Climate Zeitgeist

?? Cities as Climate Investment Hubs: Melbourne Leading the Way Melbourne Climate Network, City of Melbourne Last week we had the honour of City of Melbourne, Lord Mayor, Nick Reece opening and welcoming over 550+ delegates at the 3rd annual Climate Investor Forum As global climate challenges intensify, the intersection of economic development and climate innovation has never been more critical. Investors, governments, and industry leaders are increasingly looking to cities as key enablers of climate solutions. At the Climate Investor Forum, discussions highlighted the urgent need to mobilise capital, foster innovation, and scale solutions that address both environmental and economic imperatives. One city providing a compelling model? Melbourne. ?? Melbourne’s Climate Sector: Strengths & Opportunities With a world-class research sector, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and a growing climate tech ecosystem, Melbourne is strategically positioning itself as a global leader in climate innovation. Initiatives like the Melbourne Climate Network demonstrate the city’s commitment to leveraging cross-sector collaboration for a greener future. However, to unlock its full potential, we must address key investment challenges—particularly in bridging the ‘valley of death’ for climate startups and scale-ups. ?? Three Key Strategies for Bridging the Climate Investment Gap: ?? Blended finance models – Public-private partnerships to de-risk early-stage investments. ?? Strategic procurement & piloting – City governments acting as first customers for climate tech. ?? Investor engagement & global positioning – Attracting international venture capital through targeted outreach. ??? The Role of City Governments in Driving Climate Investment Cities are uniquely positioned to test, refine, and scale emerging climate solutions. By creating regulatory incentives, innovation hubs, and investor connections, Melbourne can further cement its status as Australia’s leading city for climate finance. ?? The transition to a low-carbon economy represents a $50 trillion investment opportunity globally. While national policies play a role, cities are the proving ground for the next wave of climate innovation. For investors: The future of climate investment isn’t just in Silicon Valley—it’s in cities like Melbourne. ?? #ClimateInvestment #Melbourne #SustainableCities #GreenEconomy #Innovation #ClimateTech #CleanTech #NetZero #MelbourneClimateNetwork #MCN #ClimateInvestorForum https://lnkd.in/g9U7g5JS

A huge shoutout to Megan Fisher and the team at EnergyLab for being such a vital force in the climate innovation ecosystem! ??? Your unwavering support for the Climate Investor Forum has been instrumental—not just in driving critical conversations around climate investment but also in supporting our team and our broader vision for a more sustainable future. EnergyLab’s commitment to empowering clean energy startups and fostering innovation is exactly what we need to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy. Your work continues to inspire, and we’re grateful to have you as a key partner in this journey. Looking forward to collaborating further and driving real impact together! ???? Get ready to mark your diaries for 2026!!!! https://lnkd.in/gnC9Gw-X #ClimateInvestment #SustainableInnovation #CleanEnergy #EnergyLab #ClimateTech #GreenEconomy #CollaborationForImpact #ClimateInvestorForum

That was the highlight of my professional career! To have the privilege of sharing the stage at the Climate Investor Forum dinner this week with H.E. Tshering Tobgay, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, was to be in the presence of a truely enlightened, compassionate, humble, funny, powerful leader. I was so grateful and the experience filled me with awe. And to look out over a full room of leaders in their own right. Committed, dedicated, innovative, passionate people fighting the good fight, many of them good friends, filled me with pride. And to have some of my children in the audience, exposed to the esprit de corps in the room, filled me with hope. A special, memorable moment in time. Climate Investor Forum 2025 Climate Zeitgeist Michele Hartz Jai Felinski

It was an absolute honor to work alongside the incredible team at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and have their unwavering support and sponsorship for the Climate Investor Forum 2025 last week. A special thank you to Frances van Ruth, Austrade’s Net Zero Investment Lead, who was on the ground, driving conversations around climate investment momentum and connecting with key investors and decision-makers. ?? Along with Jessica Harrison and the rest of the team! Australia is truly well-positioned for the energy transition, and Austrade’s Net Zero strategy is key to attracting foreign investment and accelerating our journey to becoming a global leader in Net Zero. Together, we’re forging a path toward a sustainable and thriving future. ??? #ClimateInvestment #NetZero #EnergyTransition #Austrade #Sustainability #Leadership

