Victoria targets halving CO2 emissions by 2030

The Guardian:

The Victorian government has promised to cut the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, in an announcement of long-awaited climate targets that outstrip commitments made by the Morrison government.

The plan, announced on Sunday, will see Victoria power all government-owned enterprises, including schools and hospitals, by renewables by 2025.

The plan also includes $20m to reduce emissions in the agricultural sector, another $15.3m for a carbon farming program, and a $3,000 payment for Victorians who buy zero-emissions vehicles.

The government said it planned to reduce emissions by 28-33% by 2025 and 45-50% by 2030 compared with 2005 levels, a move it said would put Victoria “at the forefront of Australia’s climate change action”.

The announcement was welcomed as ambitious but sober by a major industry lobby group. Conservationists said it did not go far enough for the state to play its part in meeting science-based emissions reduction targets. 

[Michael McGowan]

More: Victorian government pledges to slash state’s carbon emissions by 50% by 2030