SA ahead of the game on emissions target
South Australia is on track to achieving its 2050 net zero target, with new greenhouse gas emissions data revealing a 57 per cent reduction in the state’s net emissions compared with 2005 levels.
It means South Australia has surpassed its commitment to reduce net emissions by at least 50 per cent by 2030, although emissions fluctuate from year to year and the state needs to remain focused on delivering a net zero future.
Annual data recently released in the latest Australian Government State and Territory Greenhouse Gas Inventory shows South Australia’s net emissions dropped from 26,474 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e) in 2012-13 to 15,821 kilotonnes in 2021-22.
A major factor in emissions reduction has been South Australia’s increased renewable energy generation, with more than 70 per cent of the state’s electricity now generated by renewable sources.
Other major factors in recent years include:
- Increased rain in South Australia and the eastern states, which has meant improved soils and soil conversion of carbon through higher crop yields and grassland grazing pastures
- Improved growth in forests, tree canopy and parks from additional rainfall
- Changes in land use and agricultural land practices, including less land clearing, changes in timber plantation planting and harvesting, increased vegetation growth following flooding and bushfires, particularly in the eastern states.
The latest emissions data follows the Australian Government undertaking a revision of data methodology and improved modelling to estimate state and territory emissions.
