Northern Territory Climate Change Response: Towards 2050

4 Department of ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES 1. Climate Change: A challenge and an opportunity Climate change is a critical challenge for all the world’s nations and peoples. The international Paris Agreement set a science-based target to limit global warming to less than 2°C and pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C. The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has determined that to stabilise the climate system within a safe threshold for communities, natural systems and the economy, a transition to a low-carbon economy is essential. The longer this is delayed, the costlier and more difficult it will be. A well-managed transition to a low- Strengthening our economy will provide carbon economy can reduce exposure to the confidence and capacity to put in economic risk, reduce costs, and unlock place measures to address the impacts of new opportunities. This aligns with the a changing climate. Investing in measures advice from Australia’s leading economic that build the Territory’s resilience is also and financial organisations, including an investment in maintaining a strong the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), and economy. is recognised and supported by many businesses and industries. The Climate Change Response sets a framework for long-term action by the The Territory Government is committed Territory Government, in partnership to taking action on climate change to with all Territorians. In setting policy maximise the economic, social and directions, it is important to understand environmental wellbeing of Territorians. the unique context of the Territory and It is essential that the opportunities and how this affects our response. benefits of a climate change response are realised while acting to build resilience and minimise the impacts of a changing climate. These benefits can The Territory Government is include new industries and local jobs, the committed to taking action on diversification and strengthening of our climate change to maximise economy, improved health, social, and cultural outcomes, and environmental the economic, social and benefits. environmental wellbeing of Territorians. Northern Territory Climate Change Response: Towards 2050 5 2. The Territory context 17% land mass 1%The population Territory covers 17% of Australia’s land mass and stretches from the 1% economy tropical Top End to the arid centre of Australia. It is Australia’s most sparsely 3%populated Australianjurisdiction, with only 1% of the total population. Almost 60% emission of Territorians live in the Greater Darwin area, with a further 18% in the main population centres of Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. Approximately 30% of Territorians are Aboriginal, with most residing in remote communities. 17% land mass The Territory has a small economy Our climate underpinned by its abundant natural Climate change impacts are already 1% resources – approximately 30% of being experienced across the Territory. the Territory’s gross state product is Over the last century, annual average population generated from our primary industry, temperatures across the Territory have mining and tourism sectors. The increased by 0.5°C in the west and 1% economy is heavily influenced by 2.2°C in the south-east. There has been external economic conditions, such as a significant increase in the number of economy commodity prices, exchange rates and extremely hot days, in both the Top End population movements. and central Australia. Climate modelling 3% Australian emissions These differences influence how we respond to climate change. The Territory indicates that these trends will continue. While average rainfall has remained Government is central to providing the fairly consistent in the southern parts of policy and regulatory environments the Territory, it has increased in the Top to support our response to climate End. Climate models are unclear about change, however we are also reliant trends in annual rainfall, but the intensity on private sector partnerships and of heavy rainfall events is expected to investment in realising the objectives of increase across the Territory. At the same the Response. The demography of the time, droughts are likely to be more Territory means Aboriginal people are severe due to increasing temperatures, key in the development and delivery and more extreme fire behaviour is of climate change action, recognising expected. Tropical cyclones are expected both the vulnerabilities of our remote to become less frequent but be more Economy (GSP) communities to the impacts of climate intense. Agriculture, forestry change, as well as the economic 2.6% & fishing opportunities that a transition to a low Sea levels are rising, with the Territory carbon future can bring. coasts experiencing some of the highest 4.4 % Tourism rises in the world. Levels are projected to rise by up to 0.17m by 2030, and by 4.6% Retail and wholesale trade up to 0.85m by 2090, compared to levels across the 1986 – 2005 period. Higher 6.3% Construction sea surface temperatures and ocean acidification pose significant threats to 7.6% Defence the marine environment. 19.6% Service Industries Mining & manufacturing 22.7% (includes petroleum & LNG) Government & community 23% service 6 Our emissions The Territory’s emissions by sector Global warming is caused by increased atmospheric concentrations of a group NT Emissions Categories Land Use, Land-Use Change of gases known as greenhouse gases. and Forestry There are many different sources of 34% greenhouse gases and it is important Waste to understand these sources, in order 1% to develop effective management strategies. Greenhouse gas emissions are measured using a standard called a ‘carbon dioxide equivalent’ or CO2-e. The Territory has a unique emissions profile that reflects its environment and economic context. In 2018, land-based activities were the highest source of Territory emissions. Collectively, Land 20% Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry Agriculture (LULUCF) i.e. burning of forest land 1% 44% Industrial and grasslands, land clearing and the Processes Energy sequestration of CO2 from land and forests (at 34%) and agriculture (at 20%) accounted for 54% of our emissions. Enteric fermentation, the production of methane through the digestive processes of cattle and other ruminants, Australia and the Territory’s emissions: 2018 comparison was responsible for around 80% of the Territory’s agricultural emissions. Energy related emissions, including energy production and use, and fugitive emissions, accounted for 44% of Territory emissions, of which 31% was NT and Australian Emissions 2018 related to the production of electricity. 