The Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) strongly supports the commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 contained in two Climate Change Bills currently before Federal parliament.
ATSE has made a submission to the House of Representative Standing Committee on the Environment and Energy which is conducting an inquiry into the Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation and Mitigation) Bill 2020 and the Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation and Mitigation) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2020.
Chief Executive Kylie Walker said ATSE firmly believes urgent action is needed to reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
“The science and lived experience of climate change is clear, and was brought into sharp relief by last summer’s horror bushfire season,” Ms Walker said.
“Mitigation responses are critical to reduce the rate of warming.”
ATSE’s submission on the Climate Change Bills supports the 2050 target for net zero emissions and the proposed core pillars of risk assessment, adaptation planning and technology assessments.
The Academy believes there’s merit in the implementation of five-yearly emissions budgets and the proposal for an independent climate change commission to monitor progress.
ATSE would also be ready to assist in routine assessments of Australia’s low emissions technology readiness.
“Legislation will create certainty for investment and is a critical element of Australia’s strategy to reduce emissions, but it’s not enough by itself to achieve the nominated target,” Ms Walker said.
“The Climate Change Bills need to be accompanied by a national policy, strategy, research, and technology development.”
ATSE is optimistic that with strong leadership from government and active participation by industry Australia would be well-placed to meet the challenges of climate change.
Media note
ATSE’s submission can be found here, and emissions target explainer here.
Media
Liz Foschia
liz.foschia@atse.org.au
0419 976 903