Upcoming Events

While steps to address climate change have often been framed as mixed news for Australia’s exports and competitiveness, green investments, innovation and finance can be a major source of strength for the Australian economy. Seizing these opportunities requires the right strategic calls at home, and the continuation of the rules-based system for trade and investment abroad. But, as then Minister for Trade and Competitiveness Craig Emerson pointed out in 2010, there is a risk that climate change could be used to justify new barriers to trade and investment – compounding threats to global free trade that have been on the rise since the GFC. With the Paris Agreement and ‘green finance’ initiatives in the UK and Europe in full swing, but the global trade system under grave threat from a new round of protectionism, what is the relationship today between trade and climate change?

To help answer this question, we’ll hear from two experts on trade and climate change issues:

• Craig Emerson (former Australian Minister for Trade and Competitiveness, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research, and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Asian Century Policy); and
• Caroline Lambert (European Union’s Climate and Environment Counsellor in Australia; former adviser to European Commissioner for Climate Action, Connie Hedegaard).

Taking place before the 2018 ANU Crawford Leadership Forum, the conversation and dialogue will be moderated by former Minister for Trade, and Adjunct Professor at the ANU Crawford School, Bob McMullan. We will also be joined by the invited experts and leaders from government, business, civil society, academia and the media. As is customary, the Dialogue will be hosted by Gareth Evans AC QC, ANU Chancellor and former Australian Foreign Minister. A light lunch will be provided.