With the NT releasing its Climate Change Response on July 9, which set the territory the target of being net-zero by 2050, it means every state and territory in Australia has now committed to a net-zero emissions target.
The NT’s Response is built around four key objectives:
- Reducing emissions to achieve net zero emissions target by 2050
- Building a resilient Territory that adapts and responds to the impacts of climate change
- Unlocking the opportunities from a low-carbon future
- Informing and involving all Territorians in the climate change response.
Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie has welcomed the plan, stating Australia now has a de facto national net-zero target.
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“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,” Ms McKenzie said.
“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.
“The national net-zero target is a message to all investors. Australia will be out of fossil fuels by 2050.
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“The NT has some of the best solar resources in the world and can harness that incredible power to lead its economy out of the COVID-19 crisis and set up for the growth industries of the future.”
Ms McKenzie added that a clean-jobs recovery can drive huge amounts of private clean energy investment, create jobs and help to protect communities in the Northern Territory.
“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.