That was the highlight of my professional career! To have the privilege of sharing the stage at the Climate Investor Forum dinner this week with H.E. Tshering Tobgay, the Prime Minister of Bhutan, was to be in the presence of a truely enlightened, compassionate, humble, funny, powerful leader. I was so grateful and the experience filled me with awe. And to look out over a full room of leaders in their own right. Committed, dedicated, innovative, passionate people fighting the good fight, many of them good friends, filled me with pride. And to have some of my children in the audience, exposed to the esprit de corps in the room, filled me with hope. A special, memorable moment in time. Climate Investor Forum 2025 Climate Zeitgeist Michele Hartz Jai Felinski

?? Last Chance to Register! Don't Miss Out on the Climate Investor Forum 2025 This is your FINAL opportunity to secure your spot at APACs premier climate investment event. https://lnkd.in/g4EF8QUg Join us at the 3rd Annual Climate Investor Forum, where decision-makers, investors, corporate leaders, and government agencies come together to accelerate climate solutions at scale. ?? Why You Can’t Miss This: ? World-class speaker lineup – including an inspiring keynote from HE Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan ? Unparalleled networking – Connect with top investors, climate innovators, and global decision-makers ? A Gala Dinner to Remember – Engage in high-level discussions in an unforgettable setting ?? Be part of the Climate Zeitgeist. Be part of the solution. ?? Spots are limited – Register NOW! https://lnkd.in/g4EF8QUg #ClimateInvestment #Sustainability #NetZero #Leadership #ClimateSolutions #Networking #ClimateInvestorForum

Ready to hear how innovation is unlocking capital and fueling the transition to a Net-Zero economy at this years 3rd annual Climate Investor Forum? Join us and register here... ?? https://lnkd.in/gcQD7HMN As we discuss some of the innovative climate financing models across different asset classes that can mobilise greater investment of private capital, while answering... ?? How can the different forms of finance and investment, with varying risk appetites and return horizons be matched with the varying stages of growth capital needed to scale climate solutions? ?? Blended finance approaches are used extensively in development finance, how can it be applied to a developed country such as Australia to support climate transition? ?? Are there particular sectors or project types that are good examples of where financing along a continuum can deliver scale of deployment? Blended Finance Plenary: Innovative ways to mobilise private capital required to supercharge funding the transition to a net zero economy Moderated by - Kristy Graham, CEO, Australian Sustainable Finance Institute PANELISTS: Alan Schwartz AO, Managing Director, Trawalla Group Christina Tonkin, Managing Director, Corporate Finance, ANZ Ian Learmonth, CEO, Clean Energy Finance Corporation Rod Bristow, CEO, Breakthrough Victoria #BlendedFinance #ClimateInvestment #NetZero #SustainableFinance #PrivateCapital #ClimateSolutions #ImpactInvesting #GreenEconomy #ClimateTransition #ClimateInvestor Forum

The momentum is building... less than 2 weeks to go! ?? Secure your seat as tickets are limited https://lnkd.in/gcQD7HMN A?MUST ATTEND?EVENT FOR ?? Investors To evaluate some of the best of the investable universe of climate solutions and connect with other investors from superfunds to VCs, PE, family offices, government funds and banks. ??Corporate Executives To connect with the cutting edge of solution providers, potential co-investors and partners to help deliver your decarbonisation agenda. ??Climate Solutions Companies and Projects To showcase solutions and network with potential corporate customers, commercial partners and investors. ??Government Funding Agencies? To connect with private investors to leverage government funds into the net zero transition. ??Climate Leaders To?influence, lead, motivate and guide corporate decision makers and the emerging climate investment community. Senior decision-making representatives from key industries including: Superfunds / Institutional Investors Private Equity Venture Capital Family Offices Impact Investors Banks Government funding agencies Corporate Venture Funds Company CFOs and Chief Sustainability Officers International Investors Along with CEO’s and senior representatives from companies delivering: #ClimateTech #Food and #Agriculture #BlueEconomy #NatureBasedSolutions #EnergyTransition #CircularEconomy #CriticalMinerals and #Resources #Buildings and #Infrastructure #Mobility and #Transport #ClimateInvestorForum #ClimateInvesting https://lnkd.in/gQJSh9bH

