Tasmania may be one of the few places on earth which has already reached net-zero and has a head start in the transition to a low-carbon future. Our next challenge is to start the hard work of reducing emissions across the entire economy from heavy industry and agriculture to transport.
Reducing emissions across the Tasmanian economy will reduce our dependence on our forests to achieve net-zero, will support our claims of being a leader on climate action and will help future-proof Tasmanian businesses in an increasingly carbon-conscious world.
Cutting emissions is hard and will require new technology and real commitment to living more sustainably. This is especially true in Tasmania where our analysis reveals that ‘absolute’ emissions – the carbon pollution we pump into the atmosphere – have not changed for 30 years and, if anything, are trending upward.
This is why the Tasmanian Policy Exchange (TPE), working with colleagues from across the University, have prepared a Discussion Paper outlining innovative options to reduce transport emissions in Tasmania. This Discussion Paper and associated community survey have been designed to help shape Tasmania’s first emissions reduction plan, which is due to be released in November.
While increasing the availability and uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) will be important, this ‘electrification’ agenda should be complemented by strategies designed to reduce our dependence on private vehicles.
"Our report highlights how the promotion of public and active transport, combined with more connected and liveable cities, will play an extremely important role in cutting transport emissions," TPE policy analyst and report co-author Meg Langridge said.
“While new technology will help, we ultimately have to live more sustainably."
The project also involves a comprehensive community survey, which is being promoted through a partnership with the RACT and The Mercury newspaper.
“Effective climate action requires a whole-of-community effort, which is why we have designed a survey and are partnering with the RACT and The Mercury to get feedback on the best options for reducing transport emissions in Tasmania over the next decade,” TPE Director Professor Richard Eccleston said.
The Driving net-zero: Options for cutting Tasmania’s transport emissions discussion paper and community survey can be accessed here. UTAS students and staff are encouraged to complete the survey by Monday, August 14.