The Economic Perspective 25 September 2025

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

Good morning dear readers, 

Today we are following up on last week’s release of the National Net Zero Plan and the 2035 emissions target. Our first article discusses the target in the context of global climate action, rising temperatures, and an increasing urgent need for reform. Then, Australia’s mineral deposits may offer us a foot in the door to becoming an “electrostate”, a nation that derives wealth from electrification industry rather than fossil fuels. Then, the National Net Zero Plan is being accompanied by a significant $40 million injection into the EV charging network, and ongoing CSIRO research into sandy soil farming may lead to productivity in previously unforgiving terrain.

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Hope you enjoy the articles and have a great weekend!

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With 2035 emissions targets set, what Australia does next will help shape global efforts to keep 1.5°C alive 

This article discusses climate action from the global community, requirements for keeping global temperatures below 1.5°C, and the role of Australia’s recent 62-70% emissions reduction target. The UN hopes that ambitious 2035 targets will build momentum, back some backsliding nations and worsening temperature predictions indicate that progress is not fast enough. Australia’s mild target may walk a pragmatic middle path. Read more here.

Goodbye petrostates, hello ‘electrostates’: how the clean energy shift is reshaping the world order 

Historically, fossil fuel resources have been used as power levers by “petrostates”, but the renewable shift may open space for “electrostates” who have advantages in electrification supply chains sectors such as critical minerals, batteries, semiconductors and clean energy production. China is leading the race, but global powers are rushing to develop their own capacity and avoid overreliance. Australia’s mineral deposits have electrostate potential if good policy is implemented. Read more here.    

$40 million to expand Australia’s EV charging network 

As part of the National Net Zero Plan released last week, the government has allocated $40 million to delivery of public kerbside and fast EV charge points. This investment aims to provide the supporting infrastructure that allows automobile consumers to shift towards EVs. Funding is specifically channeled towards location identification, deployment models in regional areas, and connection to existing electricity poles. Read more here.  

From fragile to fertile: The science behind sandy soil recovery 

The second phase of the Sandy Soils collaboration, led by CSIRO with funding from GRDC, will further investigate treatments to increase crop productivity on sandy soil. Sandy soil can be nutrient-poor, water-repellent and be compacted enough to restrict root growth. Deep tillage techniques have seen massive yield increases, but careful location choice, computer modelling, and farm practice experiments are still being explored. Read more here.

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The trade-off between renewable development and natural capital

A recent study published in Nature, titled “Negotiating risks to natural capital in net-zero transitions”, identifies regions where the delivery of renewable infrastructure is counterproductive when biodiversity and natural capital protection is accounted for. The map below shows the results of the modelling, with renewable develops being infeasible on “prohibited areas” and beneficial on “allowed” areas.

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