It began with a bet between billionaires. In March 2017, Atlassian chief Mike Cannon-Brookes challenged Tesla boss Elon Musk to make good on a thought bubble about using batteries to solve South Australia's energy problems. "Tesla will get the system installed and working 100 days from contract signature or it is free," Mr Musk replied.

There's a growing consensus on the urgent need to bring down carbon emissions, and the global rallying cry is net zero. This isn't just a climate target, it's become a badge of commitment. There's also a realisation that it won't be easy.

As organisations are forced to confront unprecedented rises in energy costs, an emerging group of Australian innovators in the energy sector is finding new opportunities and scaling for growth.

The free program which starts on August 2 will see 40 successful applicants selected to participate in workshops and presentations that will give them the know-how and skills to raise funds (whether it be angel investing, crowdfunding or venture capital), how to create a business model, a go-to-market strategy, and more.

Home owners could soon save money on loans and insurance by making their homes more energy efficient, while banks and insurers gain new insights into the sustainability of their residential portfolios, thanks to Adelaide-based fintech startup ValAi.

We asked six environmental experts to each nominate a book about the climate crisis that offers hope.

The pro-business, pro-environment ‘teal independents’ could help to usher in a greener government in the May 21 vote

The billionaire venture capitalist said the study of climate change and sustainability would be the “new computer science.”

Grok Ventures believe the Board’s plan to split AGL into two companies would deliver a terrible outcome for shareholders, customers, Australian taxpayers and the planet. Decarbonisation is one of Australia’s biggest economic opportunities and a vital challenge the world needs to solve.