Australia’s response to climate change

Key principles

The Academy has identified four key principles that will help drive Australia’s response to climate change and facilitate uptake of the measures listed above. These require a commitment by industry and government to:

1. Adopt long-term bipartisan policies and programs that encourage the actions and investments needed for rapid and intensive deployment of technologies and measures to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
2. Inform and test mitigation and adaptation responses, using leading-edge climate modelling and prediction techniques (which should be enhanced in areas where Australia has recognised leadership or unique needs);
3. Increase support for low-emissions technology research, development and demonstration, prioritising areas where Australia has recognised leadership or unique needs; and
4. Support Australian participation in cooperative international programs focused on developing solutions to climate change. The innovation required for effective climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts offers immense opportunities for the creation of social, economic and environmental benefit. Australia requires a cross-sectoral roadmap to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. 

The Academy stands ready to play its part in the required technological revolution.