians—strongly support an ambitious 2035 emissions reduction target, underpinned by clear, sector-specific plans to drive investment and economic growth."
Rebecca Mikula-Wright is the CEO of the Investor Group on Climate Change and Asia Investor Group on Climate Change, with 20+ years of experience in climate change, sustainability, and investment banking across Asia, Europe, and Australia. | Rebecca.wright@aigcc.net | +61 424 413 211
Ricardo Pereira, CFO, IKEA Australia
“We believe we can make a better future, but we cannot do it alone. Businesses need goals, policies, and investments from Governments aligned with 1.5 degrees - which provides certainty to the private sector. This will support us to accelerate the transition to a low carbon economy.”
Ricardo Pereira is the Chief Financial Officer of IKEA, overseeing financial strategy and operations. With a background in finance and global business, he leads sustainable growth and innovation at IKEA. | lauren.sinfield@ingka.ikea.com
Sasha Titchkosky, Founder and CEO, Koskela
"For Australian businesses to remain viable and competitive, we must embed climate resilience and circularity into our economic model. The future belongs to companies that rethink waste, design for longevity, and reduce emissions at every stage of production. Strong climate policies will not only drive sustainability but will provide the certainty that business needs to invest, creating new markets, jobs, and long-term prosperity for Australia’s industries.”
Sasha Titchkosky leads the B Corp Climate Collective, championing sustainable business practices and corporate climate action. She advocates for net-zero strategies, policy engagement, and collective impact to drive systemic change. | sasha@koskela.com.au | 0433 925 570
Contact details:
Lisa Cliff, +61 429 998 315 or lisa@betterfutures.org.au
Ciara Denham, ciara@betterfutures.org.au