The NSW Government is making another major step in delivering on its election promise to take strong action on climate change with the launch of the Net Zero Commission.
The independent, expert Commission will play a crucial role in monitoring, reviewing and reporting on the state's progress towards emissions reduction targets established under the landmark Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Act 2023.
The targets include a 50% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, a 70% reduction by 2035, and net zero emissions by 2050.
The Net Zero Commission will fulfil several key functions including:
- monitoring whole-of-economy progress towards the emissions reduction targets and adaptation objectives
- providing independent, expert advice on opportunities for NSW to effectively address climate change;
- educating and informing the NSW Government, businesses, organisations, and individuals on ways to promote action to address climate change.
The appointed Chair and Commissioners bring an impressive range of skills, qualifications and experience spanning climate science, economics and finance, technology and engineering, public administration and the interests of Aboriginal and rural, regional and remote communities
Net Zero Commission Chair:
Dr Paul Grimes PSM
Net Zero Commissioners:
Ms Maria Atkinson AM
Mr Oliver Costello
Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte
Professor Frank Jotzo
Ms Katerina Kimmorley
Ms Meg McDonald
Professor Andy Pitman AO
The Commission includes NSW Chief Scientist, Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte, as an ex-officio member to provide whole-of-government scientific advice.
The Commission will be directly accountable to NSW Parliament through the recently established Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Net Zero Future. The Commission is required to prepare annual reports on the state's progress and to consult with the future NSW Agriculture Commissioner as part of this process.
