With a pledge to reduce emissions by 70 per cent (on 2005 levels) by 2035, NSW has joined the list of Australian states and territories committing to tougher climate action today.
The Climate Council has hailed the revised target as a promising start towards the deeper emissions reductions required to face the challenge of the climate emergency.
Climate Council Head of Advocacy Dr Jennifer Rayner said Australia’s most populated state is on track to reach and perhaps exceed the targets.
“We are particularly pleased to see the projection that NSW will meet its target of halving emissions by 2030. This is very promising and sets the state up to drive even deeper cuts to emissions,” Dr Rayner stated.
According to Dr Rayner, this year in Australia, there is a tremendous sense of momentum towards a clean future. She added that in Queensland, Victoria, and now NSW, substantially tougher targets for renewable energy and emissions reduction had been announced. She said it’s encouraging to see governments competing to be first in the race to net zero, and Australians will profit.
“The further and faster states go on reducing emissions, investing in clean energy technologies like renewables, storage and energy efficiency and phasing out fossil fuels, the more benefits they’ll unlock. That’s why it’s essential we keep pushing towards deep cuts in emissions this decade,” Dr Rayner stated.
Climate Councillor Nicki Hutley said it’s encouraging to see the NSW Government raising ambition and investment in net zero transition while also addressing some of the impediments, such as skills shortages.
“The not so good news, however, is the ongoing approval of new fossil fuel developments, primarily for export. Scope 3 emissions will harm Australians by driving more extreme weather, fires and floods, no matter where they are burned,” Hutley stated.
To address the urgency of the climate problem and in accordance with science, the Climate Council advises that states and territories reduce glasshouse gas emissions by 75 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, with the goal of reaching net zero by 2035.
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