State of our climate

CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology have recently released an excellent summary of State of the Climate snapshot. This document sets out the compelling evidence that climate change is real, unavoidable and already happening in Australia. Governments, businesses and communities must work together to consider how we mitigate and deal with climate change in Australia. Together we must develop, and transition to, a low carbon, digital economy.

Leading businesses are rethinking commercial models, operations, business practices and enhancing their ability to deal with change. Against the backdrop of continuing national debate regarding political action, many leading Australian businesses continue to make serious investments in their environmental sustainability programs - in order to "future-proof" their businesses and to remain globally and nationally competitive.

Microsoft believes that software and computer technology innovations will play a significant role in supporting Australian businesses address these challenges. As an ICT industry, we have the opportunity to innovate and support our customers as they develop new products, business practices and reduce their own carbon emissions.

Recently the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) released a significant study into environmental sustainability and the role of the Australian technology industry. The study reveals that 77% of Australian technology firms have developed, or are currently developing, a strategic direction around the business opportunities associated with climate change.

This video highlights the opportunity:
VIDEO

Microsoft remains committed to the development of software and technology that helps people and organisations around the world lower their environmental impact and address the pressing issue of climate change.

We also remain committed to reducing our own environmental footprint. Our global goal is to reduce our carbon emissions by 30% by 2012 (based on 2007 levels). For further information on our environment program, please visit: www.microsoft.com.au/environment

Beth Worrall, Environment and Sustainability Lead, Microsoft Australia