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Articles by Jo Lauder
Company that built botched new BOM website wins $16m contract for new site
The company responsible for the highly criticised BOM website overhaul has won a $16 million tender to develop another climate data website for the government. Technology company Accenture Australia, which was also contracted for BOM's $96 million redesign, has been tasked with building a "platform service" for the Australian Climate Service over the next three years. It includes options for two extensions, with a maximum end date in 2033.
Australia's fuel security is exposed by Iran war but renewable energy offers an out
climate reporter Jo Lauder, Alex Lim and Fran Rimrod There is a striking difference between a modern-day energy crisis and the ones from the last century: now, the world has alternatives to fossil fuels. Electric cars and renewable energy aren't just solutions to climate change. Around the world, countries are replacing coal, oil and gas to kick their reliance on imports.
Power prices set to fall, but Iran war casts long shadow over bill relief
climate reporter Jo Lauder Benchmark power prices across parts of the country are set to fall in the coming year as renewables reduce wholesale costs for electricity. The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) has released its draft for the default market offer (DMO) for 2026-27, which acts as a safety net for consumers in south-east Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT and South Australia.
Trump's attack on Iran could drive up Australia's power prices
climate reporter Jo Lauder and Fran Rimrod Australia is 12,000 kilometres away, but the ripples of the conflict in the Middle East could reverberate all the way into our power bills. The human toll of the war dwarfs any impact felt here , but new pressure on energy costs could still intensify Australia's cost-of-living issues.
As electric car prices fall, will affordability win over drivers?
climate reporter Jo Lauder For years, the affordability of electric cars has been one of the biggest sticking points holding back the energy transition. Critics labelled them an elitist fantasy, consumers opted for cheaper up-front petrol and diesel alternatives, and overall EV uptake remained niche. But with the cheapest EV coming to Australia this year costing just $26,000 — about the same as its petrol equivalent — the landscape has shifted dramatically.
Electric car prices are going down, will affordability win over drivers?
For years, the affordability of electric cars has been one of the biggest sticking points holding back the energy transition. Critics labelled them an elitist fantasy, consumers opted for cheaper up-front petrol and diesel alternatives and overall EV uptake remained niche. But with the cheapest EV coming to Australia this year costing just $26,000 — about the same as its petrol equivalent — the landscape has shifted dramatically.
Natimuk fire offers a glimpse into a new kind of bushfire fuelled by our changing climate
The shape of the grass fire scar from the Natimuk blaze shows how it travelled fast and narrow, 'like an arrow'.() The burn scars seared into the paddocks look almost like a deliberate path. The remnants of a destructive fire "headed pretty much straight as an arrow towards Natimuk", local firefighter Steve Monks recalls. It took less than an hour for the blaze to traverse roughly 10 kilometres, tearing through the land like a fire torch.
Australia's emissions have dropped, but we've got our work cut out to reach targets
Australia's emissions had the biggest drop ever this year outside the artificial kink in the curve during COVID-19 shutdowns. The 2.2 per cent reduction in the past financial year is being driven by the record amount of renewables entering the Australian electricity system, which is displacing coal. Early forecasts for the September quarter are showing a 2.8 per cent drop.
Away from COP30 and treaties, pragmatism sparks clean energy boom in the global south
There are well-known poster children for the transition to clean technologies. Norway, for its embrace of electric cars, Australia for rooftop solar and China for its colossal renewables industrial revolution. But there are others that you might not have heard as much about. Nepal, the landlocked Himalayan country, where 76 per cent of new cars are electric. Or Pakistan, where a homegrown solar boom has sprung up in response to rising energy prices.
Can we tackle climate change without net zero? Here’s what it really means
Net zero is all over the news at the moment as the Liberals and the Nationals fight over whether to keep it, but the political debate confuses what it actually means. While in political circles it's often used to loosely describe support for climate policies and the efforts to bring emissions down, it's actually a technical term for the point where temperatures will stabilise.
