Achieving the transition to net zero in Australia
Australia has committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and
more recently outlined a more ambitious intermediate target for emission reductions
by 2030. However, achieving these targets will be challenging given a historical reliance
on coal generation and the presence of significant mining and agriculture sectors.
It will require a rapid transformation of the electricity grid, significant emissions
reductions in highly-polluting sectors such as industry and agriculture, and sufficient
offsets generated by “negative emissions” technologies and practices to counterbalance
any emissions that cannot be fully eliminated. At the same time, Australia is particularly
vulnerable to the physical impacts of climate change, as the driest inhabited continent
on the planet with the majority of the population living on the coasts. Further significant
reforms are required to meet the emission reduction goals, support the reallocation
of workers and adapt to climate change.
Published on April 24, 2024
In series:OECD Economics Department Working Papersview more titles