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Report recommendations

1. Join global leaders in increasing actions for tackling and solving climate change as a matter of urgency.ÌýAustralia lags far behind the best practice demonstrated by many countries. Given how much Australia stands to lose if GHG emissions are not reduced,Ìýwe also recommendÌýthat Australia accelerates its transition to net zero GHG emissions over the next 10 to 20 years.


2. Develop strategies to meet the challenges of extreme events that are increasing in intensity, frequency and scale.ÌýExtreme events at 1.1°C ofÌýglobal warming are placing Australian lives and livelihoods at increasing risk, with concern that 3°C of global warming would not be sustainable.ÌýWe also recommendÌýa broad-ranging investigation of Australia’s readiness for meeting the growing number of climate-related disasters, such as droughts, fires, floods, storm surges, heat stress and ecological damage, that would occur with global temperature increases of 3°C or more.


3. Improve our understanding of climate impacts, including tipping points, as well as the compounding effects of multiple stressors at global warmingÌýof 2°C or more.ÌýThe current understanding of abrupt and compounding changes and their consequences for Australian human and natural systems is at an early stage.ÌýWe also recommendÌýfurther investigation into effective adaptive responses in preparation for rapid and complex changes.


4. Systematically explore how our food production and supply systems should prepare for the challenges of climate change.ÌýAustralian agriculture and foodÌýsecurity are exposed to increasing risk from droughts, extreme high temperatures, coastal inundation, floods, invasive species and fires.ÌýWe also recommendÌýthat Australia prepares for potential interruptions to its food import and export systems driven by global environmental, social and economic changes.


5. Expand our understanding of the impacts and risks of climate change for the health of Australians.ÌýClimate change already seriously affects the health ofÌýAustralians and improved strategies need to be developed to reduce these growing risks.ÌýWe also recommendÌýan in-depth study on the potential impacts of 3°C global warming on health and wellbeing, particularly how impacts can be reduced.


6. Introduce a suite of policies that would deliver deep and rapid cuts in emissions across the economy.ÌýIn the current absence of an economy-wideÌýcarbon price, there will need to be comprehensive sector-by-sector approaches.ÌýWe also recommendÌýthat policies are developed to support the economic and social transition to a low GHG emission outcome, especially in regions where fossil fuel-based industries are currently prominent. This includes the development of strategies to halt further deforestation and land degradation while facilitating carbon storage.


7. Scale up the development and implementation of next-generation low to zero greenhouse gas technologies.ÌýIf Australia is to argue for increasingÌýinternational action, greater commitment is required to implement zero to low emissions technologies and the rapid phase-out of fossil fuels by mid-century.ÌýWe also recommendÌýthe development of a strategic plan that maps out the markets and investment opportunities for Australian industries in areas such as offshore renewable energy, green hydrogen fuels, minerals for low GHG emission technologies, mass-scale storage, embedded renewable energy, and more efficient and low GHG emission transport systems for aviation, shipping, road and rail transport.


8. Review Australia’s capacity and flexibility to take up innovations and technology breakthroughs for transitioning to a low GHG emission future.ÌýWe also recommendÌýgreater support for innovation and technology breakthroughs by way of a dedicated facility for supporting broad-based applied researchÌýon the removal of GHG emissions from the economy, which is consistent with meeting and exceeding current commitments to emission reduction under international agreements.


9. Develop a better understanding of climate solutions through dialogue with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly strategies that haveÌýhelped people manage Australian ecosystems for tens of thousands of years.ÌýWe also recommendÌýa meaningful dialogue between all Australians regarding the steps needed to avoid global warming of 3°C by 2100.


10. Continue to build adaptation strategies and greater commitment forÌýmeeting the challenges of change already in the climate system.ÌýWhile theÌýmajor theme of this report is about the urgency of action needed to mitigate GHG emissions,Ìýwe also recommendÌýincreasing efforts to build and implement adaptation strategies and actions to meet the challenges of climate that will continue to change until mid-century and beyond.