Is Net Zero Achievable—or Just a Slogan? Highlights from episodes with Matt Canavan, Nicki Hutley, Tony Wood & John Humphreys - ep298

Economics Explored

What does net zero really mean, and what will it take to get there? In this episode, highlights from past guests reveal the full spectrum of views—from urgent calls for climate action to scepticism about costs and feasibility. With perspectives on extreme weather, carbon pricing, nuclear energy, coal, and productivity trade-offs, this episode cuts to the heart of the net-zero debate.

Gene would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. You can email him via [email protected].

Timestamps

• Economic Impact of Climate Change with Nikki Hutley (0:00)
• Defining Net Zero with Tony Wood (8:56)
• Criticism of Net Zero by Senator Matt Canavan (24:04)
• Challenges of Meeting Australia’s 2035 Emissions Targets with John Humphreys (39:06)

Takeaways

1. The cost of inaction versus transition costs—Nicki Hutley warns that extreme weather and health impacts already impose huge economic costs, and she argues the costs of inaction outweigh the costs of action.
2. Technology is key—Tony Wood from the Grattan Institute stresses the need for innovation in batteries, hydrogen, soil carbon, and carbon capture.
3. Scepticism about global commitments—Senator Matt Canavan doubts countries like China and India will follow through, arguing Australia risks self-harm.
4. Productivity at risk—John Humphreys warns ambitious emissions targets could de-industrialise Australia and hurt long-term growth.
5. The debate remains unresolved—balancing economic prosperity with climate goals is still one of the defining challenges of our age.

Links relevant to the conversation

Australian Taxpayers’ Alliance Livestream of 18 September 2025 (which shows the emission reduction charts Gene refers to in this episode):

https://www.youtube.com/live/8YxnRT_YD50?si=_A1udQmCag3dMtyC

Previous Economics Explored episodes, including the highlights from this episode:

https://economics-explained.simplecast.com/episodes/climate-change-with-nicki-hutley-from-deloitte-access-economics

https://economics-explained.simplecast.com/episodes/cop26-climate-change-summit-with-tony-wood-grattan-institute

https://economics-explained.simplecast.com/episodes/aussie-senator-matt-canavan-cop26-dissenting-voices-part-2

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