Australia has embarked on an ambitious path to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The country’s plans include cutting them by 62-70 percent by 2035 and going net zero by 2050. This effort echoes a growing concern about climate change, especially the anticipated effects of rising global temperatures. Climate scenarios The government carries out its National Risk Assessment by modeling scenarios for 1.5, 2 and 3 degrees of warming. This analysis brings into focus the compelling case for urgent, immediate action.
Critics are voicing their concerns over the National Adaptation Plan. They contend that it’s short on vision and the guiding probabilities to drive smart, efficient implementation of policy. To achieve these targets, Australia must have a strong plan for large-scale carbon sequestration through regeneration and land management practices.
The Sequestration Challenge
To achieve its emissions target of net zero by 2035, Australia must sequester an additional roughly 100 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. To reach this ambitious goal, we need the biggest reforestation project ever. In fact, experts calculate that we only need to reforest about 10 million hectares of land with new trees. This is fundamental in order to reach the goal of a commercial scale capture.
The region needed for this community engagement effort would be impressive as well – it’s around four times the size of Victoria, Texas. Beyond the sheer magnitude of a 1 trillion tree reforestation endeavor, there are difficult logistical questions to address and land use priorities to consider. Though an ambitious target, it provides a platform for economic rejuvenation with the creation of green jobs and investment in sustainable practices.
“This is an ambitious but achievable target … and it presents Australia with an enormous economic and jobs opportunity.” – Chris Bowen
Global Comparisons and Responsibilities
China has committed to a 65 percent emissions intensity reduction by 2030. China took an extraordinary step in the first half of this year. They deployed more solar capacity than the whole rest of the world put together…two times over. This unprecedented growth in renewable energy is indicative of a much broader trend towards sustainable development brewing in one of the world’s largest and most dynamic economies.
The Climate Council has made it abundantly clear that Australia must commit to and achieve net zero emissions by 2035. This target is critically important to avoid an unsafe warming level of 2 degrees Celsius, or more. The implications of surpassing this threshold are alarming: a 2 degrees Celsius rise is predicted to have severe consequences for ecosystems and human health, while a 3 degrees Celsius increase would be catastrophic.
The Stakes of Inaction
The urgency felt around these emission reduction targets is real, and honestly shouldn’t be measured differently. The international scientific consensus is that if we do not achieve net zero emissions by 2040 at the latest, we will face catastrophic climate consequences. As Australia finds its way towards these ambitious goals, the importance of strong policy and implementation only grows more important.
The finance side of Australia’s commitment is to double its annual climate finance by 2024, with special focus on the Pacific region and Southeast Asia. Furthermore, by 2050, the country will need to scale this effort up significantly, with a requirement to remove 150 million tonnes annually to offset ongoing emissions. This monumental task requires new solutions and partnership between the public, private and non-profit sectors.
“Optimistic” – Anonymous statement regarding perspectives from politicians and scientists
Australia’s road ahead won’t just take grit — it’ll take co-operation between governments, sectors and communities. The implementation of these groundbreaking initiatives will only be a success if they prioritize clear, thorough communication and engagement with stakeholders in every sector involved.
