The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to lead the nation when it comes to fighting climate change, driving investment, and creating jobs for the future as Victoria transitions to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today invited Victorians to help shape the state’s interim emissions reduction target for 2035.
In addition to playing a role in setting Victoria’s targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions between 2031 and 2035 – the first target of its kind in Australia – the community will be able to also have their say on opportunities to cut emissions and pathways to net-zero emissions.
Additionally, an online survey has been designed specifically for young people – as the section of the community who will bear the brunt of climate change and have been leading the call for action.
Strong action on climate change is crucial to the state’s future, with thousands of jobs already created thanks to the Labor Government’s action and investment in renewable energy, zero-emissions transport, and the circular economy.
Victoria was one of the first in the world to legislate a net-zero emissions target and is the only Australian jurisdiction to include a requirement to set interim targets every five years – ensuring we stay on track to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
We met the initial interim target of a 15 to 20 per cent reduction by 2020 two years early, eventually cutting emissions by 24.8 per cent between 2005 and 2019. We remain on track to meet the 2025 target of a 28 to 33 per cent reduction.
The Labor Government’s plan to halve emissions by 2030 – nearly double the national target – cemented Victoria’s position as a global climate leader, standing alongside other leaders like the United States and the European Union.
Victoria has also set strong renewable energy targets, which will see 50 per cent of electricity coming from renewables by 2030. The target of 25 per cent by 2020 has already been exceeded, with renewable energy generating more than 30 per cent of the state’s electricity in 2021.
Consultation on the interim emissions reduction target is open until 22 May 2022 at:
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“While Scott Morrison was carrying coal into Parliament, we legislated world-leading targets to cut emissions, combat climate change and create jobs in the clean energy economy for Victorians.”
“We’re continuing to lead when it comes to fighting climate change – we were one of the first places in the world to legislate a net zero emissions target and we are the only state in Australia to set interim targets every five years.”
Reviewed 13 April 2022