COVID-19 has fundamentally reshaped the world we know, taking a horrendous toll on human health and the economy. While the response has not been perfect, Australia has so far managed this crisis far better than many comparable countries. Federal, state and territory governments have been relying on expert, evidence-based advice to lead their response to the crisis. This crisis is far from over. But another, more long-term crisis remains an urgent threat to humanity: climate change.

As Australia reboots its economy on the other side of this crisis there is remarkable potential for that economic recovery to occur through climate action. A gas-led economic recovery is poorly suited to the task at hand. A reorientation toward net zero emissions is a fundamental requirement of Australia’s COVID-19 recovery to deal with the two crises of economic recovery and climate change.

Key findings:

• Politicians have listened to expert scientific advice on COVID-19 and acted. It is urgent they do the same with climate change.
• A resilient recovery from the coronavirus must prepare Australia for the next major threat - climate change. The potential for job creation in the renewables sector is substantial and can set our country up for the 21st Century.
• Gas has no role to play in building a prosperous, resilient economy for the future. It is volatile, dangerous and unnecessary.