The South Australian Liberal government is at odds with its federal counterpart on climate change action, this week announcing legislation for 2030 targets.

The federal government has taken a just-in-time approach, last week adopting net zero carbon emissions by 2050, but refusing to commit to shorter-term targets.

In line with most other states, South Australia has already committed to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and has gone one step further with a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 per cent by 2030.

Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs says the decision shows that the state government is fully committed to its targets, and is beyond slogans and rhetoric.

“Our current Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007 is outdated, and our ambitious goals are well beyond the targets mentioned in the current act for emissions reduction and renewable energy production,” he says.

“This is why we will move to update the Act and legislate the state's target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 per cent by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Australia is on track to meet and beat its commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 26-28 percent by 2030, but will not set a target.

Neither will the federal government legislate its 2050 net zero target, which is the minimum aim he could take to the United Nations (COP 26) climate talks in Scotland next month.

Current action by state governments is likely to reduce Australia’s emissions by 35 per cent by 2030.

Minister Speirs will attend the COP 26 conference virtually and says South Australia will showcase its climate change action credentials on the world stage. 

“The Marshall Liberal Government has a practical approach to help build a strong, climate smart economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support South Australia to adapt to a changing climate and importantly create local jobs for the future,” he says.

“Our government has provided hundreds of millions of dollars of investment across our environment and energy portfolios as well as developing our Climate Change Action Plan 2021-2025, which is the most powerful vision for climate action of any South Australian Government in history.

“Demand for low emissions and climate smart products is growing, and South Australia is well equipped to use our abundance of sun, wind and other natural resources to take full advantage of this growing demand.

“South Australia's transformation to a net zero emissions economy and a national and international exporter of clean energy could mean achieving a level of renewable energy that is more than five times the current local grid demand by 2050.

“Addressing climate change has its challenges, but it also can bring significant opportunities for South Australia.

“Our government’s approach recognises this, and we are committed to ensuring that investment and jobs in low emissions and climate resilient business and industry are a key focus of ours.”

The state government’s climate change initiatives are detailed on the Department for Environment website.