Australia is off-track and looks set to miss its Paris emission reduction target. National emissions are rising and the government seems unwilling or unable to agree on credible policies to reduce them.

The international community has increasingly recognised the need for such transformative action, not only through international agreements (such as the Paris Agreement), but also through forums such as the G7 and G20. However, going beyond an incremental approach to climate policy development and thinking 'outside the climate box' remains a challenge.

This background paper was prepared by the Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute for the Eleventh Regional EST Forum in Asia. It discusses sustainable urban design and development for Asian cities, the co-benefits of sustainable urban design, and good practices and case studies from around the world.

Modelling in this report shows that Australia can tackle energy affordability and reduce carbon emissions at the same time, but Energy Intensive Trade Exposed Industries (EITEs) must be included.

As part of its efforts to promote adoption of the recommendations, the Task Force prepared this status report to provide an overview of current disclosure practices related to core elements of the TCFD recommendations as well as additional information to support preparers in implementing the recommendations.