100% 100% In comparison, energy-related emissions 75% 81% account for over 80% of Australia-wide emissions, and agriculture 14%. The Land Use sector accounts for just 4% of total 50% national emissions, and in some States 44% has a negative contribution, because 34% 25% activities such as forestry result in a net 20% storage of carbon. In the Territory, less 6% 1% 14% 2% 1% -4% 3% than 1% of native vegetation has been 0% Energy Industrial Agriculture Waste Land Use, Total cleared, limiting opportunities for carbon Processes Land Use Change and Forestry sequestration. -25% Our strategies to reduce emissions must Australia NT therefore be matched to our emissions profile, and how that profile is projected to change in the future. Northern Territory Climate Change Response: Towards 2050 7 3. The climate response policy framework The aim of this framework is to maximise the economic, social and environmental well-being of Territorians while responding proactively to the risks and opportunities of climate change. The policy framework established in this Response is built around four key objectives: 1. Net zero emissions 2. A resilient Territory by 2050 Our objective is to build resilience Our objective is to progressively to climate change in the most reduce net greenhouse gas vulnerable aspects of the Territory’s emissions in the Territory, with the communities, economy and goal of achieving net zero emissions environment. Building a resilient by 2050. This long-term objective Territory means understanding sets expectations about future the likely future effects of climate emissions constraints to help our change, putting in place measures industries and businesses plan and to minimise negative impacts, and adapt. Aiming to achieve net zero identifying opportunities presented emissions aligns the Territory with all by adaptation measures that may other States and Territories across bring an economic advantage for the Australia. Territory. 3. Opportunities from 4. Inform and involve a low carbon future all Territorians Our objective is to unlock An effective response to climate opportunities for Territorians, change requires action from industries and businesses in industry, business, community and the transition to a low carbon individuals. Our objective is that future. The Territory has a natural all Territorians will understand the advantage to be able to capitalise potential impacts from climate on low carbon opportunities with change, know what they can do to its abundance of natural assets contribute to the response, and take and resources. By acting early, advantage of any opportunities it the Territory will position itself to provides. make the most of the opportunities that are presented as the world transitions to a low carbon future.

8 Department of ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES 4. Climate response actions The Northern Territory Climate Change Response: Towards 2050 sets out the broad policy framework for action on climate change over the long term. Further work will be undertaken to map out detailed strategies and actions under each of the objectives. Some priority initiatives and opportunities are described below. Net zero Investing in renewable energy emissions By 2030, 50% of total electricity used by consumers connected to the Territory’s The objective of net zero emissions will power grids will be supplied through renewable energy sources. be achieved by strategies and actions aimed at reducing emissions, investing As part of supporting increased electricity generation through renewable sources, in renewable energy and supporting the Territory Government is investing in battery storage systems to improve opportunities for carbon sequestration network stability and energy security. These investments range from grants to and storage. households and businesses to install local battery systems, to major investments across the public power grids. It is estimated that investing in battery storage The Territory Government will provide systems for the Territory’s power grids will reduce the Territory’s annual carbon a policy and regulatory environment dioxide emissions by approximately 50,000 tonnes. that incentivises and facilitates business and industry investment in reducing The Territory Government is working to bring solar energy generation and emissions. battery storage to remote Territory communities. This program aims to deliver 70% of energy requirements for remote communities through renewable energy, The Territory Government is also reducing the Territory’s annual emissions by approximately 250,000 tonnes committed to reducing emissions and CO2-e. transition to more sustainable energy sources. This is reflected in the target of 50% renewable energy for electricity consumed from grid-connected installations by 2030 as part of its ‘Roadmap to Renewables’ (the renewable energy target). Northern Territory Climate Change Response: Towards 2050 9 Strategies that respond to the Territory’s unique emissions profile will be Promoting energy efficiency Supporting the transition to developed, beyond the opportunities electric vehicles Being more energy efficient – using provided by a greater uptake of less energy to achieve the same Increasing the use of electric renewable energy. There are a number of outcomes – is one of the easiest vehicles in the Territory has the potential opportunities for the Territory ways for Territorians to contribute potential to significantly reduce to address emissions from the Land Use, to reducing the Territory’s emissions. emissions from the transport sector. Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) Energy efficiency can be as simple as and agriculture sectors, including turning off the lights when you leave working with the pastoral industry The Territory Government a room and replacing less energy and researchers to reduce methane efficient lightbulbs and appliances will continue to support and emissions from cattle. The Territory with more energy efficient ones. promote the use of electric Government will encourage broader participation of land owners in Australia’s vehicles in the Territory. The Territory Government will carbon market, through support for continue to support and promote There is opportunity to build the development of new reduction energy efficiency across residential, on the successful autonomous and sequestration methodologies, commercial, government and electric vehicle trials at the Darwin implementation of a greenhouse gas industrial sectors. It provides grants Waterfront Precinct, expand the offsets policy and the production of to assist businesses to reduce use of electric vehicles by the public carbon credits and greenhouse gas energy use and improve energy sector as well as ensure the right abatement opportunities. Expectations practices, and regularly reviews its infrastructure is in place to support for best practice emissions management policy settings to ensure appropriate increased private electric vehicle from major emitters will be established energy efficiency requirements are use associated with advances in in policy. adopted in the town planning and electric vehicle technology. building sectors. The Territory Government will also work with the Australian Government and other Australian jurisdictions to ensure complementary action on emissions reduction and remove any barriers from inconsistent legislative or policy approaches.

