Safe Climate: The impacts of the climate crisis are being felt everywhere. But we still have time to act and avoid the worst outcomes, rapid and deep cuts to greenhouse pollution this decade will save lives, livelihoods, species and ecosystems. All around the world, extreme weather events are becoming more intense and destructive and changes to climate and rainfall patterns are impacting crops and livestock, disrupting access to food. In Victoria, more extreme drought, longer bushfire seasons and heatwaves are making life more difficult and dangerous. But we still have time to act and avoid the worst outcomes, rapid and deep cuts to greenhouse emissions this decade will save lives, livelihoods, species and ecosystems.
VICTORIA’S ROLE
Victoria can build on its leadership in clean energy and pave the way for the industries of the future by setting a clear direction and embracing decisive action. Each year, our state releases around 108.7 million tonnes of greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. The main source of this pollution is burning fossil fuels – like coal, oil, and gas – for energy and transport. In 2019, the energy sector accounted for 70% of Victoria’s emissions, transport was responsible for 25%, agriculture contributed 17%, industrial processes and product use 4%, and the waste sector a further 4% of Victoria’s emissions. Victoria’s current targets are to cut greenhouse emissions for 2030 by 45%-50% below 2005 levels. But the latest scientific analysis shows that a 74% reduction of 2005 emissions by 2030 is required to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees. To reduce our emissions in line with 1.5 degree targets, Victoria will need to transform its energy sector, our biggest source of greenhouse gas pollution. Research shows that with the right policies, including ambitious renewable targets and an end of public funding to fossil fuel companies, Victoria can completely replace polluting fossil fuels for electricity generation and move to 100% renewables by 2030.