Every state and territory in Australia has now committed to a net-zero emissions target.
This was made official today after the Northern Territory announced its plan to hit net-zero by 2050.
Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie welcomed the Northern Territory’s “Climate Change Response: Towards 2050” announcement.
“Every state and territory has now adopted a net-zero target, meaning Australia now has a de facto national net-zero target,” she said.
“The states and territories are leading the charge in tackling climate change and showing that they are serious about protecting Australians from worsening extreme weather.
“Darwin is in the climate firing line, and if climate change continues unabated, then the city is expected to experience 43 days above 35 degrees on average each year by 2030 and up to 265 by 2090.”
McKenzie said the national net-zero target is a message to all investors that Australia will be out of fossil fuels by 2050.
She said the NT has some of the best solar resources in the world and can harness that power to lead its economy out of the COVID-19 crisis and set up for the growth industries of the future.
“I would also implore the NT government not to develop any new gas projects. Net-zero emissions can only be achieved by ending fossil fuel developments,” she said.
The NT Climate Change Response also includes a 50% renewable energy target by 2030.
NT Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, Eva Lawler, said the targets will be managed by the newly created portfolios of the Office of Climate Change and the Office of Sustainable Energy.
Lawler said climate-smart policy is smart economic policy. “Our Labor Government’s strong environmental policy is securing our natural assets and unlocking social, cultural, and economic opportunities for Territorians,” she said.