Crystal ball models show Scarborough gas project will kill 484 people in Europe
By Jo Nova In research believed to be “the first of its kind” badly trained scientists have gone where no respectable scientist dared to go. They have “attributed” some deaths that haven’t happened to a specific fossil fuel project. This opens the door (they think) to a legal bonanza. By Jo Lauder, ABC Australian researchers have linked a single fossil fuel project to climate impacts, modelling that Woodside’s Scarborough project will cause 484 heat-related deaths in Europe.
Scientists calculate the cost on climate and human lives of gas project emissions
Australian researchers have linked a single fossil fuel project to climate impacts, modelling that Woodside's Scarborough project will cause 484 heat-related deaths in Europe. It's the first time a scientific paper has attributed the climate impacts of a specific fossil fuel project.
China's 'soft' 2035 climate target frustrates experts amid rapid renewable growth
China has baffled climate experts by setting the bar low with its 2035 emissions reduction target amid speculation the renewables superpower will most likely exceed its ambitions. Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the UN yesterday via video link, pledging that emissions will fall by 7 to 10 per cent by 2035. As the world's largest emitter, responsible for almost a third of global emissions, China's climate trajectory has major consequences for the rest of the world.
The climate conversation is stuck in a loop, but out in the world things are changing
Reading some of the reactions to the targets' announcement, it can feel like Australia's climate conversations are stuck in the past decade. There is confusion between the technical feasibility of climate solutions and what is politically achievable. Make no mistake, it won't be easy for Australia to reach a target of cutting emissions by up to 70 per cent by 2035, but it's also completely achievable. In fact, these changes are happening around the world at a breathtaking pace.
Australia's 2035 climate targets on path to net zero judged by the experts
After much anticipation, Australia has set its new climate targets: a reduction of 62 and 70 per cent within the next 10 years. Climate groups have already criticised the targets as "timid, weak, and a failure". Under the Paris Agreement, countries have to submit increasingly ambitious targets every five years with the goal of keeping warming below 1.5 degrees.
Leigh didn't want his super to fund fossil fuels and left with his entire workplace in tow
Moving an individual's super is a popular climate action in Australia, but it is less common for entire organisations to make the shift. The Australian superannuation industry invests a whopping $4.1 trillion of workers' retirement savings across the globe. According to a 2024 analysis, more than $150 billion could be invested by super funds in companies that were fuelling climate change, putting those funds at risk of more members moving their savings over climate concerns.
中国迈向全球首个电气化国家 背后不止气候变化
这个超级大国正主导着全球清洁能源技术行业，而这并不全是因为气候变化。 英文版 仅仅一个月之间，中国在今年4月的太阳能发电月装机量超过了澳大利亚有史以来的装机量总和。 并不是说澳大利亚在太阳能方面的表现欠佳，实际上它在全球处于领先地位。这只是说明了中国社会在各个层面接受可再生能源技术的速度惊人。 但是，不要误以为这种转型是出于应对气候变化的道义责任。 中国这么做的原因，与其说是为了遏制气温上升，不如说是为了摆脱对化石燃料进口的依赖，并解决这些燃料带来的污染问题。 这个超级大国将经济实力与政治意志同时投入可再生能源技术，加速了化石燃料时代的终结，迎来了“电气化国家”的时代。 “整个现代工业经济是建立在化石燃料之上的。现在全世界都在远离这一模式，这意味着我们正在围绕新兴清洁技术领域重建经济，”能源智库Ember中国首席分析师杨木易说。 “一旦方向确定，势头就会自我维持，让回头变得不可能。我认为中国现在已经确定了走向清洁能源未来的道路。” “你能想象中国政府说‘我们要回到燃油车，不要电动车’吗？这不可能……这种势头正在变得越来越强。”...
China has reasons beyond the climate to turn into the world's first electrostate
The superpower is dominating the global clean technology sector. It's not all about climate change. 中文版 In April this year, China installed more solar power than Australia has in all its history. In one month. This isn't a story about Australia's poor track record on solar either, Australia is a global leader. Rather, this shows the astonishing rate at which China is embracing renewable technologies across every aspect of its society.
