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How Canberra is developing its next climate strategy
Australian capital aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045 and kicked off the process by talking to stakeholders to ensure a just and equitable transition.
Work is underway to shape Canberra’s next climate change strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045 and help the community to adapt to a changing climate.
The Government of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT Government) has kicked off the activity with conversations with stakeholders.
Climate strategy framework and outcomes
The next Climate Change Strategy will provide an overarching framework and clear outcomes, integrating work already underway, and identifying gaps and opportunities to inform future efforts. Following finalisation of the strategy’s overarching framework, detailed action plans will be developed.
Minister for climate change, environment, energy and water Suzanne Orr emphasised the importance of engaging stakeholders in the early stages of the process, ahead of formal community consultation in 2026. This will ensure the strategy is practical, focusing on a just and equitable transition, and aligns with advice from experts and the community.
“We are already experiencing the increasing effects of climate change and the detrimental impacts that come with a changed climate”
“Achieving net zero emissions by 2045 will require collective action. Everyone from individuals to households to businesses and community groups, will have a role in building a resilient and zero-emissions Territory,” said Orr.
“The Canberra community has made strong progress in reducing emissions in our energy sector, including maintaining 100 per cent renewable electricity since 2020. While we have come a long way, there is much more that needs to be done.
“Current projections indicate that we will not meet our 2025 interim target of reducing emissions by 50-60 per cent on 1990 levels and that if we stay on the current trajectory, we will struggle to achieve net-zero by 2045.
“The ACT has always been a leader in climate action and while it will come as a shock to many that we have not met our 2025 interim target it is not too late to get back on track. And we must get back on track, there is simply too much at stake.
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“We are already experiencing the increasing effects of climate change and the detrimental impacts that come with a changed climate. Having a clear vision on how to tackle these impacts while continuing to reduce our emissions will be critical to ensuring the future of our city where our community and environment thrive.
“A framework that embeds climate change action across government and the community and targeted action plans to drive agile, timely and more informed responses will ensure we are adaptable to the challenges we will face.”
Broader community consultation will commence in early 2026, providing all Canberrans the opportunity to help shape the path towards a climate-resilient, zero-emissions future for the city.
Off added: “Over the coming years, our community will need to navigate these complex challenges and take advantage of new opportunities as they arise. The contribution of every Canberran is central to driving climate action, and over the coming months we want to hear your thoughts on the proposed approach.”
To read the draft discussion paper for the stakeholder consultation process on the draft Climate Change Strategy, visit the ACT Climate Change Strategy - Climate Choices.
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How can stakeholder engagement improve the effectiveness of Canberra's climate strategy?What mechanisms ensure a just and equitable transition to net-zero emissions?How will integrating existing initiatives identify gaps in Canberra's climate action?What role do community groups play in achieving Canberra's 2045 net-zero goal?How can adaptive action plans enhance Canberra's resilience to climate impacts?Canberracitizen engagementclimate actionClimate change/ResilienceEnergy & EnvironmentGovernance and Citizennet zeroPolicy Makingresilience
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