Australian software company Atlassian has committed to a net zero carbon emissions target by 2050, with co-founder Michael Cannon-Brookes calling on the Federal Government to make it easier for businesses to take action on climate change.
Attending the United Nations Climate Action Summit this week in New York, Mr Cannon-Brookes told 7.30 that Australian businesses craved "long-term government policy".
"We don't have a credible climate or energy policy in Australia at the moment," Mr Cannon-Brookes said.
"Any policy at all with stability is the first thing that businesses ask for.
"I think the Government should firstly set concrete targets, both for renewable energy by 2035, and secondly, to how we're going to get to a net zero carbon economy by 2050."
He said his company's decision "will be good for our profitability over the long term".
"Climate change is a huge problem affecting the global economy and businesses. Anything that makes our business more sustainable economically is going to be good for our shareholders in the long term."
Mr Canon-Brookes said climate change "is affecting businesses, individuals, our employees — you saw that with millions and millions of people coming out on Friday".
"It's not an issue that business should have its head in the sand on."
The multi-billion-dollar software company had previously committed to using 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025.
