The NSW, ACT and SA Governments have reached a historic agreement on how to solve the practical problems of Australia’s goal in reaching net zero emissions.
The Net Zero Emissions Policy Forum, which was initiated by the three governments, will help the Governments by providing a repository of policies and resources that can help reduce emissions and grow economies without reinventing the wheel.
The Net Zero Emissions Policy Forum’s purpose is to:
- provide a repository of existing policies and resources that can be accessed by participants
- facilitate collaboration between governments to design policies and to work together to solve the problems of achieving net zero emissions
- enable problem-solving to address policy challenges and speed up the transition to net zero.
“Taking action on climate change is an economic and environmental imperative, and this is about ensuring states and territories are working together to address it,” NSW Treasurer and Energy Minister Matt Kean said.
“Greenhouse gas emissions do not recognise borders, and to tackle climate change we need a globally collaborative approach and that is what this forum is about.”
Under the forum, Governments can greatly benefit from its shared suite of tools that will prove vital in addressing some policy challenges.
“Sub-national Governments have a vital role to play in getting to net zero emissions because we have some of the most important levers such as transport, buildings and energy,” ACT Chief Minister and ACT Minister for Climate Action Andrew Barr said.
“This forum will drive a more collaborative approach to developing the policies to get to net zero emissions.”
Echoing the sentiments of his colleagues, SA Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said that the states have to speed up their transition to net zero by solving the technical, economic and policy obstacles.
“We are encouraging sub-national governments around the world to join, and help create the low carbon jobs and industries of the future while making sure we leave a better planet to our children and grandchildren,” he said.
With the forum, state and regional sub-national governments around the world are provided with an exchange of proven and mature capabilities as well as solutions to address common obstacles in reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
The Forum is an Under2 Coalition initiative supported by the Climate Group and ClimateWorks Australia. It will be directed by a Ministerial Group which will set the priorities for research and collaboration.
NSW will chair the Ministerial Group for the first 12 months. As the Forum grows, it is expected that it will be co-chaired by a leading subnational government from overseas.
Source: NSW Government Media Release