Join this influential network of leaders driving climate investing in the APAC region This is the Climate Event You Don't Want to Miss! Secure your place ?? https://lnkd.in/gcQD7HMN Dr. Zhengrong Shi,?Solar Innovation Global Pioneer Nicholas Moore AO,?Australia’s Special Envoy for Southeast Asia Dr. Valerie Speth, Managing Director, APAC Head of Climate Infrastructure,?Global Infrastructure Partners, a part of BlackRock David Scaysbrook, Co-Founder and Managing Partner,?Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners Marigold Look, Executive Director,?IFM Investors Aubrey Keller, Vice President, Emerging Technologies,?Temasek Ben O'Donnell, Chief Investment Officer,?Climate Asset Management The Hon. Matt Kean, Chair,?Climate Change Authority?and Director, Regulatory Affairs and Strategic Partnerships,?Wollemi Capital Alan Schwartz AO, Managing Director,?Trawalla Group Christina Tonkin, Managing Director, Corporate Finance,?ANZ Ian Learmonth, CEO,?CEFC Rod Bristow, CEO,?Breakthrough Victoria Fiona Messent, Chief Sustainability Officer,?Qantas Kobad Bhavnagri, Global Head Strategy,?BloombergBNEF Tim Buckley, Director,?Climate Energy Finance Andrew Bullock, Managing Director,?Adamantem Capital Kristin Vaughan, Managing Partner, Virescent Ventures Megan Flynn, Managing Director, Global Head of Advisory,?Pollination Melanie Brock AM, Non Executive Director,?Asahi Group Holdings,?Mitsubishi Estate?and?Kawasaki Heavy Industries Rebecca Mikula-Wright, CEO,?Investor Group on Climate Change (Aus/NZ)?and?Asia Investor Group on Climate Change Kristy Graham, CEO,?Australian Sustainable Finance Institute Lisa McLean, CEO & Managing Director, Circular Australia Beth Jones, Deputy Secretary and Chief Executive Agriculture Victoria,?DEECA Anjali Nelson, General Manager, New Initiatives, GreenCollar Heidi Lee, CEO, Beyond Zero Emissions Mick Liubinskas, CEO,?Climate Salad Megan Fisher, CEO,?EnergyLab Luke Menzel, CEO,?Energy Efficiency Council Nick Chiarelli, CEO,?Ocean Impact Organisation ? And special gala dinner keynote speakers DrCatherineBall.com,?Scientific Futurist H.E. Tshering Tobgay,?Prime Minister of Bhutan ? Be in the room for this timely and critically important gathering Register Now to secure you place before sold out ?? https://lnkd.in/gcQD7HMN Download the Full Program here ?? https://lnkd.in/gRQ58d2s

Which of these will be the next Unicorn? ?? ?? ANNOUNCING ?? ?? ?? 36 Presenting Climate Solutions Across 9 Key Sectors Don't miss out on APAC’s premier climate investment event,?now?unveiling the most investible, scalable, and commercially-ready solutions leading the charge to achieve Net- Zero. Register Here - https://lnkd.in/gcQD7HMN Element Zero Licella Jupiter Ionics Jet Zero Australia Unravel Carbon Nature IQ Project Green Poly- Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners Blue Carbon Akaysha Energy Southerly Ten Hysata ElectraLith Sea Forest Green Steel of WA ACEN Australia & Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation SILTRAX? HAMR Energy Conry Tech Earth Systems PlasmaLeap Technologies Planet Protector Packaging EnviroDNA Avani Solutions Evitat PIT Green Steel UNSW Sustainable Materials Research and Technology Number 8 bio Kwetta MCi Carbon ClimaSens GreenCollar Alt.Leather Accounting for Nature Pollination- ?Carbon Investments Yume Food Australia Pyrochar Join a dynamic network of climate themed investors, fund managers, banks, family offices, and institutional funds to?forge?co-investment and?strategic partnerships for investment opportunities, exclusive insights, new partnerships and connecting with climate leaders. #BlueEconomy #CircularEconomy #CriticalMinerals #resources #FoodandAgriculture #NatureBasedSolutions #ClimateTech #BuildingsandInfrastructure #EnergyTransition #MobilityandTransport