Mitigating and adapting to climate change
ATSE supports climate change action by advising decision makers on technology led pathways toward a net zero future
ATSE PRIORITY
Climate change is already affecting Australia and the world through extreme weather, infrastructure damage and health impacts, with greater impacts predicted in the coming years.
To avoid the worst of climate change, strong action is required by policy-makers and industry, with major changes needed throughout our society.
Mitigation responses are critical to reduce the rate of warming in the global climate system. Adaptation responses are necessary to reduce the impact of current and future climate-related stresses and manage future climate risks. Australia’s mitigation and adaptation efforts will be strongly enhanced by the timely adoption and advancement of technological innovations, supported by government policy settings that encourage investment. We are calling for an ambitious national goal of net-zero emissions by 2035, in line with the latest scientific evidence and at the forefront of global efforts.
With strong leadership from government and active participation by industry, Australia is well placed to become a renewable technology superpower and a global exemplar in reducing emissions and adapting to extreme weather.
ATSE has identified four key principles that will help drive Australia’s response to climate change. These require a commitment by industry and government to:
- Adopt long-term bipartisan policies and programs that encourage the actions and investments needed for rapid and intensive deployment of technologies and measures to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change
- Inform and test mitigation and adaptation responses, using leading edge climate modelling and prediction techniques (which should be enhanced in areas where Australia has recognised leadership or unique needs)
- Increase support for low-emissions technology research, development and demonstration, prioritising areas where Australia has recognised leadership or unique needs
- Support Australian participation in cooperative international programs focused on developing solutions to climate change.
Climate Change Forum
ATSE’s Climate Change Forum supports ATSE’s priority to encourage climate change action by advising decision makers on technology led pathways toward a net zero future. The Forum comprises cross-disciplinary experts from mineral resources, climate change, oceans, agriculture, policy, fisheries, engineering, water and energy.
Our work on climate change mitigation and adaptation
13
Feb
2026
Submission to the Australian Energy Market Operator’s 2026 Draft Integrated System Plan
ATSE’s submission recommends anticipating challenges including planning delays and integration of consumer energy resources. The submission also encourages a technology-neutral approach including considering the possibility of future energy technologies and the impact of liquid fuels.
Energy
Technology
Infrastructure
31
Oct
2025
Submission to the Inquiry into Electricity Supply for Electric Vehicles
ATSE’s submission argues that different charging technologies for EVs are required in different situations and that opting for a mix of chargers at different speeds can provide choice and reduce the cost the EV infrastructure.
Energy
Net zero
1
Sep
2025
Submission to the Climate Change Authority 4th Annual Report Issues Paper
A submission to the Climate Change Authority consultation on their 2025 Annual Progress Report. ATSE's submission notes technology and policy options available to assist Australia to reach its emissions reduction targets.
Climate change
Net zero
Environment
ATSE’s other priorities
