The NSW Government is reducing emissions and moving closer to reaching its Net Zero targets. The state will bridge the gap with a new plan to get to net zero by 2050.
The legislated climate targets for NSW are to reach 50% reduction by 2030, 70% reduction by 2035, and net zero by 2050.
Latest updates from the emissions projections show a strong improvement to the state's reductions, with NSW estimated to reduce emissions by 46% in 2030 and 62% in 2035.
A new Net Zero Plan will be designed to ensure NSW can meets the 2030 & 2035 targets.
The plan will take a sector-by-sector approach to decarbonisation and for the first time bring together all the relevant portfolio Ministers to provide guidance and input.
While all sectors must contribute and do their bit, different parts of the economy will decarbonise at varying rates.
Data from the tabled State of the Environment Report shows that NSW's largest emissions source by 2030 will move from the energy sector to the transport sector. This shows the rapid progress of rollout of renewables. The Transport and Built Environment sectors will be key focus areas, as they have huge opportunities to reduce emissions.
The NSW Government supports the findings of the recent Net Zero Commission's 2024 Annual Report and supports all four recommendations from the Joint Standing Committee on Net Zero Future's inquiry report.
Quote attributable to NSW Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:
"Our first priority is to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030. We are very close - only 4% off with five years to go. But we aren't naive - meeting our targets will be hard.
"We are not shying away from the challenge, and we are determined to meet the targets; that's why we enshrined the targets in law, that's why we're transitioning to renewables, that's why we're creating the Net Zero Plan.
"Every part of government must take action to ensure our climate response is truly comprehensive and effective.
"Every step we take towards our targets improves our health, our environment, our biodiversity and our air quality."
