The latest advice to the Federal Government from its own Climate Change Authority shows Australia is already cutting climate pollution using proven technologies like solar, wind, and batteries. By leaning into what we know is working we can grow jobs in new industries and reach net zero by 2040, the Authority says.
Climate Councillor and economist Nicki Hutley said: "The Authority's work confirms we can cut climate pollution further and faster by accelerating clean energy and growing new industries here at home, while working closely with global partners to support their move away from the coal and gas we export.
"Putting available solutions into practice today is time well spent as it's laying the groundwork for a safer future. Any more time we waste only means more harmful climate pollution.
"We can and must protect a safer future for our kids by reaching net zero well before 2050; how much government and business leans in will determine how fast we get there."
The Climate Change Authority's Sectoral Pathways report confirms that clean energy is getting Australia closer to net zero, with climate pollution from the electricity and energy sectors set to plunge over the next decade.
Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie said: "The rollout of clean energy is well underway, with 40 percent of the power in our national grid coming from renewable sources and 3.6 million homes with solar on the roof. This is creating new economic opportunities - particularly for regional communities.
"The Authority has also scoped opportunities to cut pollution in our mining sector as we move away from coal and towards the critical minerals needed for clean energy and batteries. It's important that this is done in culturally and environmentally sensitive ways.
"With the climate crisis all around us, and Australians coping with increasingly unpredictable extreme weather, there's no time to lose. The decisions made by businesses and governments today will determine how safe or scary our children's futures are."
