Frequently Asked Questions

Put simply, net zero means cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible balanced by actions to remove any remaining emissions such as capturing and storing carbon (e.g., by planting trees).

The goal of achieving net zero emissions is to limit the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere, which contribute to global warming and climate change.

The Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007 is a framework act that: 

• sets emissions reduction and renewable electricity targets
• provides for government to develop climate change policies, plans and programs
• establishes the Premier’s Climate Change Council as an independent advisory body to government
• enables voluntary sector agreements between the Minister and government and non-government organisations. 

You can access the current version of the Act at this link.

The proposed amendments to the Act will:

• update the state’s legislated emissions reduction and renewable electricity targets 
• require regular five yearly emissions reduction targets to be set from 2030 until 2050
• require a state-wide emissions reduction plan to be prepared 
• include a state-wide climate risk assessment to identify climate related risks and opportunities and inform adaptation planning
• introduce an ability for the Premier to nominate a public sector entity to prepare a plan for an entity or sector relating to climate change
• provide for public sector action and reporting on reducing emissions and managing climate risk in government operations and activities

The targets currently in the Act are outdated and out of step with South Australia’s commitments and global and national efforts to limit climate change. 

Updating the targets and strengthening the legal framework to meet them shows that South Australia is serious about tackling climate change and moving towards a clean, low emissions and climate resilient future. 

South Australia adopted a target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 as far back as 2015. In 2020, South Australia set a 2030 target for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% from 2005 levels. The proposed amendments will include these targets.

The renewable electricity generation target is out of date. The draft Bill currently proposes to update the renewable electricity target in the Act to 100% net renewable electricity generation by 2030 in line with a previous commitment made by the South Australian Government.

On 27 February 2024, the South Australian Government announced a more ambitious target of achieving 100% net renewable electricity generation by 2027. Although not reflected in the draft Bill, when providing any feedback about updating the electricity generation target in the Act, you are encouraged to consider the new target of 100% net renewable electricity generation by 2027.

South Australia has an impressive track record of addressing climate change with global leadership in renewable energy generation. 

Between 2005 and 2021 greenhouse gas emissions fell by 42% per cent while the economy grew by nearly 31%.

We are progressing towards 100% net renewable electricity generation by 2030 and the South Australian Government has announced the ambition to get there sooner, by 2027. In just over 20 years South Australia’s electricity mix has shifted from 1% to more than 70% of energy generated from renewable sources. By 2025-26 the Australian Energy Market Operator forecasts this could rise to approximately 93%.

The South Australian Government is delivering a wide range of actions to build an economically strong, net zero emissions future and to adapt to climate change. In addition a new state-wide emissions reduction plan, South Australia's ‘net zero pathways strategy’, is currently under development.

South Australia’s pathway to net zero will require action across economic sectors from governments, business, community and households to lower or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions.

To find out more go to: Government Action on Climate Change

The Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007 is a framework act, not a regulatory act. This means that the Act provides a framework for setting targets and creating policies, plans and programs for climate adaptation and mitigation rather than regulation or enforcement.

To find out more about the range of actions that the South Australian Government is delivering to tackle climate change go to: Government Action on Climate Change.

The South Australian Government continues to work closely with the Australian Government to ensure our policies and actions complement and reinforce each other. 

The Australian Government have announced they are:

• developing a Net Zero 2050 plan
• undertaking a National Climate Risk Assessment
• developing sector decarbonisation plans for electricity and energy, industry, the built environment, agriculture and land, transport and resources
• delivering a range of programs and incentives to reduce emissions.

Find out more by visiting: Emissions reduction - DCCEEW

The Industry Climate Change Conference in April 2023 brought together 857 industry, business and government representatives from across South Australia to discuss pathways towards a net zero future.  A summary of outcomes can be found at: Industry Climate Change Conference

Community Climate Conversations were held between May and December 2023More than 750 people from across the state were involved in discussions about how to achieve a net zero emissions future.  More information can be found at: Community Climate Conversations.

Broadly, there was support for current policy and regulation to be strengthened to drive the scale of climate change action, such as legislated emission reduction targets including interim targets before 2050.

The Bill is expected to be introduced to Parliament later in 2024.

• Filling out the survey 
• Emailing a written submission to DEWClimateChange@sa.gov.au
• Posting a written submission to: 

Climate Change Unit
Department for Environment and Water
GPO Box 1047
Adelaide SA 5001