Net Zero

What is ‘net zero’?

Net zero means balancing the emissions we produce with those we remove from the atmosphere. It doesn’t mean eliminating all emissions, but making sure we don’t add more than we take away.

Why should we care about net zero?

Heat-trapping emissions are driving more extreme heat, fires, floods and storms. 

The National Climate Risk Assessment by the Australian Climate Service shows that if global temperatures rise by 3°C, Australia would face severe and compounding risks: more dangerous bushfires, longer droughts, more intense floods and coastal damage.

These events would disrupt communities, put pressure on health and emergency services, damage infrastructure and threaten food and water security.

The risks are not evenly shared – regional areas, outer suburbs and First Nations communities are often more exposed.

Acting now puts us on the front foot: protecting lives, reducing costs, and ensuring an orderly and positive transition. 

Achieving net zero emissions means Australia will no longer add to the global problem, but can contribute to the solution. 

What is the net zero transition?

Australia, like many other nations, is managing climate risks and creating new opportunities by transforming our energy systems, industries, transport and land use. 

That means shifting from coal and gas-fired power to cleaner, cheaper, renewable sources like wind and solar. It also means building new industries, reshaping existing ones and creating secure jobs. 

This transition requires large-scale investment, long term planning and a focus on supporting workers and communities as well as creating growth opportunities, especially in regional areas. 

What’s the cost of doing nothing?

The cost of unchecked climate change is significant. Deloitte estimates up to 900,000 job losses and a $3.4 trillion hit to our economy by 2070 if we do nothing. 

If we fail to act, we risk being left behind and missing out on major economic opportunities as other global economies move to renewable energy and decarbonise industry. 

Acting now with a credible plan for net zero emissions also helps position Australia to work with other nations to coordinate action and minimise these costs and risks. 

What role does the Net Zero Economy Authority play?

Australia’s shift to a net zero economy is already underway. The Net Zero Economy Authority is here to ensure people in impacted regions are supported. 

Our currently regions of focus are Central Queensland, Collie, The Hunter, Latrobe Valley, Pilbara and the Upper Spencer Gulf. 

We work with communities, industry and governments to coordinate the transition and ensure challenges are faced and benefits are shared. 

Watch the video below to find out more or visit Our Work.