As part of its development of the Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Roadmap and Action Plan, the Australian Government has sought views on the Consultation Roadmap, which outlines the identified pathways and the actions or policies the government will need to take to decarbonise transport and transport infrastructure.
Climateworks has conducted extensive whole-of-economy scenario modelling that shows Australia can still achieve an emissions reduction trajectory compatible with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. This scenario reaches an 85 per cent reduction in emissions by 2035, based on 2005 levels.
Our recent report, Decarbonising Australia’s transport sector builds on this whole-of-economy analysis by exploring more detailed transport decarbonisation scenarios.
This latest work highlights the importance of expanding Australia’s focus from electric vehicles to a diverse suite of solutions to decarbonise transport.
Rather than relying on electric vehicles alone, incorporating all available solutions could help manage risks and provide contingencies to ensure emissions reductions remain on track.
The Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Roadmap and Action Plan provides an ideal opportunity to incorporate an integrated approach to decarbonise transport and develop a credible decarbonisation plan.
Climateworks Centre defines a ‘credible plan’ as one that: uses all available transport decarbonisation solutions, as per the globally recognised Avoid, Shift and Improve (ASI) framework; supports the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5oC; and achieves better outcomes for the transport system as a whole.
Together, these solutions from across the ASI framework form Climateworks’ recommended ‘diverse solutions’ approach that improves efficiency and transport choice, while also reducing emissions.
This submission considers recommendations on individual solutions and structural reforms to implement a ‘diverse solutions’ approach.
While the focus of our submission is on reducing road transport emissions due to their significance in national emissions, we also recognise that government and industry action are important to decarbonise the aviation and maritime sub-sectors.
Overall, taking a more ambitious approach to emissions reductions can be an opportunity for Australia to show leadership in climate action.