Nation’s climate action capital sets world-leading environmental targets
31 May 2018
ACT Government: ACT Minister for
Climate Change
and Sustainability Shane Rattenbury announced the
ACT is among world
leaders in climate policy, setting a nation-leading target to achieve
zero net greenhouse gas
emissions by 2045 – bringing forward the
previous target of 2050 by five years.
“The
ACT is committed to tackling climate change by delivering ambitious
clean energy and zero net emission targets,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“Our new target of achieving zero net emissions by 2045 will lead the
nation, and stands among the world’s most progressive jurisdictions in
our commitment to delivering real climate action.
“In the coming months I will be introducing legislation into the ACT
Legislative Assembly to formalise both interim and final targets to get
us to zero net emissions by 2045.
“The new targets will be:
-
40% below 1990 levels by 2020 (on track to achieve this)
-
50-60% below 1990 levels by 2025
-
65-75% below 1990 levels by 2030
-
90-95% below 1990 levels by 2040
-
net zero emissions by 2045 (previously 2050).
“We have also commissioned expert economic modelling
examining the costs of meeting our new emission reduction targets. It
models out to 2030, in line with the 2030 interim target of 65-75%
(below 1990 levels).
“It shows we can meet the 65% target at a cost of about $32 per tonne of
abatement, which equates to about $5.8 million in 2030. This is
reasonable and achievable.
“However, it’s important to note that the modelling shows that our
emission reduction plan could even be cost neutral because of the
cost
savings and co-benefits that emission reduction policies achieve. We are
well-placed to respond to future technology and market changes as time
progresses.
“The interim targets are being set to send a clear signal to industry
and business so they can plan their investments accordingly and
capitalise on the opportunities that being a leader and early adopter
provides.”
The ACT Government has taken the advice of the ACT Climate Change
Council, which considered the level of emission reduction targets
required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change, as
well as the latest technological and economic developments.
“Importantly, the targets are achievable using current
technology. It will ensure the ACT plays its part in keeping global
warming to below 2 degrees.
“The new targets have been set following extensive consultation with the
Canberra community over recent months as part of developing the
ACT’s next climate strategy.
“Ongoing discussions with stakeholders and the community will help shape
climate change policy into the future. When finalised, the new climate
policy (2019-2025 Action Plan) will set a pathway of actions towards
meeting the first interim target to 2025.
“Climate change brings risks that will impact every aspect of our
society. Scientific evidence tells us there is an urgent need for action
on part of our communities, and our Governments, to get the job done.
“Canberra is again showing other cities around the world how climate
action can be realised.”
--ENDS--
Source: ACT Government - www.cmd.act.gov.au
Contact: Lisa Wills 0481 035 764
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