Building on principles in our Net Zero Position Statement, ATSE is undertaking an ongoing program of work: Technology Towards Net Zero. This series of webinars, explainers, and primers aims to demystify applied science concepts and innovative technologies that will help Australia on a technology-led transition to net zero emissions.
Net Zero Emissions refers to the accounting balance between a country’s greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere and any ‘negative emissions’ – through natural or technological solutions – that remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
Becoming a Net Zero Nation
ATSE calls on the Federal Government to commit to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. ATSE stated in a new position statement, that immediate, substantial and concerted action is needed to rescue the diminishing window of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Read the ATSE Position Statement: Becoming a net zero nation
Here and now: The state of low emissions technology in Australia
Australia is in the throes of an energy crisis, with electricity generation prices around 115% above the previous highest average wholesale price ever recorded. All states are achieving record highs for renewables powering our system. What are the opportunities for Australia’s transition to a decarbonised electricity system?
Read the ATSE Explainer: Here and now: The state of low emissions technology in Australia
Powering the net zero transition: Electricity security explained
The short report Powering the Net Zero Transition: Electricity Security Explained responds to electricity as a critical lynchpin for driving decarbonisation across a wide range of sectors, like transport, buildings, and industry.
Read the ATSE Explainer: Powering the net zero transition: Electricity security explained
Energy Forum: Net Zero Emissions Position Statement
Achieving net zero emissions is critical to Australia must commit to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest, and set a more ambitious interim emissions target for 2030. To achieve more ambitious targets, Australia should prioritise the immediate deployment of existing mature, low-carbon technologies which can make deep cuts to high-emitting sectors before 2030 and develop a net zero emissions policy and implementation framework.
Read the ATSE Position Statement: Net Zero Emissions
Carbon Neutral Agriculture: Webinar Series
Agriculture, as a major greenhouse gas emitter, faces significant challenges in meeting net zero emissions targets. None-the-less, Australian agricultural industries are enthusiastically embracing the challenge – using technology to improve sustainable farming and reduce their emissions. In 2021, the Agriculture and Food Forum presented a Carbon Neutral Agriculture webinar series to explore the challenges and opportunities for Australian agriculture and food.
WATCH THE WEBINARS
Carbon Neutral Agriculture: Myth or Reality
Carbon Neutral Agriculture: Future Investment and Technology
Soil carbon explainer
More carbon is stored in soil than in the atmosphere and all plant life combined. Soil carbon sequestration is the process in which carbon dioxide (CO2) is removed from the atmosphere by plants and stored in soils. Sequestering carbon in soils not only removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere but can also improve soil health, potentially increasing agricultural yields and delivering ecosystem benefits — but what are the barriers to this technology becoming a widespread emissions reduction strategy?