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
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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
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Developers
- Projects – Planning and development risks associated with greenhouse gas emissions
- Renewables – Renewable and low carbon energy projects
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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
Insights from the Team
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Featured
A step closer to mandatory climate-related disclosure
ByThe Treasurer introduced the Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Infrastructure and Other Measures) Bill 2024.
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Featured
Gomeroi v Santos: New guidance on good faith negotiation, and the relevance of climate change
ByWe explore Gomeroi People v Santos NSW Pty Ltd and Santos NSW (Narrabri Gas) Pty Ltd [2024] FCAFC 26 (Gomeroi Appeal).
Other services used by our Climate Change clients
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Administrative Law
We work with clients at all tiers of government who need strategic and operational administrative legal advice and guidance.
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Litigation
Our lawyers understand that taking action through litigation is sometimes required to successfully achieve business goals.
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Planning & Environment
Our Planning & Environment team advises on the complete range of planning issues, from environmental impact to development scheme approvals.
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Compliance & Enforcement
We regularly act for government clients who require others to comply with a full range of enforcement-related matters.
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Construction
Our construction service provides advice to generate a way forward for property and infrastructure clients needing legal, business and regulatory insight.
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Major Projects & PPPs
We can assist by understanding the intersection of your business needs, the commercial influences and regulatory environment for your project.
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Partner
Sector Leader - State Government NSW
Sydney