The Victorian Government has committed to legislating a long-term target for Victoria of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This was a key recommendation of the Independent Review of the Climate Change Act 2010.
A net zero target means that by 2050 Victoria's greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced as far as possible and any remaining emissions will be counteracted through activities like planting trees or capturing more carbon in the ocean and coastal ecosystems.
This will enable Victoria to contribute to the Paris agreement by 195 countries to keep global warming below a 2 degrees rise from preindustrial levels. The 2050 target is consistent with climate science, which tells us that emissions need to decline to net zero levels by the second half of the century to keep global temperature increase to well below 2 degrees.
The Victorian Government will set interim targets every five years to 2050 to ensure this important and ambitious target is reached.
Victorian Government response to the Independent Review of the Climate Change Act 2010
The Victorian Government has also released its response to the Independent Review of the Climate Change Act 2010. The Government accepts the majority of the Committee's 33 recommendations. Through its response the Government will establish a world-leading legislative foundation for its climate change agenda into the future.
A Bill to amend the Climate Change Act 2010 in line with the government's response will be introduced to Parliament in late 2016.
Victoria's pledge program
The Victorian Government has also launched a state-wide pledging system for all levels of government, business and community to pledge their contributions to reduce emissions and help set Victoria on the pathway to achieve our 2050 target. The pledge program is also a recommendation of the Independent Review of the Climate Change Act 2010.
The TAKE2 pledge program will showcase the great work already being done across state and local government, business and community to reduce emissions and will consolidate this as the springboard for Victoria's ongoing long term transition to a low carbon economy.
Victorians are invited to visit the pledge website at Take2.vic.gov.au and register their commitment to be a part of the process of helping Victoria reach net zero by 2050.
Climate change action is a shared responsibility and the Victorian Government will lead by example, by committing to mandatory pledges across every government department and key emissions producing sectors.
Read more about the Net Zero by 2050 target, the Government response and the Take 2 Pledge.
