The Marshall Liberal Government has taken yet another step to secure South Australia’s position as a global leader in taking action against climate change by committing to enshrine the State’s ambitious emission reduction targets in legislation, ahead of the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP26).
The State Government has already committed to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and has gone one step further with a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 per cent by 2030.
Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said the decision showed that the Marshall Liberal Government is fully committed to its targets, and is beyond slogans and rhetoric.
“Our current Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007 is outdated, and our ambitious goals are well beyond the targets mentioned in the current act for emissions reduction and renewable energy production,” Minister Speirs said.
“This is why we will move to update the Act and legislate the state’s target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 per cent by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.”
Today’s commitment is another example for South Australia to showcase its climate change action credentials on the world stage when Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs virtually attends the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP26).
“The Marshall Liberal Government has a practical approach to help build a strong, climate smart economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support South Australia to adapt to a changing climate and importantly create local jobs for the future,” Minister Speirs said.
“Our government has provided hundreds of millions of dollars of investment across our environment and energy portfolios as well as developing our Climate Change Action Plan 2021-2025, which is the most powerful vision for climate action of any South Australian Government in history.
“South Australia has always led the way when it comes to climate change action and renewable energy and I am proud to be able to showcase our achievements on a world stage at COP26.
“Demand for low emissions and climate smart products is growing, and South Australia is well equipped to use our abundance of sun, wind and other natural resources to take full advantage of this growing demand.
“South Australia’s transformation to a net zero emissions economy and a national and international exporter of clean energy could mean achieving a level of renewable energy that is more than five times the current local grid demand by 2050.
“Addressing climate change has its challenges, but it also can bring significant opportunities for South Australia.
“Our government’s approach recognises this, and we are committed to ensuring that investment and jobs in low emissions and climate resilient business and industry are a key focus of ours.”
Climate change initiatives since March 2018
* Interconnector – underwrite early works
* Home battery scheme – $118 million
* Grid Scale Storage Fund – $50 million
* Electric Vehicle Action Plan $18 million
* Hydrogen Action Plan
* Primary industries carbon transformation projects – $1.5 million (seaweed industry productivity and methane emissions)
* Securing the future of our coastline $61.1 million
* Conserving Private Land conservation $3 million
* Greener Neighbourhoods $8 million
* Shellfish reefs $5.4 million
* Blue carbon $2 million
* Expansion of prescribed burning program – $28.4 million over 4 years + $9 million ongoing
Find out more at https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/climate-change/climate-change-action-plan-2021-2025
