Climate Change

Climate change is a global issue of great significance to government, business, non-government organisations, communities and individuals.

Our Climate Change Expertise

Successfully managing carbon emissions and reporting, future proofing portfolios, projects and decisions, and early identification of potential litigation risks is essential. Climate science, economics, law and policy is a complex and ever evolving area and there is a global trend of increasing climate-related litigation. This hub will help you keep on top of key climate change-related developments in Australia and identify when you might need assistance.

We can help you assess and manage legal and policy risks associated with climate change in every day operations and specific projects, as well as identify potential opportunities in the transition to a sustainable, low carbon economy.

How we can help

  • Government
    • Good decision-making – considering climate change risk in local, state and government decision making processes, implications of Sharma
    • Judicial review and other disputes - climate change litigation and dispute resolution
    • Compulsory acquisition - challenges to compulsory purchase orders or compensation for diminished land values
    • Disclosure – GIPA Act and requests for information about climate risks
    • Government Procurement – Carbon footprint, human rights (climate refugees) and supply chain issues in procurement (sustainable procurement)
    • Climate targets – net zero commitments and action plans
    • Adaptation – Plans for future proofing offices, sites, assets and infrastructure against climate-change related impacts, e.g. flooding and coastal erosion, emergencies and disasters
  • Developers
    • Projects – Planning and development risks associated with greenhouse gas emissions
    • Renewables – Renewable and low carbon energy projects
  • Commercial
    • Projects – Planning and development risks associated with greenhouse gas emissions
    • Renewables – Renewable and low carbon energy projects
    • Directors duties – liabilities associated with climate change considerations and how to minimise climate change litigation risks
    • Reporting – Greenhouse gas reporting and disclosure
    • Mergers and Acquisitions – Climate change due diligence
    • Corporate Social Responsibility – Climate change, business and human rights considerations in organisational policies
    • Compliance – climate change-related investigations and enforcement
    • Procurement – Carbon footprint, human rights (climate refugees) and supply chain issues in procurement
    • Environmental Management Systems – Greenhouse gas emission policies and management
    • Adaptation – Plans for future proofing offices, sites, and portfolios against climate-change related impacts, e.g. flooding and coastal erosion, adaptation plans (local councils)
    • Employment - impacts on employees and advocacy
  • "Every way you look at climate change, there are competing perspectives and balances to be reached. The challenges are often portrayed in simplistic terms of jobs or environment. However there are many more dimensions to a challenge that affects almost every aspect of our modern economy and social structures."

    Patrick Ibbotson,
    Partner

    Insights from the Team

    Get in touch with our team to learn more.

    Contact us

    Online Access