23 August 2021

Australia’s technology-led transition to net zero emissions

To avoid the worsening consequences of climate change, the world must take urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible.


This ATSE Position Statement has been superseded by Becoming a net zero nation published  23 September 2023.

ATSE Position Statement — Becoming a net zero nation


 

23 August 2021

The science of climate change is unequivocal, and we are already experiencing its impacts on the environment, industry, and everyday life.

To avoid the worsening consequences of climate change, the world must take urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible.

Having considered the scientific evidence, the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) concludes that Australia should:

  1. Commit to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest, and set a more ambitious interim emissions target for 2030
  2. Prioritise the immediate deployment of existing mature, low-carbon technologies which can make deep cuts to high-emitting sectors before 2030
  3. Develop a national net zero emissions policy and implementation framework

Each of these positions is discussed further in our net zero position statement (download button on the right), drafted and reviewed by experts in ATSE’s Fellowship.

Net Zero Emissions refers to the accounting balance between a country’s greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere and any ‘negative emissions’ – through natural or technological solutions – that remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

 


If you download this document please keep in mind ATSE's position has been updated to Becoming a net zero nation (published 23 September 2023).