Interim emission reduction target a must for Western Australia
The Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Bill tabled in State Parliament today provides a critical step forward for the Western Australian Government if it intends to achieve its 2050 carbon emissions reduction commitment.
The bill, introduced by WA Greens MP Brad Pettitt, proposes an interim emissions reduction target - a reduction of at least 50 percent of 2005 levels by 2030.
WA is one of just two Australian states without an interim target.
Also launched today, the Sunshot: Australia’s opportunity to create 395,000 clean export jobs report shows there are remarkable opportunities to create more than 41,000 clean export jobs across WA, primarily in the mining and refining of critical minerals and metals, such as green steel, aluminium and lithium required for clean energy technologies.
The report, commissioned by the Australian Conservation Foundation, the Business Council of Australia, WWF and Australian Council of Trade Unions, found a transition to renewable power could create 395,000 new jobs across the country and generate $89 billion in new trade by 2040 through investment in clean energy exports.
Quotes attributable to Clean State Director Olivia Chapman:
“The world is fast moving towards net zero emissions and that presents significant opportunities for Western Australia in the creation of clean and secure jobs within sustainable industries,” Ms Chapman said.
“WA has enormous potential to become a national and global leader in renewables, but we need strong commitment and leadership from the State Government in order to secure private investment.
“In recent weeks, we have seen substantial investments go to other Australian states which have clear pathways in place to decarbonise their economies.
“The introduction of an interim 2030 emissions reduction target would send a strong message that WA is serious about climate action and achieving zero emissions by 2050."
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Cheryl Balfour - 0421 881 757 / [email protected]