South Australians are encouraged to have their say on proposed amendments to the Climate Change Act that will strengthen the state’s response to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The proposed amendments include updating emission reduction targets to reflect South Australia’s commitment to reduce emissions by at least 50 per cent by 2030 from 2005 levels and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

To keep the state on track to achieve net zero, a proposed amendment will introduce interim targets set every five years between 2030 and 2050.

A state-wide emissions reduction plan will be required to be developed and updated in-line with interim targets.

South Australia’s renewable energy target also will be updated to 100 per cent net renewable electricity generation by the end of 2027 after the Premier recently brought the target forward by three years.

The state government says South Australia has reduced emissions by 42 per cent from 2005 levels and currently generates over 70 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources.

The Australian Energy Market Operator forecasts renewable energy generation could rise to about 93 per cent by 2025-26.

The draft Bill also includes a requirement for the government to prepare a state-wide climate risk assessment to ensure that South Australia has access to sound, science-based information about the risks and effects of climate change.

The state-wide climate risk assessment, which will be reviewed every five years, will consider the economic, social, and environmental risks and implications of climate change to help South Australians plan and prepare to adapt.

Feedback can be provided via the state Your Say website. All feedback will be considered by the government before the final Bill is tabled in parliament. Consultation on the draft Bill closes on Friday 5 April.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Susan Close says the state government is committed to building an economically strong, net zero emissions future and adapting to climate change.

“Amending the Climate Change Act will send a signal to markets, businesses and the community that South Australia is serious about tackling climate change, and is a place to invest in clean, low-emissions projects.

“The faster South Australia acts to reduce its global emissions in the coming decades, the less severe the impacts and risks will be.”