Strengthening South Australia’s response to climate change
South Australians are encouraged to have their say on proposed amendments to the Climate Change Act that will strengthen the state’s response to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The proposed amendments include updating emission reduction targets to reflect South Australia’s commitment to reduce emissions by at least 50 per cent by 2030 from 2005 levels and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
To keep the state on track to achieve net zero, a proposed amendment will introduce interim targets set every five years between 2030 and 2050.
A state-wide emissions reduction plan will be required to be developed and updated in-line with interim targets.
South Australia’s renewable energy target also will be updated to 100 per cent net renewable electricity generation by the end of 2027 after Premier Peter Malinauskas recently brought the target forward three years.
South Australia has reduced emissions by 42 per cent from 2005 levels and currently generates over 70 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources.
The Australian Energy Market Operator forecasts renewable energy generation could rise to about 93 per cent by 2025-26.
The draft Bill also includes a requirement for the government to prepare a state-wide climate risk assessment to ensure that South Australia has access to sound, science-based information about the risks and effects of climate change.
The state-wide climate risk assessment, which will be reviewed every 5 years, will consider the economic, social, and environmental risks and implications of climate change to help South Australians plan and prepare to adapt.
Department for Environment and Water Climate Change Director Mary-Anne Healy said the department was working with the government and the South Australian community to tackle the threats of climate change.
“Climate change will affect all of South Australia, so we are calling on the community to provide feedback on the proposed changes to the Climate Change Act.”
Feedback can be provided via www.yoursay.sa.gov.au/climate-change-bill. All feedback will be considered by the government before the final Bill is tabled in parliament. Consultation on the draft Bill closes on Friday 5 April.