World Court climate decision lights match under Australia's fossil fuel industry
A landmark outcome from the world's highest court this week has put major fossil fuel countries like Australia on notice, declaring they could be liable for reparations. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) handed down its advisory opinion this week, outlining that nations have an obligation to prevent climate change and listing potential legal consequences for continuing to make the crisis worse. It's been celebrated around the world as a historic turning point for the climate movement.
Global unrest threatens fuel security, but electric vehicles could ease oil dependency
Every time a global conflict kicks off, its impacts can immediately hit close to home, at the petrol pump. Last month was just the most recent example of this, with analysts warning the escalating conflict in the Middle East could see Australian prices hit $2.20 a litre. A key concern was Iran's threat to close a vital shipping route in response to the US and Israeli bombing of its territory.
Australia just approved Woodside's gas project until 2070. How could it happen?
Some weeks more than others, climate change really bears down on Australians. This week, the news carried images of eerie orange skies as dust storms whipped across landscapes dried from record-breaking droughts. Further north, homes were submerged in floods exacerbated by heavier rain from a warmer climate. And also this week, the Australian government approved the extension of one of the world's largest gas facilities until 2070. But this decision isn't about climate change.
Labor's home battery subsidy kicks off 'strong demand'. Here's what you need to know
Slashing the price for home batteries was one of Labor's flagship policies during the election campaign. With the election now in the rear-view mirror after an overwhelming win for the Albanese government, many Australians want to know more about the Cheaper Home Batteries Program. We unpack how much it can save, when it starts, and how it can benefit Australians with and without solar systems on their rooftops.
Where do the major parties stand on climate change? Turns out they're worlds apart
As the election campaign draws to a close, it's safe to say both major parties have been quiet on climate change. Energy policies have featured prominently, which of course carry consequences for climate change, but beyond generalities, climate has been under-represented. The last election was dubbed by many "the climate election", which saw the teal independents ride a wave of climate frustration into parliament, and a promise from Anthony Albanese to "end the climate wars". Want even more?
The six things you should know about gas and if it can make power cheaper
Gas has been making lots of headlines throughout this election campaign and both major parties agree it's an important part of our energy system. The Coalition has made it the centrepiece of its plan to bring down electricity prices, promising more gas, making it cheaper, and keeping more of it in the country. As we enter the final week of this election campaign, there are a few things to know about the role of gas in Australia.
Peter Dutton’s climate comments draw criticism from scientists, advocates and affected communities
Peter Dutton's refusal to say whether Australia was experiencing the worsening impacts of climate change has frustrated climate scientists and communities facing that reality. The opposition leader was evasive when asked about climate change during the ABC's leaders' debate on Wednesday night. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe, and natural disasters like the 2022 Queensland floods have driven up insurance premiums.
Labor offers a 30 per cent battery discount and this is how it could work for your household
Labor has promised to reduce the price of batteries for households, small businesses and community facilities by 30 per cent. Australia is already leading the world on the uptake of rooftop solar, and energy experts say the market is ripe for a similar battery subsidy scheme to maximise the benefits of that sunny at-home energy production.
The 'mother of all storms' surprised Sydney. Are we better prepared now?
Former Sydney Swans player Troy Luff still remembers the green shade of the clouds he witnessed from the Sydney Cricket Ground, just moments before the noise began. It sounded like an avalanche getting closer and closer. Then, out of nowhere, giant clumps of ice the size of cricket balls, some even larger, blasted through roofs and windows and bounced off car bonnets at 200 kilometres per hour.
Global gas lobby tries to hamper Victoria's electrification efforts by stoking fear, researchers say
Removing gas appliances is big business for Brendan. His company, appropriately titled Get Off Gas, helps Melbourne home owners to disconnect their gas hot water, gas heating and gas cooktops and switch to electric versions, as well as install solar or electric car chargers. "We're known as one-stop shop. So we facilitate the transition from fossil-fuelled or gas-fuelled appliances to electric appliances within the home, he says. And why are most people calling Brendan?
