This research from the Australia Institute shows that the New South Wales government’s attempts to force planners to ignore the carbon emissions of the state’s coal exports contradicts NSW climate policy, the Paris Agreement, corporate expectations and economic opportunities for growth.

This report is part of a series focusing on major sectors of the Australian economy as part of the Net Zero Momentum Tracker initiative. The Tracker is designed to bring together and evaluate climate action commitments in order to help the banking sector build momentum towards net zero emissions.

The Commonwealth Government has made technology central to reducing emissions to 2030, but the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has only $200 million to allocate to new projects. With multi-party support for the Agency, this paper argues that legislation to extend its funding should be urgently passed.

This discussion paper examines a range of barriers and issues, and seeks feedback on a range of options to accelerate the use and supply of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. The reduction of energy-related carbon emissions will be critical to achieving Aotearoa’s climate goals.

This report argues that given Australia's projections, it would almost certainly be best for Australia to openly acknowledge the challenges it faces in meeting its 2020 and 2030 Paris Agreement targets, and do its utmost to put in place policies and measures that can bend its emissions trajectory.