The Australian Capital Territory’s (ACT) carbon footprint was dissected, revealing a 2018 total of 34.7 t CO2-eq/cap, with 83% stemming from Scope 3 emissions. Despite this, the ACT proudly achieved 100% renewable electricity in 2020, a testament to ambitious emission reduction targets.

Emphasizing the role of governmental support, the study identifies key sectors—electricity, transport, and food—as priority areas for emissions reduction. Notably, the ACT’s climate leadership is underscored, with the territory achieving 100% renewable electricity in 2020, propelled by ambitious emission reduction targets.

However, the study flags a cautionary note on economic growth, advising restraint until robust renewable energy infrastructure is in place. The research highlights the ACT’s status as a consumer city, reliant on imported emissions, and advocates for a paradigm shift towards sustainable well-being, stressing the importance of new economic models. These findings, presented with a focus on precise technical details, provide valuable insights for a targeted audience navigating the complex landscape of climate change mitigation in Australia.

Here’s the breakdown:

Research Rationale: The study addresses the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government’s goal to reduce Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions, which were not fully measured before. In 2019, the government expressed a commitment to prioritizing the reduction of these emissions. The research aims to calculate the total carbon footprint of the ACT in 2018, encompassing Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (indirect energy-related), and Scope 3 (indirect value chain) emissions. Additionally, the study explores potential scenarios to reduce all emissions in alignment with a 1.5 °C global warming target. This investigation is crucial for understanding the environmental impact and identifying strategies for a more sustainable future for the ACT.

Methodology: To quantify the carbon footprint, the researchers employed a comprehensive approach, using a nested and trade-adjusted global multi-region input-output model. This model allowed for a multi-scale analysis, considering local, sub-national, and international supply chains. It facilitated the assessment of the global origins and destinations of emissions associated with the ACT.

Findings:

• Radical Changes for 1.5 °C Compliance:
• The study highlights the necessity for profound lifestyle and consumption changes in a wealthy Australian city to achieve 1.5 °C compliance.
• Governments can play a crucial role by supporting these changes through policy incentives, financial support, investments in infrastructure, and promoting new business models.
• Identified Prioritized Sectors and Supply Chains:
• Sectors such as electricity, transport, and food are identified as priority areas for emissions reduction within Australia.
• The analysis emphasizes the need to focus efforts on these key sectors to achieve meaningful climate goals.
• ACT’s Climate Leadership and Renewable Energy Transition:
• The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has demonstrated climate leadership with ambitious renewable energy goals.
• The Territory has achieved 100% renewable electricity supply in 2020 through legislated emission reduction targets and a renewable energy investment program.
• Transitioning to renewable energy is a vital step towards the ACT’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2045.
• Emphasis on Embodied Emissions and Consumer City Concept:
• The study emphasizes that embodied emissions constitute the majority (83%) of the Territory’s carbon footprint.
• The ACT is identified as a consumer city, relying on imported emissions to meet consumption and investment demands.
• Need for Improved Modelling Techniques:
• As cities prioritize climate change mitigation, there’s a call for improved modelling techniques, including separate modelling of carbon reduction initiatives.
• Modelling the impact of climate mitigation initiatives on critical earth systems is suggested to avoid unintended negative consequences.
• Caution on Economic Growth in Wealthy Nations:
• Acknowledging limitations in the rapid conversion to renewable grids, the study suggests avoiding the pursuit of further economic growth in wealthy nations until high levels of renewable energy and electrification are implemented.
• This approach is seen as essential for achieving targeted 1.5 oC warming goals and avoiding critical climate tipping points.
• Paradigm Shift and New Economic Models:
• A paradigm shift is deemed necessary in economic systems and societies.
• Economic growth and affluence are recognized as major drivers of greenhouse gas emissions, prompting a call for exploring new economic models and indicators of wellbeing and sustainability.
• Initiatives such as the Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are mentioned as steps in this direction.

Paper Title: Targeting 1.5 degrees with the global carbon footprint of the Australian Capital Territory

Author: Kylie Goodwin a, Cameron Allen a,e, Soo Huey Teh a, Mengyu Li b, Jacob Fry b, Manfred Lenzen b, Serena Farrelly c, Constanza Leon c, Sophie Lewis c, Guangwu Chen a,f, Heinz Schandl d, Thomas Wiedmann a,d,*
a Sustainability Assessment Program (SAP), School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
b ISA, School of Physics A28, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
c Office of the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, ACT Government, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
d Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
e Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia
f School of Business, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia

The full paper is under a Creative Commons License CC BY 4.0 DEED and is available here.