Dr. Larry Marshall, former CSIRO chief and current chair of Fortescue’s Innovation Committee, has significantly influenced Australia’s net zero roadmap. Drawing from his Stanford and Silicon Valley experience, Marshall spearheaded CSIRO’s first net zero plan in 2016, later adopted by the government. While it maps a path to net zero by 2050, challenges persist, including reliance on gas for grid stability and emissions from agriculture and heavy industry.
Marshall emphasizes transparency and global collaboration to tackle “wicked” problems like cost-effective hydrogen integration and agricultural emissions. Innovations such as feeding seaweed to cattle to reduce methane and AI-powered grid solutions provide hope. Despite progress, achieving real zero remains a monumental task.
Beyond net zero, Marshall sees opportunities in Australia’s materials science, green iron, and semiconductor capabilities, aligned with U.S. climate initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act. He advocates leveraging Australia’s unique resources to ascend the global value chain while maintaining strategic relationships with the U.S. and China.
Marshall’s optimism lies in innovation, collaboration, and embracing emerging technologies to navigate the complexities of sustainability.
Read more details in the Fifth Estate.
