‘Within reach’: State and territory climate targets a ‘springboard’ to meeting national ambitions

Australia’s states and territories have advanced emission reductions so well it would allow the federal government to install a more ambitious 2035 climate target, new university research finds.

In some rare positive climate change news, the Monash University analysis finds state and territory climate targets equal an estimated 66 to 71 per cent reduction in Australia’s emissions by 2035.

“Current state and territory climate commitments collectively add up to a national equivalent target broadly aligned to limiting warming to well below 2C,” the researchers said.

The states and territories are making headway in cutting emissions in electricity, transport, buildings, industry, resources and agriculture.

“States and territories are giving us a clear picture of where the nation is headed – providing

certainty to policy decision-making and the market,” the researchers said.

“Just think how much more Australia could achieve with a strong national 2035 ambition.”

An independent body is figuring out the goalposts for emissions reductions that the federal government will present under its Paris Agreement obligations early next year.

The Paris Agreement means Australia has committed to the global goal of holding the increase in global average temperatures to well below 2C of warming and pursuing efforts to keep warming to less than 1.5C.

Law has passed in Canberra for a target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It includes an 82 per cent renewable electricity target.

This most recent Monash research shows the state and territory governments are pulling their weight with their respective targets, equating to 66 to 71 per cent of the national 2035 target.

The analysis has been done by the Climateworks Centre, which sits within the university and was founded by the academic institution along with the Myer Foundation.

“Seventy-one per cent can act as a springboard for Australia’s national ambition,” Climateworks Centre economies lead Kylie Turner said.

“However, action is needed to reduce emissions in line with the critical global 1.5C goal.”

There is hope the nation is on track to do our bit in limiting catastrophic environmental impacts.

“Climateworks’ latest report finds that state and territory targets add up to an estimated 40-44 per cent reduction in Australia’s emissions from 2005 levels by 2030, putting Australia’s legislated 2030 national emissions target of 43 per cent within reach,” Ms Turner said.

“Australia’s emissions traverse state and territory boundaries.

“Collaboration between state, territory and federal governments is crucial moving forward to 2030 and beyond.”