Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

EXPERT REACTION: Net zero by 2050

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With the Nationals yet to decide their party’s final position on net zero by 2050, Australian experts comment on how the agriculture and mining sectors are already embracing net zero.

Organisation/s: Australian Science Media Centre, The University of Melbourne, Curtin University

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Expert Reaction

These comments have been collated by the Science Media Centre to provide a variety of expert perspectives on this issue. Feel free to use these quotes in your stories. Views expressed are the personal opinions of the experts named. They do not represent the views of the SMC or any other organisation unless specifically stated.

Emeritus Professor Snow Barlow is from the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences at The University of Melbourne. He is also a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering

This is a time for courage, leadership and vision from our national leaders, a time to put aside entrenched political positions, dogma, and rhetoric in the interests of the nation and future generations. All Australian states, businesses, agriculture, and more recently the mining industry have come to a resounding consensus that responsible targets for 2030 leading to net zero emissions by 2050 are not only essential, but in the national interest.

Agriculture has been an unlikely leader in the area with the National Farmers Federation establishing a net zero 2050 target more than a year ago followed by several industries. As a major sustainable export industry agriculture has accepted the challenge to embrace the development of new technologies and systems to reach net zero in the clear expectation that its international market access may depend on its ability to demonstrate net zero in the future.

Food may become one of the first areas where the population agrees to put the planet first.

Last updated: 22 Oct 2021 2:13pm
Declared conflicts of interest:
Snow was previously chief scientist with the federal Department of Primary Industries and Energy and participated as a member of the Australian delegation for Kyoto Protocol negotiations for COP3 and COP4.
Peter Newman AO is the John Curtin Distinguished Professor of Sustainability at Curtin University

On the 21st October a major press story showed how Rio Tinto’s operations in the Pilbara would be going net zero 50% by 2030 and 15% by 2025.

Their commitment, which is similar to BHP and FMG, is funded by $10b of their money.

They will be going to full electrification of their transport and mining operations with solar and wind power as the source. They will also be pursuing how to do green steelmaking using biomass and hydrogen technology.

This is world best practice and it has happened without Australian Government leadership.

The WA Government have a stated goal of net zero by 2050 but the major reason why mining companies are making these transformative commitments is that the global markets are demanding such change, especially the world of finance.

The Australian Government is now seriously embarrassed on the global stage and must now try and play rapid catch-up or other parts of our economy will be seriously left behind.

Last updated: 22 Oct 2021 2:12pm
Declared conflicts of interest:
None declared.

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