2022 Melbourne Sessions

Session 6: Reducing Carbon Emissions

Session: 6

Room: Portico Room

Session Title: Reducing Carbon Emissions

Format: Discussion

Presenter Name: William McDougall

Summary

  • North East Link, emissions saved only account for 3% of total emissions over 30 years of running the road.

  • Coal exports are not being taken into account in our 'net zero' goals.

  • Transport solutions: Currently planning for a sharp decline in emissions rather than linear descent. Where is the electricity coming from for electric transport?

  • There is a lack of implementation ideas and no actual plan for emissions reduction.

  • The AGL early closing of coal plants was an early win.

  • Consider, Carbon pricing, and greater transparency in scope in emissions and materials (how they travel, where they come from). Onsets vs offsets. Incremental timelines rather than just 30 years.

  • We need to encourage people and behaviour change and actively work towards emissions reduction. E.g. taxes and disincentives for driving SUVs in Norway or France.

  • Educate about where super is investing in. Tangible and teaching people how they are affecting emissions. Small personal education campaigns. Who do you bank with etc.

  • Private enterprise is likely to drive innovation more than government.

  • Repurposing of EV batteries once reached the end of their ability to power vehicles.

  • Priority should be making public transport the first choice.

  • No money in behavioural change and a decrease in consumption is needed, that is where government needs to step in.