Sectors leading carbon emissions should be ‘named and famed’: Science and Technology Australia

The Australian climate change legislation should be passed with an additional commitment to highlighting those sectors leading the charge in reducing emissions, according to Science and Technology Australia.

In its submission to the Senate Inquiry, the peak body for Australia’s scientists and technologists said it supports the passage of the legislation and should be accompanied by a funding boost for research.

This research would help guide Australia’s emissions transition, climate adaptation and resilience-building measures.

Science and Technology Australia also wants the annual climate change statement to Parliament to include updates on emissions reduction progress by each industry sector – and an update on key climate science developments since the last statement.

Misha Schubert, CEO at Science and Technology said Australia’s science and technology sector strongly urges Parliament to pass this climate legislation.

“We welcome the commitment that the 43 percent target by 2030 is a ‘floor’, not a ‘ceiling’, for emissions reductions – and we strongly support ambitions to bolster this target in coming years,” she said.

“Climate change is an urgent threat. Australia must act concertedly in these crucial next few years to make our transition as smooth and successful as possible. A deeper investment in Australia’s outstanding climate scientists will ensure we continue to have the expertise we need to safeguard our economy, safety and prosperity.”

Under the proposed legislation, the Minister will deliver an annual climate change statement to Parliament on progress towards the target.

This statement should include an update sector-by-sector to identify those making significant progress – and speed the success of transition, Schubert said.

“‘Naming and faming’ sectors making swift strides towards the target will highlight examples of industry leaders and spur momentum in Australia’s transition.

“It will also send an important message that we are all working together to achieve a common goal, and making genuine progress.”

Schubert added, “The annual climate statement to Parliament should include an update on significant developments in climate science over the previous year, so Parliamentarians and the public can be assured policy decisions are informed by the latest science.”

Zali Steggall, federal independent minister for Warringah recently spoke to Digital Nation Australia about how the recent climate bill brought relief to the private sector.

“There was definitely a relief from the private sector to see that long-term goal legislated,” said Stegall.

“I consulted a lot with organisations, conservation and environmental, but also the Business Council of Australia and others. Overwhelmingly, what the private sector wants is they welcome legislating net zero so there can't be any uncertainty and you can't have that long-term goal up for political debate by the various parties or The Nationals, for example.”