Australia’s Climate Change Authority has outlined emissions reduction pathways for key sectors in a roadmap that will inform the government’s plan to reach net zero by 2050. The review identified strategies and actions to overcome barriers to decarbonisation in six areas: agriculture and land; built environment; electricity and energy; industry and waste; transport; and resources. “To achieve a rapid and orderly transition to net zero, all sectors of the economy, along with all levels of government, must plan and act together,” said Chair Matt Kean. As well as mature technologies such as solar and wind for electricity generation and batteries for energy storage, opportunities exist for the rapid development of emerging low-emission technologies – such as hydrogen and carbon removal. Kean said technology uptake, investment and cooperation were critical success factors for Australia’s net zero transition, calling on developers of renewables projects to engage with regional communities about infrastructure’s role in the energy transition, and better explain the sharing of benefits from its rollout. The report also recommended the Australian government work with local, state and territory governments, businesses, communities and households to build on existing climate-change policies, reform-development approval processes, as well as to address mounting workforce shortages. “Policy credibility, stability and certainty are crucial to keep capital flowing towards Australia’s clean industries,” said Erwin Jackson, Managing Director of Policy at the US$35 trillion-backed Investor Group on Climate Change. “That means good jobs, training opportunities and income across the country.”
