Australians will have to cut red meat consumption and replace petrol-powered cars with electric vehicles to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, according to the government agency that advises Anthony Albanese on climate change.
The Climate Change Authority has suggested a range of lifestyle changes for Australia to achieve its net-zero emissions goal in a new report released on Wednesday.
The Authority has suggested Australians swap red meat, such as beef and lamb, for more carbon-friendly options such as kangaroo, chicken and pork.
This comes after the Climate Council found that agriculture was responsible for more than half of Australia’s methane emissions in 2022-23.
Nearly 65 percent of climate pollution was found to come from methane belched by livestock, such as cows and sheep, as they digested their food.
The council estimates the industry is responsible for around 18 per cent of Australia’s total climate pollution, mostly from livestock farming.
National Farmers Federation president David Jochinke has responded to suggestions that Australians should change their preferences.
“The NFF strongly opposes this idea and maintains that a balanced and nutritious diet includes red meat,” Jochinke said.
‘The idea that alternative animal proteins could replace red meat in Australia’s unique grazing areas is seriously flawed.’
The Climate Change Authority has suggested Australians swap red meat, such as beef and lamb, for more carbon-friendly options such as kangaroo chicken and pork.
CEC report says all light-duty car sales must be electric by 2040
Another sector that the CCA wants to see changes is the automotive industry.
He argues that all light vehicle sales must be electric by 2040.
“New light-duty vehicle sales that achieve 100 percent electric power by 2040 can ensure minimal light-duty vehicle emissions by 2050,” the report said.
By 2030, electric cars will have to be priced similarly to non-electric cars, and infrastructure for charging stations will need to be prioritized.
The report cited data from Tesla showing that electric vehicle charging stations took up to a year to install in Australia, but less than two months in other countries.
Pictured: David Jochinke, President of the National Federation of Farmers
The CCA is also keen to promote more hydrogen-powered vehicles (a new technology that produces no harmful emissions) as well as the use of sustainable aviation fuels to reduce domestic aviation emissions by 16 per cent.
Both Labor and the Coalition have committed to supporting new ways to reduce emissions across all sectors of the economy.
CEC chairman Matt Kean, a former NSW climate change and energy minister, said the proposals were not recommendations but information for key stakeholders in the net zero emissions goal, including government, business and the community.
“The role of the Climate Change Authority is to provide independent, frank and courageous advice to parliament and the government of the day, regardless of political colour,” Kean told The Australian.
‘The Climate Change Authority’s pathways review are not recommendations to government, but rather information and analysis to inform the community, businesses, policymakers, investors and governments at all levels about what is needed for a robust but responsible transition.’
You can read the full report here.