We can climate-proof Australia, but we have to start now

Talk to any investor these days about climate and energy policy, and the level of frustration is evident. Current policy paralysis has stalled investment in additional renewable energy generation that is needed to replace ageing infrastructure, with cost implications for all Australians.

But so-called climate mitigation – namely the measures required to reduce our emissions – is only one-half of the ledger. And many people are unaware that the biggest costs lie in making Australia more resilient to the damage already done by climate change – as well as safeguarding us against worsening impacts down the track.

This article was first seen in The Guardian, 14 March 2017.