Three Australian jurisdictions have reached a "historic" agreement to work together on reaching net zero emissions - a move that some climate advocates say is needed in the absence of federal action.
The NSW, ACT and South Australian governments said on Monday they had initiated what's known as the 'Net Zero Emissions Policy Forum'.
They said the multi-state, cross-party collaboration is designed to help sub-national jurisdictions address the practical challenges of achieving new zero emissions and growing their economies "without reinventing the wheel".
"Taking action on climate change is an economic and environmental imperative, and this is about ensuring states and territories are working together to address it," NSW Treasurer and Energy Minister Matt Kean said.
"Greenhouse gas emissions do not recognise borders, and to tackle climate change we need a globally collaborative approach, and that is what this forum is about."
It's the latest move from state and territory leaders to decarbonise the Australian economy, and comes ahead of the 'cities and regions' day at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.
NSW Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean Source: AAP
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said sub-national governments have a vital role to play through levers such as transport, buildings and energy.
“This forum will drive a more collaborative approach to developing the policies to get to net zero emissions," he said.
“As we approach the cities and regions day at COP26 in Glasgow, we call on all our colleagues in state and regional governments to work together to take decisive and practical action on climate change.”
The Western Australian government also signed on to the forum last week.
“In the absence of real leadership from the federal government, it is necessary for states and territories to come together to tackle climate change," WA Climate Action Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson told SBS News.
"The McGowan government looks forward to playing an active role in the Net Zero Policy Forum to help drive crucial climate action initiatives across the country."
The forum is supported by the Climate Group and ClimateWorks Australia, a think tank connected to Monash University.
Rupert Posner from ClimateWorks said any opportunity for governments to work together and share knowledge will prove useful.
"Australian states and territories have already made some significant commitments. But what is clear is that in different areas, there are different states that are leading and we need to see all states leading in all sectors of the economy when it comes to decarbonisation," he told SBS News.
"If this provides an opportunity for states to learn from other states where they are doing better and therefore increase their ambition and their policy effectiveness, then that will be really helpful and it’s something that we need."
All subnational governments had previously committed to net zero by 2050 or earlier prior to Prime Minister Scott Morrison's announcement ahead of the Glasgow summit, with the majority also setting interim targets.
"For quite a while, the states have been ahead of the federal government when it comes to policies and targets to address greenhouse gas emissions. They are much further down the path than the federal government, but still somewhere short of where we need to get to," Mr Posner said.
"By working together, they will be able to push themselves that bit further."
Climate Council chief executive Amanda McKenzie also welcomed the announcement, which she says shows cross partisanship and "real leadership" from state and territory governments that are "doing us proud".
"I think many Australians have been disappointed to see our government show up to Glasgow with nothing - no demonstration of any action on climate change at all," she told SBS News.
"But luckily the state governments have been putting their shoulder to the wheel and this is another demonstration of providing that leadership and getting action actually happening on the ground to get emissions down.
"It’s not just for within those jurisdictions, it’s having a capacity to start moving towards a national solution in the absence of federal government action."
Ms McKenzie also claimed state and territory governments have had to "step up and do the real work" when it comes to climate action.
The Australian government has not lifted its 2030 emissions reduction target and is instead relying on updated projections of a 30 to 35 per cent cut this decade.
Australia did not sign up to a commitment to cut methane emissions 30 per cent this decade, along with a separate pledge to phase out coal-fired power.
On Monday, Mr Morrison instead outlined plans to use hydrogen to prolong coal-fired power, with the coalition spending $1.5 million on a feasibility study for a "clean hydrogen" hub at Newcastle.
"Hydrogen is simply a fuel that can power our traditional industries and our energy generation," he told reporters.
Energy Minister Angus Taylor has previously
"We have a whole of economy target, we don’t set sector specific or gas specific targets. Our focus is on bringing down the cost of low emissions technologies, not wiping out industries," he said last week.
Meanwhile, other sub-national governments are being urged to sign onto the forum.
“We are encouraging sub-national governments around the world to join, and help create the low carbon jobs and industries of the future while making sure we leave a better planet to our children and grandchildren,” SA Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said.
Victoria's Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D'Ambrosio said the state is currently considering an invitation to join the forum, which the Northern Territory is also considering, according to Minister for Environment Eva Lawler.
A Tasmanian government spokesperson said it has been in discussion with member governments and will have more to say in due course.
The forum will be directed by a ministerial group and chaired by NSW for the first 12 months.
With AAP.