Nuclear path would blow out Australia's emissions targets, new modelling shows
Adopting the Coalition's nuclear plan would result in an additional 2 billion tonnes of emissions, according to new independent modelling from Australia's peak climate body. To put it in context, that's equivalent to 200 years' worth of emissions from Australia's domestic flights. The new modelling was done by the Climate Change Authority, the independent body tasked with advising the government on climate change issues.
What does Donald Trump pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement mean for the world?
On his first day back in the White House, President Donald Trump wasted no time dismantling his predecessor's climate policies and promising a new era of fossil-fuel dominance. As promised, Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, one of dozens of executive orders he signed in the hours after being inaugurated as the 47th president.
Prominent Australians call for climate laws to protect future generations
A number of prominent Australians have written to the federal government urging them to introduce a law that would compel politicians to consider the health and wellbeing of future generations when making decisions related to climate change. The campaign for what's known as duty of care laws is being spearheaded by youth climate activist Anjali Sharma, who previously sued the government over a coal mine expansion.
How Santa Anas 'devil winds' and climate change are fuelling fire conditions in California
Los Angeles is experiencing what's already been declared by some as the worst fires in its history, with a spate of wildfires blazing through parts of the city. The fires, which spread through densely populated areas, have so far killed five people, destroyed at least 1,000 buildings and forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate. Follow the latest developments in our live blog Authorities have said "hurricane-force" winds were fuelling the fires.
The heatwave of 2009 killed hundreds and became Australia's deadliest natural disaster
The streets are deserted. An eerie silence hangs over the suburbs. More than half a million households have lost power, trains are being cancelled, some rail lines have buckled. Residents are sheltering in their homes, the blinds drawn. Hundreds of people will die, quietly, behind closed doors. This is not the start of a post-apocalyptic movie. Actually, it's Melbourne in 2009.
What can we actually learn from the Coalition's nuclear power modelling?
After months of speculation, the Coalition has released the projected costs for its nuclear policy, using modelling undertaken by consultancy Frontier Economics. The plan covers seven nuclear reactors across Australia. While the modelling claims that a grid with nuclear power will be cheaper than one without it, it doesn't go into detail about what the plan to build nuclear energy in Australia would look like.
The world looks set to fall 'frustratingly' short of a peak in emissions, and gas is the major driver
Global emissions look set to rise in 2024, hitting new records, despite the staggering growth of renewable energy around the world. The annual Global Carbon Budget has projected that emissions will rise by 0.8 per cent in 2024. It's a slower rate of growth than in previous years, but comes at a time when climate scientists say emissions should already be dropping. Both gas and oil emissions have continued to rise, with a small increase in coal emissions.
Donald Trump vows to undo climate change policy, but he will struggle to halt progress
In a year where deadly hurricanes, floods and heatwaves have dominated global headlines, the United States has just elected Donald Trump, a climate denier. During the campaign, Trump has called climate change a hoax, a scam, and has promised to roll back environmental protections and withdraw from international climate action. As a global superpower and the world's second-largest emitter, what the US does will have ripple effects around the world.
Australia warned to brace for extreme climate catastrophes
Australia is hotter and the climate impacts are getting more extreme. That's according to the latest state of the climate report which is released every two years and looks at how Australia is faring with climate change.
'The writing's on the wall': Australia's largest mortgage lender sets the tone after ditching climate culprits Original
Australia's largest mortgage lender is no longer offering money to fossil fuel companies that are not aligned with the Paris Agreement. The bank announced the new direction in its latest climate report, published on the same day it posted close to $10 billion in full-year net profit. The spotlight is now on the other big banks with a finance deal of about $750 million for oil and gas giant Santos on the table.
California is harnessing solar power thanks to a big battery boom, providing a glimpse into Australia's energy future
It's not just crystals getting charged in California. In the Golden State, famous for its clifftop mansions, wellness culture and iconic Hollywood hills, big batteries are now setting global trends by transforming the energy system. California has seen an exponential growth in large-scale battery storage in the last five years, offering crystal ball gazing into what Australia's electricity system could look like in a few years' time.
