The Economic Perspective 25 July 2025

The Latest Trending Economic News Curated for You by Balmoral Group Australia

---

Good morning dear readers,

This week is all about climate adaptation, our favourite topic. A new database by the University of Melbourne catalogues adaptation initiatives from public and private sectors, establishing important information-sharing systems. Next, the newest reports from Earth System Science Data and the Biodiversity Council update us on climate-change trends globally and in Australia, presenting disaster on one hand with potential solutions on the other. An innovative adaptation technique is artificial reefs, and we’ve attached a video outlining their role in slowing erosion.

As part of BGA’s ongoing industry engagement, our General Manager, Shima Madani, attended the Engineers Australia Industry Partners Series yesterday on future-proofing Sydney’s water infrastructure. The event highlighted how climate adaptation is reshaping infrastructure planning, calling for decentralised systems, investment in digital tools, and economic frameworks that can guide resilient, cost-effective decision-making.

Please feel free to forward this to anyone you think would be interested. If you’d like to view previous editions, please click here and navigate the News tab, or to subscribe, please click here!

Hope you enjoy the articles and have a great weekend!

---

How are Australians adapting to climate change? Here are 729 ways 

The University of Melbourne has released their Australian Adaptation Database as part of a 3-year research project exploring best practice in adaptation efforts. The project aims to improve data sharing and reporting capabilities in the climate adaptation space, and lists over 700 public and private sector initiatives from artificial reefs and land uses changes to farming innovation and wine grape relocation. The research is motivated by Australia’s lagging climate action; while AU is yet to release our first “National Adaptation Plan”, other countries are up to their third or fourth versions. Read more here.

Only 3 years left – new study warns the world is running out of time to avoid the worst impacts of climate change 

The newest Indicators of Global Climate Change report finds that average global temperatures rose to 1.52°C, placing us in “dangerous waters”. The report measures net emissions, intensification of extreme temperatures and rainfall, sea level rises, and the threshold for carbon dioxide levels that keeps us within 1.5°C of pre-industrial temperatures - beyond which lies the worst-case scenario. The report aims to help understanding of both recent and future trends, and delineates between human-caused temperature increases and natural climate variability. Read more here.

Key actions needed to respond to South Australia's catastrophic toxic algal bloom 

A recent report by the Biodiversity Council recommends 7 actions to federal and state government to deal with the catastrophic algal bloom devastating 500 km of South Australian marine life. The report emphasizes the rising frequency of algal blooms and impacts on livelihoods, industry, and communities, along with biodiversity. Read more here.

Queensland Government and CSIRO launch free program to boost local agricultural innovation 

‘Innovate to Grow’ has equipped over 700 SMEs with knowledge, tools and support required to capitalize on Research & Development opportunities. CSIRO’s free 8 week program aims to make the R&D sector more accessible by guiding businesses through networking, coaching, and assessment. The program also advices participants on R&D business case preparation and funding applications, hoping to spur agricultural innovation. Read more here.

---

Artificial reefs help slow erosion and grow mangroves 

This video details the use of artificial reefs as buffers to combat shoreline erosion. Designs include steel cages filled with rocks and shells, lab-cast habitat modules, and 3D-printed potato starch lattices – all of which have been remarkably successful.

---

Connect with Balmoral Group Australia Here