Insights from the Climate Investor Forum
Our team attended the 2026 Climate Investor Forum last month and have shared some key takeaways that connect back to our role supporting climate resilience across South East Melbourne.
The opening session at the 2026 Climate Investor Forum highlighted the special role councils play in responding to climate change, further evidence of the importance of groups like SECCCA. On the frontline of climate impacts, councils are also the innovators and implementers of solutions — leading with purpose, mission and community trust as highlighted by Melbourne Lord Mayor Cr Nicholas Reece in his opening remarks.
Despite growing climate risk and public debt, the global economy continues to grow, and there is enough capital to respond to the climate crisis. The challenge is not availability — it’s mobilisation, and shifting focus from today’s pressures to tomorrow’s risks (Richard Yetsenga, Group Chief Economist at ANZ). Insights from events like this Forum are particularly useful in supporting our Financing Flood Resilient Infrastructure project.
Another key takeaway was that the world is in an economics-led transition. Investment is flowing fast into EVs and electricity grids, but this alone still puts us on a ~2.6°C trajectory. To move faster, we need stronger policy, investment in nature, and above all: electrification (Kobad Bhavnagri, Head of Strategy, BloombergNEF).
Across panels, consistent themes emerged:
Close the gap between ambition and action
Take a portfolio view, not a tick box approach
Get comfortable with volatility — especially in nature
Invest with integrity, long term conviction and social licence
Nature-based investment must deliver social, cultural and environmental outcomes first — the financial and carbon benefits follow.
The transition will be led by those who act early, think long term, and lead beyond their own balance sheets. Events like this provide an excellent opportunity to reflect on the important thought leadership role SECCCA plays on behalf of its members, and to connect with a diverse range of stakeholders, including potential investors.