Victorians are being invited to help shape the state’s interim emissions reduction target for 2035.
In addition to playing a role in setting Victoria’s targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions between 2031 and 2035 – the first target of its kind in Australia – the community will be able to also have their say on opportunities to cut emissions and pathways to net-zero emissions.
“We’re continuing to lead when it comes to fighting climate change – we were one of the first places in the world to legislate a net zero emissions target and we are the only state in Australia to set interim targets every five years,” Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said.
An online survey has also been designed specifically for young people, as the section of the community who will bear the brunt of climate change and have been leading the call for action.
Victoria was one of the first in the world to legislate a net-zero emissions target and is the only Australian jurisdiction to include a requirement to set interim targets every five years – ensuring net-zero emissions by 2050.
The initial interim target of a 15 to 20 per cent reduction by 2020 was met two years early, eventually cutting emissions by 24.8 per cent between 2005 and 2019.
Victoria remains on track to meet the 2025 target of a 28 to 33 per cent reduction and has set renewable energy targets which will see 50 per cent of electricity coming from renewables by 2030.
The target of 25 per cent by 2020 has already been exceeded, with renewable energy generating more than 30 per cent of the state’s electricity in 2021.
Consultation on the interim emissions reduction target is open until Sunday, 22 May at engage.vic.gov.au/climate-action-target-2035