News for Climate Change in Australia

Date: March 13, 2025, 9:12 PM GMT

Executive Summary: Climate change continues to be a pressing issue in Australia, impacting various sectors from energy policy to environmental disasters. This edition covers the latest developments, including the impact of Cyclone Alfred, rising energy prices, and the government’s response to climate-related challenges. Additionally, it highlights international reactions and the broader implications of climate change on Australia’s diplomatic relations and domestic policies.

Climate Change and Energy Policy

Climate Change and the Living Standards Crisis

In a recent episode of Policy School, Executive Director Richard Denniss and Strategy Director Leanne Minshull discuss the intersection of climate change and living standards in Australia. The discussion underscores the urgent need for policy reforms to address both climate change and economic disparities.

The Australia Institute (18 hours ago)

Rising Energy Prices and Government Response

Sky News host Andrew Bolt criticizes Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen for the rising electricity prices across Australia. The Australian Energy Regulator has approved power price hikes of up to 9% for New South Wales households, despite a drop in headline inflation.

Sky News Australia (9 hours ago)

Opposition Criticism of Energy Policy

Peter Dutton, the Leader of the Opposition, has labeled Anthony Albanese’s energy policy as a “disaster” and called for the dismissal of Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen. Dutton’s criticism comes amid rising energy prices and public dissatisfaction with the current energy policy.

Sky News Australia (19 hours ago)

Energy Policy and Renewables

Chris Bowen defends the government’s plan to expand renewables, arguing that the Coalition’s plan to keep coal in the system for longer will lead to even higher costs. Bowen emphasizes the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources to mitigate climate change.

The Australian (11 hours ago)

Young Australians Demand Action

A new report from the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre reveals that young Australians aged 14 to 25 are facing serious anxiety and stress over the cost of living and HECS debts. The report underscores the need for government action to address these issues.

Curtin University (14 hours ago)

Environmental Impact

Cyclone Alfred’s Devastating Impact

Cyclone Alfred has reshaped Australia’s iconic beaches, causing massive erosion and sweeping away millions of tons of sand. The cyclone has highlighted the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to climate change.

The Daily Galaxy (3 hours ago)

Bird Relationships and Climate Change

Climate change is strengthening bonds between unlikely allies in Central Australia’s bird community as species are forced to adapt to changing environmental conditions. This phenomenon highlights the broader ecological impacts of climate change.

Phys.org (10 hours ago)

Great Barrier Reef Engineering

Scientists are exploring ways to engineer coral to survive climate change, as the Great Barrier Reef faces increasing threats from rising ocean temperatures and other environmental stressors.

MSN (1 day ago)

Record-Breaking Ocean Temperatures

Australia has registered five months of record-breaking ocean temperatures, highlighting the ongoing impact of climate change on marine ecosystems. Rising ocean temperatures are one of the most obvious impacts of climate change.

MSN (13 hours ago)

Impact on Rural Communities

Climate change is significantly altering agricultural patterns in rural areas, with farmers experiencing shifts in growing seasons and other environmental changes. This highlights the broader economic and social impacts of climate change on rural communities.

MSN (1 day ago)

International Relations and Climate Change

Australia’s Submarine Deal with the US

There are concerns that Donald Trump’s tariffs on Australian steel could threaten Australia’s submarine deal with the US. This highlights the broader diplomatic and economic implications of climate change and international trade policies.

FRANCE 24 English (11 hours ago)

Vanuatu Revisits Security Deal

Vanuatu’s new prime minister has announced plans to revisit a security agreement with Australia, stating that it does not reflect his country’s priorities. This move underscores the complex diplomatic dynamics at play in the Pacific region, particularly in the context of climate change.

Taipei Times (5 hours ago)

Solomon Islands and Climate Position

The Solomon Islands prime minister has criticized Australia’s climate position and highlighted ongoing differences over policing. This underscores the broader diplomatic tensions and the need for international cooperation on climate change.

MSN (19 hours ago)

Shifting Tides in the Blue Pacific

Pacific Island nations are navigating natural disasters, political upheaval, and great power rivalry while asserting their independence on the global stage. This highlights the broader geopolitical implications of climate change in the Pacific region.

East Asia Forum (22 hours ago)

Climate Litigation Lessons

The first in a series of Climate Litigation Lessons from Around the Globe kicks off in Australia. This series will explore the legal and policy implications of climate change and the role of litigation in addressing environmental challenges.

Cornerstone Barristers (1 day ago)

Health and Climate Change

Climate Change as a Health Issue

In the wake of Cyclone Alfred, GPs are urging all political parties to commit to addressing the growing health impacts of climate change. This highlights the broader public health implications of extreme weather events and the need for policy action.

Mirage News (1 day ago)

RACGP Urges Action on Climate Change

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has urged political parties to act on climate change, highlighting the need for better support for GPs at the frontline of natural disasters.

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) (16 hours ago)

Anjali Sharma’s Climate Activism

Anjali Sharma, who started her climate activism at the age of 12, has taken on the Australian federal government, suing the then-environment minister over climate change. She now runs Duty of Care, an organization focused on climate justice.

Australian Story (1 day ago)

Former Emergency Leaders on Cyclone Alfred

Former Australian fire and emergency service chiefs have issued a statement on Cyclone Alfred, highlighting the need for urgent action on climate change to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.

Climate Council (20 hours ago)

Conspiracy Theories and Cyclone Alfred

Cyclone Alfred has triggered a wave of conspiracy theories, highlighting the broader social and political implications of climate change and the need for accurate information and public trust.

1News (31 minutes ago)

Economic and Social Impacts

Offshore Wind Energy Potential

A single offshore wind turbine can provide up to 66 gigawatt hours of energy per year, enough to power 10,000 Australian households. This highlights the potential of renewable energy sources in addressing climate change and energy security.

Instagram (18 hours ago)

Adapting Mining Operations

The mining industry in Australia is adapting to a changing climate, with a series of tropical storms hitting the Pilbara region. This highlights the need for climate-resilient infrastructure and operations in the mining sector.

E & MJ (1 day ago)

Indonesia and Australia Collaborate on Sustainable Energy

Indonesia and Australia are pushing innovation in sustainable energy research, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change and energy security.

ANTARA News (1 day ago)

Government Failure and Prevention

Australia is struggling with housing affordability, a rental property shortage, and an overburdened healthcare system, exacerbated by climate change. This highlights the need for a shift from reaction to prevention in government policies.

Property Update (1 day ago)

Fossil Fuel Costs and Climate Disasters

There is a growing debate on whether fossil fuel companies should pay for climate disasters, highlighting the economic and social costs of climate change and the need for accountability.

The Sydney Morning Herald (13 hours ago)