Australia’s 2030 emissions reduction target has been announced, in preparation for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) next meeting in Paris, and part of the Government’s plan to combat climate change.

Australia will commit to a 26-28 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 2005 levels by 2030.

The 2030 target will constitute a reduction of 50 per cent per head of population between 2005 and 2030, and a reduction of 64 per cent of emissions per unit of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

In 2005 Australia’s greenhouse emissions were at 612 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent (MtCO2-e). Australia’s 2020 target is a reduction to 533 million MtCO2-e. The Government’s 2030 target is 441-453 million MtCO2-e. The 2030 emission reduction target will require a yearly reduction of 0.9 per cent between 2010 and 2020 and a subsequent 1.6-1.9 per cent reduction every year between 2020 and 2030. In 2012-2013, Australia’s emissions were estimated to be 549 MtCO2-e.

In order to achieve the reduction target the Government has adopted a series of policies, part of its Direct Action plan. These include the Emissions Reduction Fund and its Safeguard Mechanism, the Renewable Energy Target scheme, application of Minimum Energy Performance Standards for new appliances and buildings and the 20 Million Trees programme.

The Government also announced it would consult with the public on various policy proposals. These include:

• Developing a National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy;
• Prioritising a National Energy Productivity Plan, developed by the Council of Australian Governments’ (COAG) Energy Ministers to increase energy productivity in Australia;
• Reviewing Australia’s emissions reduction policies between 2017 and 2018, including consultation with businesses and the community;
• Phasing down hydrofluorocarbons levels in household appliances; and
• Developing a strategy to improve the utilisation of solar power.

The Green Building Council of Australia has welcomed the Government’s commitment to address climate change but notes that more ambitious targets are required to meet Australia’s obligations and seize the opportunities of a low-carbon economy.

The Climate Change Authority recommends a 2025 target of 30 per cent below 2000 levels, with a further 40-60 per cent reduction by 2030. These recommendations align with those announced by other developed nations.

Analysis by ClimateWorks Australia has demonstrated that the energy intensity of buildings can be halved by 2050, and that Australia can achieve net zero emissions, by using technologies and processes that exist today.

Read the Australian Government statement here.

Read the GBCA media release here.