A report released this week by the ACT commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment found the ACT government is on track to meet its target of a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2020.

“The ACT has quickly established a world leading reputation from our work to reduce the impacts of climate change, including our target of 100 percent renewable electricity from wind and solar farms by 2020,” the ACT minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Shane Rattenbury says.

“The report also provides many excellent suggestions as we work towards our target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 at the latest,” Rattenbury says.

“We’re implementing a light rail network powered by renewable electricity and we’re trialing electric buses, recognising that public transport and active travel are key to reducing emissions, but also providing health benefits.”

“The commissioner’s suggestion for energy efficiency reform in the building sector is another priority area. More energy efficient buildings, apartments and homes will both reduce emissions and reduce the costs of keeping us comfortable all year round,” he says.

“In coming months, we will engage with the Canberra community on the ACT Government’s next climate change strategy, including interim targets to guide our pathway to net zero emissions by at least 2050.”

“It is more important than ever that we engage with the community on the shared challenge of addressing climate change, and that we demonstrate leadership to other cities across the world,” he says.