Climate Change and Sustainability

Net zero emissions targets, voluntary and mandatory corporate disclosure requirements and shareholder and regulatory attention on the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) aspects of business activities have sharpened the focus on climate change abatement, mitigation and adaptation, and managing related financial risk.

We are at the forefront of legal and industry developments, and offers significant expertise to businesses and governments to imbed climate change risk responses into business as usual practices and minimise potential liability.

We bring together experts from across our practices to assist governments and businesses meet the challenges of climate change and the risks of climate-related events, but also embrace the opportunities arising from new and emerging markets.

Recognition

• Doyle's Guide (2019):
  • Brendan Bateman – Recommended lawyer for Environment & Climate Change Lawyer – New South Wales
  • Claire Smith – Leading Environment & Climate Change Lawyer – New South Wales
  • Sallyanne Everett – Preeminent Lawyer for Environment & Climate Change – Victoria
• Who's Who Legal: Environment 2019: Brendan Bateman, Nick Thomas, Claire Smith – Recognised in Climate Change
• AFR Best Lawyers Australia 2017-2019: Brendan Bateman, Karen Trainor – voted by peers for Climate Change law
• AFR Best Lawyers Australia 2018-2019: Nick Thomas, Claire Smith – voted by peers for Climate Change law
• PLC Which Lawyer (2011): "Recommended" in Environment: Climate Change Law

We advise government and corporate clients on current and emerging policy and regulation intended to:

• reduce the emission of greenhouse gases including through the use of market-based mechanisms and direct action;
• increase sources of renewable energy;
• encourage energy efficiency and emissions abatement projects; and
• adapt to, and protect against, predicted climate change impacts and financial risks.

We regularly advise clients on:

• existing and emerging regulation of green investment and green loans;
• mandatory renewable energy, GHG abatement and direct action schemes;
• voluntary abatement projects and accreditation under related government schemes;
• implications of generating and trading environmental credits under the Financial Services regulation;
• amendments to rules in energy markets such as electricity and gas;
• increased regulatory scrutiny of banks, financial institutions and insurers on the management of climate-related financial risks;
• directors' duties, voluntary disclosure obligations and increasing governance and Board responsibilities;
• clean technology and renewable energy projects; and
• water and waste management aspects of projects.