A recent report from ClimateWorks Australia shows that current state and territory interim targets combined translate to an estimated 37-42% reduction 2005 emissions Australia-wide by 2030. While this is short of what is needed, it is higher than Australia’s Paris commitment for 2030 of 26-28%  below 2005 levels.

State and territory climate action: Leading policies and programs in Australia details analysis of Australia’s state and territory climate targets, policies and programs that have been announced since the start of 2020.

Analysis finds that States and territories have allocated billions of dollars of funding to emissions reduction measures, and have also made significant and inventive regulatory and legislative changes. Some examples of targets and policies that directly target emissions reductions include:

• In buildings, Australia is leading the world on solar uptake, with increased action in energy efficiency and electrification. Modeling also showed a 44-49% improvement in residential building energy performance this decade to align with the Paris Agreement.
• In electricity, state and territory targets translate to a 55% renewable energy target Australia-wide by 2030 and governments are taking substantial action to ensure their implementation. As of July 2021, renewable electricity projects in the pipeline equate to over 10,000 MW of new generation and 1,400 MW of new storage.
• In transport, the two most populous states have targeted 50% of new car sales being electric by 2030, which translates to an estimated 30% of new car sales Australia-wide. Multiple jurisdictions are also addressing public transport emissions, powering rail with renewable electricity and transitioning bus fleets to electric vehicles.
• In industry, and agriculture and land – the harder-to-abate sectors – governments are beginning to address emissions and institute policies that will drive the changes needed this decade.

The report shows that different state and territory actions are stronger in different policy areas. Governments – in Australia and around the world – have an opportunity to learn from and build on the progress of their counterparts, and collaborate to address the emissions reductions and economic transformations needed to achieve net zero emissions.

More information here