Power, Prosperity & Planet
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Publication Date: 27 April 2026
RRP: $19.95
ISBN: 9781923192751
Format: Paperback
Size: 111mm x 175mm
Pages: 96
Category: In the National Interest, Environment, Science, Politics

Power, Prosperity & Planet

Climate & Energy Policy for All

Thom Woodroofe

‘Thom Woodroofe is a rare talent. In Power, Prosperity & Planet, Woodroofe draws on his deep policy expertise, tempered by political insights from the front lines of the climate and energy debates raging around the globe. The result is a tour-de-force – a practical and informed white paper for all Australians, policymakers and citizens alike, who care about the future of their country and their planet.’ The Hon Dr Kevin Rudd AC, 26th Prime Minister of Australia

‘Climate deniers obfuscate with ideology and idiocy, but as this book shows meeting the climate challenge requires engineering and economics and a practical blueprint that empowers all of us.’ The Hon Malcolm Turnbull AC, 29th Prime Minister of Australia

‘The Pacific is counting on Australia to be a climate leader in exactly the ways this book sketches out.’ Her Excellency Dr Hilda Heine, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands 

‘The Paris Agreement provides the global foundation, but it is up to every country now to walk the walk through the kinds of ideas contained in this book.’ Christiana Figueres, former UN Climate Change Executive Secretary

‘This book is an optimistic and practical roadmap for how Australians can benefit from the huge economic opportunity that comes with the climate and clean energy transition.’ The Hon Matt Kean, Chair of the Climate Change Authority and former NSW Treasurer and Minister for Energy and the Environment

‘This book is a timely reminder that an energy-secure future grounded in Real Zero is within our grasp.’ Dr Andrew Forrest AO, Chairman and Founder of Fortescue

‘In this essay, Thom Woodroofe outlines key policies that could allay the public’s fears with very practical measures.’ The Age/SMH

Australia’s climate debate has long focused on three central pillars: clean power, future economic prosperity and protecting the planet. After nearly two decades of “the climate wars”, we’ve heard the calls: we must decarbonise our energy system, we must develop our green industries and clean tech, and we must do more to keep global temperature increases within safe limits.

Yet while climate change affects us all, the arguments for climate action are rarely framed in terms of the impact on ordinary Australians. In the face of high electricity and petrol prices, how can more households benefit from cheaper renewable energy and electric vehicles? Given our continued reliance on fossil fuel exports, how can Australia avoid falling off an economic cliff in the coming decades? With swathes of the country at risk of climate-related disaster, how can we enhance our resilience and avoid insurance loss? And what are the real benefits at home of seeking to be an international climate leader?

In this clear-sighted volume, Woodroofe outlines why the next wave of climate and energy policy in Australia must focus intently on middle Australia, designing policies that make sense from the Cabinet Room to every lounge room across the mortgage belts and beyond. The price – economically, politically and environmentally – is too great if we do not.

 

ABC Radio National Big Ideas: Listen to Zoe Daniel with Thom Woodroofe on winning middle Australia in the climate wars

Thom Woodroofe

Thom Woodroofe is a Senior International Fellow with the Smart Energy Council. He played a key role in securing the Paris Agreement on climate change in 2015, including helping establish the High Ambition Coalition of progressive nations. He has since worked...

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