On Good Authority
23 September 2026
Hi there,
Welcome to the latest edition of On Good Authority. This fortnight we look at what temporarily exceeding 1.5 °C of warming could mean, following a United Nations Environment Programme report released earlier this month. We also cover findings of a new survey into how Australians view climate change.
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Authority news
Chairs of the Australian Climate Councils Network recently met to share insights and strengthen the independent evidence-based advice we give to governments.
Chairs (pictured below) discussed consequential challenges facing climate policy in Australia, including the implications of 1.5°C overshoot for climate impacts, adaptation, and pathways to return warming below 1.5°C. Chairs also discussed public attitudes to the energy shift, and explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration across jurisdictions. The Network is the world's first subnational network of independent climate advisory bodies, comprising the Climate Change Authority, ACT Climate Change Council, Net Zero Economy Authority, NSW Net Zero Commission, QLD Clean Economy Expert Panel, and SA’s Premier’s Climate Change Council.
Pictured left to right: Dr Arnagretta Hunter, ACT Climate Change Council; Professor Nick Rowley, Net Zero Commission; David Shankey, NZEA; The Hon. Matt Kean, Climate Change Authority; and Martin K Haese, SA’s Premier’s Climate Change Council.
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Our 2035 Targets Advice is a finalist in the IPAA ACT Spirit of Service Awards. Every finalist is also in the running for the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation People's Choice Award, which celebrates public sector initiatives that make a meaningful impact on Australian communities. Voting is open to public sector employees and you can cast yours via this link until 30 September.
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Applications are open for a Special Media Advisor (EL1) and an Engagement Officer (APS 5) in our Outreach and Enabling Branch.
Source: CCA media release - UNEP report reinforces need for ambitious climate
Fast fact
1.8°C
The minimum temperature increase the world is projected to reach if all climate commitments and policies are implemented.
Source: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Overshoot explained: 5 things to understand about a world beyond 1.5°C
More warming, more hazard-prone areas
Hazard proneness is projected to grow across Australia as global warming intensifies.The largest and fastest increases are expected in Queensland, Tasmania, NSW and the ACT.
News in brief
Australians doubt health system is ready for climate impacts
A recent national study has found many Australians are concerned about the health impacts of climate change and doubt the health system is prepared to respond. The study, led by Macquarie University and published in the Medical Journal of Australia, surveyed 6,030 adults. It found 65% of respondents were concerned about climate change, 45% believed it poses a serious health risk and only 37% think the health system is set up to respond to climate-related emergencies. The findings highlight the growing public concern about the health impacts of climate change and the preparedness of essential services to increasing climate risks.
Earth’s health deteriorating in 7 critical areas
New analysis from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research presents the most up-to-date assessments of Earth’s health and the results are alarming. The 2026 Planetray Health Check shows that 7 of Earth's 9 boundaries, including climate change, land use, freshwater and ocean pH, are breached. The impacts are becoming increasingly clear and only 2 of the assessed areas, stratospheric ozone depletion and atmospheric aerosol loading, improved over the last decade. The urgent need to protect and restore nature and to accept that we still have a chance to build a safer, sustainable future are among the 2026 report's 5 key take aways.
Solar growth outpaced demand in Q2
Growth in distributed solar more than offset total demand growth in the National Energy Market during April, May and June, according to the Clean Energy Regulator’s latest quarterly market report. As a result, average grid demand fell to its lowest second-quarter level since 2020. Wholesale electricity prices also dropped to $74/MWh, down 47% from Q2 2025. Changes to the Cheaper Home Batteries Program from 1 May were also likely to be behind more than 80% of small-scale solar installations in April including a battery.
Clean power surges, but emissions remain flat
Renewables supplied 99% of global electricity growth in 2025, with solar, batteries and electric vehicles continuing to expand rapidly, according to the latest Energy Transition Monitor. However, global emissions appear to be plateauing rather than declining as overall energy demand continues to grow. The report describes a 'two speed transition'. It estimates that around 60% of global emissions could be reduced through clean electrification at little or no extra cost, particularly in light industry, land transport, and buildings.
EV sales outsold petrol vehicles as charger rollout expands
Electric vehicle (EV) sales overtook petrol car sales in Australia for the first time in August, marking a significant milestone in new vehicle buying trends. More than 27,000 battery electric vehicles were sold during the month, making up 24.9% of all new vehicle sales and setting a new monthly record. EV sales were 171% higher than in August last year.
As demand for EVs grows, the Australian Government has expanded support for dealerships, repairers and mechanics to install EV chargers and upgrade EV-specific equipment. The Authority's 2024 Sector Pathways Review identified charging infrastructure as an important enabler of growing EV uptake.
Climate risks move up the economic agenda
The UN climate chief has described climate change as a 'continent-wide economic security emergency', linking extreme weather to rising costs for households, businesses and governments. In a speech to the European Parliament, Simon Stiell pointed to impacts of climate change on infrastructure, food production, trade, insurance and energy prices. Stiell also cited estimates that recent extreme weather could cost Europe EUR180 billion (around AUD290 billion). The speech follows the United Nations Environment Program releasing it’s 1.5 °C overshoot report which examines the implications and the choices that remain available to limit global warming.
Indonesian fires near record emissions levels
Wildfires burning across Indonesia are on track to produce emissions similar to the country’s most intense fire season this century, according to experts cited by Carbon Brief. Data from the Global Fire Emissions Database shows Indonesian fires had emitted 76 million tonnes of carbon by early September, putting 2026 on a similar trajectory to the major 2015 fire season. Scientists say the current El Niño is creating hotter, drier conditions that increase fire risk and severity. The fires highlight the significant impacts land sector emissions can have on national emissions outcomes and climate risks.
Community batteries hit historic milestone as rollout accelerates
ARENA has marked the installation of its 100th community battery and announced $23.2 million for 3 new projects under round 2 of its Community Batteries Funding Initiative. The milestone reflects rapid growth in neighbourhood scale energy storage. At the end of 2025, only 22 community batteries had been installed. Community batteries can help households make better use of rooftop solar and support a more flexible electricity grid. As renewable generation grows, energy storage is becoming increasingly important. Community batteries are showing how storage can support a secure, reliable and flexible electricity system.
Are Australia’s infrastructure standards ready for a changing climate?
Infrastructure standards that rely on historical climate data may not reflect the conditions Australia’s buildings and infrastructure will face in a changing climate. The analysis comes from the Climate Systems Hub, part of the Australian Government's National Environmental Science Program, which supports research on climate, extreme weather and adaptation. The findings align with issues raised by the Authority’s Chair Matt Kean in a recent infrastructure podcast on climate adaptation and resilience.
Planning ahead pays off when disasters strike
Releasing disaster funding before extreme weather events can improve economic recovery, according to new analysis from the University of London and published in The Conversation. Drawing on case studies from low- and middle-income countries, support linked to predefined thresholds is shown to be more effective than funding provided after a disaster. The analysis also notes that adaptation investments can deliver benefits of around $4 to every $1, while strengthening economic stability and reducing borrowing costs.
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Acknowledgement of Country
The Authority recognises the First Nations people of this land and their ongoing connection to culture and Country. We acknowledge First Nations people as the Traditional Owners, Custodians and Lore Keepers of the world's oldest living cultures, and pay our respects to their Elders—past and present.
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