The Carbon Market Institute (CMI) has today announced the appointment of Dr. Kerry Schott AO as the new chair of its board, bringing a wealth of energy, resources and climate experience to the role across both the public and private sectors.
Dr Schott joins the board alongside her other current role of Chair of NSW Net Zero Emissions and Clean Economy Board. She was previously Chair of the Energy Security Board from 2018-2021 and Managing Director and CEO of Sydney Water from 2006–2011, among a number of other high-profile positions.
Commenting on the appointment, Dr. Schott said:
“I am honoured to be taking on the role as Chair of CMI at a critical time for the climate and nature but also for policy development in Australia and internationally.
“Australia is entering potentially the most constructive climate policy development phase in over a decade. There are crucial reforms to the Safeguard Mechanism and Australian carbon crediting framework, as well as significant transitions needing to be well managed in energy, transport and agriculture. Internationally, historic integrity and carbon market rules are being established under the UNFCCC and through important initiatives in voluntary market governance.”
“We need unambiguous signals to business, landholders and investors to align their investment in decarbonisation across all sectors of the Australian economy, and well designed and targeted carbon markets are one vital tool in this challenge.”
“With its broad spectrum of almost 150 corporate members, CMI has a really important role to play in championing best practice across the carbon value chain, and as an advocate for good policy. CMI is unique in that its Board determines policy and best practice in consultation with, but independent from, its members.”
“It is vital all organisations participate in this journey and to ensure continual improvement and accountability in their climate action. This means taking responsibility for emissions now through credible decarbonisation strategies first and foremost, but also through investments in high-integrity, verified emission reduction and removal activities. Where possible these credited activities should also drive Indigenous, environmental and other co-benefits.”
Since 2011 CMI has played an important role as an inclusive forum for business but also one championing best practice through initiatives like the Australian Carbon Industry Code of Code of Conduct. CMI will be deepening its work on corporate best practice and integrity as well as advocating for urgency and ambition in policy to help achieve the Paris Agreement goals of limiting dangerous global warming.
Dr. Schott will replace Elisa de Wit, Partner and global head of Carbon Markets at Norton Rose Fulbright. Dr. Schott will commence the Chair role after the CMI Annual General Meeting on November 2.
“I am delighted we have managed to secure someone of such calibre and standing to take over the role of Chair of CMI. It is a testament to the recognition of the role that carbon markets will need to play in the transition to net zero and CMI’s important position as the interface between the demand and supply sectors of the market. It is also a testament to the strength, energy and passion of CMI’s CEO, John Connor.”
“It has been an absolute privilege to chair CMI over the last three years during what has been a pivotal period in helping business lead the transition to net zero emissions, notwithstanding the challenges of COVID. I look forward to watching the organisation continue to play a vital role in the transition.” said de Wit.
Dr. Schott and Mrs De Wit will be among a host of panellists at next week’s 9th Annual Australasian Emissions Reduction (AER) Summit, held virtually and in-person over two days from the 25th-26th October. Register here.
About the Carbon Market Institute
The Carbon Market Institute (CMI) is an independent member-based organisation that is an industry association championing best practice for business leading the transition to net zero emissions and beyond. Its 140+ members include primary producers, carbon project developers, Indigenous corporations, legal, technology and advisory services, insurers, banks, investors, corporate entities and emission intensive industries developing decarbonisation and offset strategies. The positions put forward constitute CMI’s independent view and do not purport to represent any CMI individual, member company, or industry sector. CMI’s latest Advocacy Policy Positions Statement can be viewed here.
About the AER Summit
The Carbon Market Institute’s 9th Australasian Emissions Reduction Summit is Australia’s premier business and climate action event for 2022. For nearly a decade, the Summit has been an important forum for discussion on climate and regional realities, as well as the investment required for a ‘just’ and inclusive transition to a net zero economy. It has also been a key platform for CMI’s mission to help business manage risks and capitalise on opportunities in the transition.
This year’s event will focus on urgency, integrity and ambition and feature more than 100 national and international speakers. It comes at another crucial juncture as the new Labor Government oversees significant climate policy reform, hands down its first federal budget and as carbon market growth and corporate decarbonisation accelerates in the US, Asia and Europe.
For further information, contact Thomas Hann on 0408880536 or thomas.hann@carbonmarketinstitute.org
