This will be my last CMI Update as my time at CMI finishes today. It has been an eventful 6 years but a good time to step away and hand over the reins.
CMI and members have helped achieve significant outcomes in that time. Net zero commitments have been legislated, with bipartisan support for now. A growing decarbonisation Safeguard investment signal for the industrial sector is also legislated. There has been significant, if as yet unheralded, reforms to Australia’s carbon crediting framework.
That framework, and the climate action investments it supports, has shifted its key driver from an uncertain taxpayer base to businesses meeting compliance and voluntary commitments. These reforms are significant, hard wrought and not without difficulties in implementation. Lazy and false binaries abound. Credits/offsets are good/bad. Removals good, reductions bad. Academic analysis unquestionable, Industry experience tainted. Compliance the only focus, voluntary commitments a sham. Tackling these, and building a scalable business ecosystem with investor and community confidence, is central to the challenge ahead.
I am also proud that CMI stepped up dialogue and partnerships with First Nation Australians and expanded our international work in the Asia Pacific region.
CMI is established as an important voice in policy development by working with federal and state governments and by submitting considered responses in the form of formal submissions and in working groups and other engagements.
CMI has also made contributions to the evidence base for decision making through an expanded base of research, reports as well as market and attitude analysis as we seek to inform the debate about aspects of the carbon market and the developing nature repair market.
We have worked with members as we develop these materials to provide real world grounding while aligning with our constitutional objective to assist and support Australian industries with the implementation of climate-related markets and the management of the business risks and opportunities associated with the transition to a net-zero emissions economy. That participation, and the professional development and commercial opportunities that come with it, remain integral to the unique value proposition of CMI.
The team at CMI – past and present – is a group of very passionate and talented people committed to addressing climate change in an impactful way. The team is actively updating its education and member service offerings. I’m leaving CMI in good hands.
There is more to do – there always is – but now is the right time for a change.
I will take a short break and then take up a new position with the Net Zero Economy Authority as Head of Policy and Communications. I will still be part of the public discourse on climate change and net zero transition.
The CMI Board has commenced a recruitment process and in the meantime Kurt Winter, CMI’s Director of Corporate Transition, will be the interim-CEO as the recruitment process plays out.
It has been my pleasure to speak to most of you in one way or another.
All the best and see you soon,
John Connor
Below are a few updates on CMI events.
AER Summit
Planning and program development is progressing at pace for the 12th AER Summit on 13-14 August in Melbourne. The first two plenaries are designed to look at the carbon markets from a number of perspectives.
Plenary One: The Net Zero and NDC Challenge is Now
As the September deadline for 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) looms ahead of Brazil’s November COP30, and the window for keeping global heating to 1.5C narrows, bipartisan Net Zero by 2050 targets and business support are under threat. This session will set the scene for the Summit.
Panelists include Matt Kean (CCA), Mara Bun (DFAT Council on Latin American Relations), Melita Keywood (CSIRO) and Chris Halliwell (Core Markets).
Plenary Two: Challenges in the Corporate Transition
Despite 2024 being the hottest year on record, there are questions whether corporate climate action is cooling. Join corporate leaders to discuss challenges in the corporate transition to net zero emissions.
Moderated by Kerry Schott (CMI) panelists include Sanjeev Gandhi (Orica), Geraldine Slattery (BHP) and Frederick Teo (Genzero).
A number of partners have been confirmed for the Summit. Join Host Partner Victorian Government, and Diamond Partners ANZ and CORE Markets, to support this event and gain brand recognition across the carbon market sector. New this year is the Innovation Hub with three themed Pavilions offering space for panel sessions, peer-led discussions, and sponsor-curated content. Contact info@carbonmarketinstitute.org for more information.
Carbon Conversations
Carbon Conversation: Landholder Guidance launch – 18 July
CMI and the Australian Carbon Industry Code of Conduct are pleased to launch their Landholder guidance: A checklist for partnering on carbon farming project. This guidance document and accompanying checklist have been supported by the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Industry, and are intended to support landholders considering an ACCU Scheme carbon farming project in partnership with a third party.
This webinar is scheduled for Friday 18 July from 12-1PM. Register here: Webinar Registration – Zoom