Australia's ski fields are on a downhill slope, but scientists show there's an off-ramp
Everyone on the Australian ski slopes loves to chat about the weather conditions, and it's getting harder to avoid climate change in those conversations. Away from the sunburnt beaches, hot dusty gums, and red deserts, news for the ski fields, sitting at remarkably low altitudes by global standards, hasn't been good for years. The fear that reports of declining snow will drive tourists away runs deep.
Climate change causing short ski seasons
Australia's alpine regions are increasingly under threat from climate change, and it's cutting our ski season shorter. A new report out today looks at climate change and its impact on Australia's high country. It models how different rates of warming will affect the country's ski resorts. Featured: Sam Quirke, Protect Our Winters Ruby Olsson, ANU Mountain Research Facility Sabra Lane: A new report's examined the impact of climate change on Australia's ski fields.
Just how green is your super fund? Chances are your savings are being used to fund major fossil fuel projects
In short: Australian superannuation funds' investment in fossil fuels has doubled over the past two years, a new report by an environmental advocacy group has found. The latest analysis by Market Forces shows investment in high-polluting companies rose from $19 billion to $39 billion since 2021, while clean energy investment decreased. What's next?
Are electric cars better for the environment than fuel-powered cars? Here's the verdict
Whether you drive an electric car or are considering making the switch, you've probably been drawn into a discussion about whether they are really better for the climate. Electric cars are key to the world reducing emissions, with transport accounting for almost 20 per cent and rising, so you probably haven't had that debate for the last time. So, to save your next barbecue encounter, we have turned to the EV Council, which has crunched the numbers for you.
‘Gas lobby forced-fed down our throat’: MasterChef grilled in greenwashing Senate inquiry
In Short: Network Ten executives fronted a Senate inquiry over spruiking the benefits of "renewable" gas cooking on MasterChef. They rejected the claim that viewers were led to believe biomethane and hydrogen were available to households. What's next? The inquiry, which started in March 2023, will hand down its report at the end of June.
Bumpy skies ahead: why scientists say climate change means more air turbulence
Turbulence is a common part of flying, but severe turbulence that causes injuries, or death, is very rare. That's why the world has reacted in shock after a man died of a heart attack and 30 others were injured when a Singapore Airlines flight from London hit severe turbulence. The plane was cruising at 37,000 feet when the plane suddenly dropped, and passengers were flung from their seats.
'Living wonders' group loses court appeal to consider climate impacts for coal, ...
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Climate change impact won't play into coal, gas approvals after major court blow for environmentalists
The Federal Court has ruled that Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek does not have to consider the environmental impacts of emissions when approving coal and gas projects. Under the current environmental laws, the minister does not have to directly consider the contributions that emissions from a coal or gas project would have on matters of national environmental significance, such as protected animals, plants, and places.
A La Niña Watch has been declared - here's what that could mean for Australia's weather in 2024
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has officially moved to La Niña "watch", reflecting an increased chance the major climate driver, which helped bring flooding to eastern Australia in 2021 and 2022, will return later this year. La Niña is the cool phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and has helped deliver significant rainfall and flooding events to Australia in the past.
City renters turn to solar 'gardens'
While plenty of Australians like the idea of roof-top solar, it's out of reach for some. Those who rent, live in an apartment, or have heritage restrictions on their property often miss out. But now some are investing in renewable energy, and reaping the financial benefits. It's been dubbed Australia's first solar 'garden', and it's being launched this weekend.
Australia's first solar garden sprouts in Grong Grong, taking the renewables boom to the community
Farmer Gemma Purcell doesn't have to worry about the next drought affecting her newest 'crop'. All it needs is sunshine. In a paddock of her farm, a community garden of sorts has sprouted. But instead of producing grain and livestock, her land now helps generate enough electricity to power about 700 homes. The first hint of the Haystacks Solar Farm near Grong Grong, about five-and-a-half hour's drive from Sydney, is a subtle glint of sunshine as it bounces off the PV panels.
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