ACT calls for comment on new climate change strategy

The ACT is developing its next climate change strategy, and has released a discussion paper for feedback by 9 April 2018.

The discussion paper proposes a date of 2045 or earlier by which the ACT can reach net zero emissions, and proposes firm interim targets for 2025, 2030 and 2040.

Other key proposals of the discussion paper are:

• avoiding buying carbon offsets in the event the Government misses a target

• placing a monetary value on any emissions the ACT creates in excess of its target (based on the ‘social cost of carbon’) and reinvesting this money in emission reduction measures

• reducing emissions across all sectors including transport and natural gas.

It identifies the sectors where emission reductions must occur, and begins to explore the actions needed to achieve them.

The climate change strategy will be developed in consultation with the advisory group, the climate change council, and the wider community.

The consultation paper is available at https://www.yoursay.act.gov.au/zero-emissions