Climate Institute to shut down, citing lack of funds for independent research

Chairman says cost of inaction on climate change is clear and issue shouldn't be used to fight 'political and ideological battles'

The Climate Institute will shut its doors after 12 years of providing independent advocacy and research towards climate change solutions, citing lack of funding.

Australia's first non-government organisation focused solely on climate change has a reputation for independence but its chairman, Mark Wootton, used its closure to take a parting shot at "some in government" who have used the environment as a proxy for ideological battles.