13 February 2026

We lodged this submission to the Australian Energy Market Commission on its proposed changes to electricity pricing, specifically raising concerns about its proposal to shift the burden of consumer bills away from usage charges to fixed network costs. This would remove significant incentives to households to invest in solar panels and batteries, and to increase the efficiency of their consumption. It would also disproportionately disadvantage poorer households who would have less scope to reduce their bills through efficiency measures.

Our President Ruth Adler, with patron Richard Neumann, published an article with the Australian Institute of International Affairs on how Australia can take advantage of its lead negotiating role at COP 31 to present its considerable clean energy potential to the world, while promoting global decarbonisation in a meaningful way.

30 January 2026

Diplomats for Climate mourns the passing of Geoffrey Miller AO, a patron of our organisation and one of Australia’s most respected diplomats and strategic thinkers.

Geoff brought to Diplomats for Climate the same qualities that defined his long public service: intellectual seriousness, sound judgement and a deep commitment to Australia engaging responsibly with the world. He understood that climate change is not only an environmental challenge, but a defining strategic and diplomatic issue of our time, with profound implications for regional stability, security and international cooperation.

As a patron, Geoff was generous with his support and steady in his encouragement. His belief that experienced diplomats have a responsibility to speak plainly about emerging global risks was an important affirmation of our work.

We extend our deepest condolences to Geoff’s family, friends and colleagues. He will be greatly missed, and his legacy of principled public service will endure.

Diplomats for Climate Board

4 September 2025

After a quiet twelve months or so, Diplomats for Climate is back with a revamped Board. Our big news is that Richard Mathews, our Founder, is stepping back from his role as President, although he will remain on the Board. In his place, Dr Ruth Adler has agreed to step up as President of Diplomats for Climate. Read about Ruth here.

Solstice Middleby has also decided to step back from her Board role due to the pressing needs of her doctorate. We are so grateful to her for her service and expertise, and look forward to working with her again in some capacity once her studies are complete.

14 May 2024

We submitted this response to the Climate Change Authority's issues paper on Targets, Pathways and Progress towards the Government's 2035 emissions reduction targets. In our response, we argue the Government can take a much more active role in encouraging faster decarbonisation in our major energy markets through multilateral, regional and bilateral engagement. Australia as a major fossil fuel exporter can play an important role in driving a faster transition in our trade and development partners.

9 May 2024

We issued this statement on the Future Gas Strategy, expressing disappointment that the Government's approach to gas supply did not take into account the significant role Australia can and should play in reducing demand for gas in our major trading partners by encouraging them to accelerate their domestic decarbonisation.

5 January 2024

We submitted to the Agriculture and Land Sector Climate Plan that the Government needs to address the biggest source of land sector emissions, namely clearing of native vegetation either for native forest logging or for pasture. Given growing international demand for high quality, high integrity carbon and biodiversity credits, the Government has the opportunity to create an export industry based on recognising and rewarding natural capital values. This could fund significant land restoration while boosting and diversifying Australian exports.

18 December 2023

We published an opinion piece in the Canberra Times explaining how 'no new coal and gas' won't by itself reduce emissions. We need diplomacy to reduce demand in our trading partners, starting with our biggest bilateral energy partner, Japan. Here's the text of the article.

8 December 2023

With Climate Energy Finance, the Smart Energy Council, Rewiring Australia and the Climate Capital Forum, we published an open letter outlining the reasons that nuclear energy is not a solution that will deliver emissions reductions and energy security within the timeframe needed to meet our climate goals. Because Australia has never had nuclear power, the time required to build up the technical, regulatory and workforce skills, as well as the legislative framework and social licence, will take us far beyond 2030. Moreover, nuclear power is far more costly than currently available alternatives, notably renewable energy.