The transition to a net zero economy is putting key business capabilities in finance, accounting, strategy, governance, marketing, economics, and management in high demand. Meeting renewable energy targets, mandatory climate reporting, and mitigating climate risks will require more graduates with capabilities in carbon accounting, climate risk analysis, ESG reporting and assurance, scenario modelling, clean energy finance, and circular economy strategy. Companies in Australia and regionally will rely on expert developed by researchers in ABDC-member business schools to address adaptation challenges.

In this report, we document the strategic responses of Australian business schools across standards and accreditation, leadership, partnerships with industry, research and curriculum from 2022 to 2025. Over this short period, climate has become a core in many business schools, and this is a testament both to collective action in the ABDC network, and the success of the coordinating role the ABDC Climate Fellow has played. Associate Professor Melissa Edwards from UNSW Business School’s Centre for Social Impact has served in the ABDC Climate Fellow role, establishing networks and forums for ABDC members to collaborate and exchange insights to integrate climate action across business school curriculum, research, graduate competency, and partnerships.

The ABDC’s strategic approach to climate action is supported by the ABDC Declaration on Climate Action, which was endorsed in 2022. Through the declaration, member business schools acknowledge the fundamental changes to economy and society that net zero transition necessitates, and the vital importance of business disciplines to navigating the transition. The declaration was made in recognition of the critical role that business schools play in educating the next generation of business leaders and the ABDC’s capacity as a peak body to coordinate and pursue a strategic approach to support climate action.

The ABDC has also worked collaboratively with the Australia-New Zealand Chapter of Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) to establish a joint working group and community of practice. A key success of this group has been the development of a cross institutional carbon literacy training (CLT) program that has resulted in a community of over 30 business schools certifying over 100 practitioners. This collaboration continues, with biannual community of practice events being a valuable forum to share best practice, resources, and ideas.

From this promising start, ABDC business schools are continuing to embed climate action across business school functions. This report documents the transformational progress made to date and gives a call to action for business schools to position climate capability as a defining institutional strength — preparing the workforce for transition planning and adaptation and leading by example in our climate performance across teaching, research, and operations.