Unpacked: South Australia’s journey to net zero

You may have found yourself thinking about climate change lately, particularly given we recently learnt that 2024 was Australia’s second-warmest year on record.

We know how easy it is to feel overwhelmed about the state of our environment. So, today we wanted to share some positive news.

The government recently released a new Net Zero Strategy 2024-2030, which will guide our state’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 60% by 2030 and progress to net zero emissions by 2050.

Want to learn more about the strategy? We have you covered with this guide.

What is climate change?

Put simply, climate change is a long-term change in temperature and weather patterns.

Human activities have been the main driver of climate change for the last few hundred years. This is primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) which produce greenhouse gas emissions.

Like the glass in a greenhouse, these emissions – which include carbon dioxide and methane – trap the sun’s heat that radiates from the Earth, preventing it from escaping back into space. You could think of it like a blanket being wrapped around the Earth and keeping all the warmth in.

South Australia’s average temperatures have risen by more than 1.5 degrees since the 1950s, and another one-degree increase is expected to occur by 2050.

What does ‘net zero’ mean?

Net zero means cutting greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible balanced by actions to capture and store carbon (such as by planting trees).

The goal of achieving net zero emissions is to limit the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere.

What is South Australia’s Net Zero Strategy and how does it help?

South Australia’s Net Zero Strategy outlines the government’s objectives, policy priorities and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

These actions recognise and build on efforts from industry, business, other governments, researchers, communities, and individuals to reduce emissions and support positive economic and social transformation.

To accelerate emissions reduction and promote low emissions economic opportunities, the strategy includes actions such as:

• growing green iron and steel production capability
• supporting primary producers to reduce on-farm emissions
• reducing emissions from food waste
• transitioning public transport fleet to zero emissions vehicles, and
• supporting research in low-emissions technologies.

To support a sustainable and inclusive net zero transition, the strategy also includes actions such as:

• energy efficiency upgrades to public housing
• providing reliable renewable energy for remote communities
• a hydrogen workforce plan, and
• exploring carbon farming opportunities with Aboriginal people.

Why do we need to transition to net zero?

By reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, we can work towards mitigating the impacts of climate change. It's an important step towards ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

As our climate changes, we are experiencing higher average temperatures and less average rainfall as well as more frequent and extreme heatwaves, drought, bushfires, storms and flooding.

These climate change impacts take a toll on our economy, our health and well-being and our environment.

The faster we cut greenhouse gas emissions, the more we contribute to global efforts to prevent the worst impacts of climate change.

How will the Net Zero Strategy benefit me?

Our local efforts will support global efforts to reduce emissions. We will all benefit from less air pollution, lowered health risks of heat-related illnesses, more energy efficient homes, reduced urban heat, increased biodiversity and greater protection of our natural environment.

Strong emissions targets and a credible net zero strategy will also help drive new clean industries, attract sustainable investment and help South Australia stay competitive in global markets that are transitioning to net zero emissions.

In fact, investment in new clean manufacturing, mining and production opportunities could result in up to $220 billion in additional cumulative gross state product to the South Australian economy by 2050.

What else is South Australia doing to combat climate change?

The South Australian Government is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change through a range of actions, including:

• Amendments to the state’s climate change legislation which will update emission reduction and renewable electricity targets and strengthen requirements around government planning, risk assessment and action on climate change.
• A Hydrogen Jobs Plan, which will deliver a world leading hydrogen power plant, electrolyser and storage facility in Whyalla.
  
• A Climate Ready Government initiative, which outlines how the public sector will manage climate related risks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its operations.
  
• A draft Biodiversity Bill – the first of its kind in South Australia – which is out for public consultation until 18 February 2025. We know biodiversity and climate change go hand in hand, and the draft Bill aims to better protect and restore our precious biodiversity for the long-term.
  

You can read more about these actions on the Department for Environment and Water’s website.

How can I help tackle climate change?

Making meaningful difference will take efforts from the government, business and individuals alike. It is easy to feel helpless when faced with such a big challenge, but there are some small, everyday things you can do to help.

Whether you work in a large corporate firm, or run your own small business, you might be interested in attending the Industry Climate Change Conference in May 2025.

Be part of this important event sharing the latest trends and innovations for business and industry to help support South Australia’s future net zero emissions and climate resilient economy.

You can also look for opportunities to reduce your emissions at home – which could include changing the way you travel, using power in your home more efficiently, investing in renewable energy, reducing your food waste or recycling.

Looking to learn more? Discover 10 fast facts on biodiversity.