10 Department of ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES A resilient Territory Building a resilient Territory is dependent The Territory Government will Resilience and adaptation measures upon our understanding and anticipation will be developed with local councils, continue to partner and work of climate change impacts across the regional organisations and community Territory. We know that vulnerable with industry and research groups to ensure they are tailored to Territorians, particularly Aboriginal institutes to investigate and apply the Territory circumstance. Territorians living in remote areas, will be response measures aimed at disproportionately impacted by climate Actions that build resilience in the buffering the effects of climate change with impacts affecting health and natural ecosystems of the Territory, well-being as well as livelihoods. Based change on how business and such as reducing the impacts of weeds on the best expertise and most up-to- industries operate. and feral animals, will continue to be date information available, the Territory supported. The Territory Government can prioritise, invest and take action Working with experts also allows the will work with research institutions where it is most effective. Territory Government to better adapt to understand which ecosystems and the services it provides – protecting its ecological processes are most investment in infrastructure provision vulnerable, and develop adaptation as well as meeting the health and safety strategies to minimise climate change needs of Territorians. The Territory impacts where possible. Government is key in ensuring the Territory is prepared for extreme events and the impacts of a changing climate, particularly in respect to our ability to live day-to-day and participate in the economic, cultural and social opportunities of our urban, regional and remote settings. Improving our urban design The Territory Government has partnered with the CSIRO, the Australian Government and the City of Darwin to establish the Darwin Living Lab. This 10-year initiative aims to identify measurable improvements in the city’s liveability, sustainability and resilience through testing and evaluating heat mitigation measures. It will inform tropical urban design for Darwin and other tropical centres. The findings of the Alice Springs Heat Mitigation Study are being used to inform cooling and greening techniques throughout the town, including strategic shade structures and native tree plantings in the central business district to create cooler pedestrian pathways. The Territory Government is also working with the NT Planning Commission to guide how the Territory’s planning system responds to the climate change challenge. This may include the development of building design guidelines for the tropical and arid environments. Northern Territory Climate Change Response: Towards 2050 11 Supporting land managers to adapt Responding to risks from heat and extreme weather to climate change The risks to Territorians from heat and extreme weather events will increase The Territory’s large land mass and as our climate changes. Our most vulnerable Territorian’s are likely to be most relatively uncleared estate provides impacted. opportunities for land managers to improve agricultural practices, The Territory Government is working with researchers and experts to examine reduce greenhouse gas emissions the effects of climate change on the health of the community, and to identify of methane and nitrous oxide, and strategies to mitigate the health impacts of climate change on our communities find opportunities to store carbon in and health services. This work includes examining the impacts of heat on vegetation and landscapes. work productivity and identifying opportunities to adjust traditional working approaches to ensure the health and wellbeing of workers operating in high risk The Territory Government provides or labour intensive activities are protected and maintained. expert professional and technical advice, and extension services to The Territory Government will also ensure public housing policies and strategies large land users about on-ground land incorporate green building design into new social housing. Opportunities to management activities to manage incorporate passive cooling approaches in remote locations will be utilised. climate change risks while enhancing environmental and economic productivity. It provides support to Aboriginal Rangers to continue to protect and enhance their country’s resilience through its policy settings, grants and other land management programs. The Territory Government collaborates with researchers and industry representatives to identify and address risks to our agricultural, horticulture, fisheries and biosecurity industries as these adjust to climate change. These programs assist in directing investment and research towards developing and breeding more heat and drought resistant plants and crops, and ensuring ongoing sustainable harvest rates based on seasonal variations and breeding success.

12 Department of ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES Unlocking opportunities Low-carbon economic growth is underpinned by the growth of a Making the best use of our natural assets renewable energy industry in the The Territory has many outstanding To ensure that the Territory’s resources Territory. With one of the best solar natural assets – from expansive natural are used for the economic benefit resources in the world and a skilled environments to minerals that are of the Territory and provide the workforce with experience delivering crucial to innovation and engineering foundations to support a low carbon major infrastructure projects, a low in high technology, renewable energy economy, the Territory Government carbon future means new employment products, batteries and other products. will continue to support resource opportunities and continued economic industries. Greater use of renewable development. The Territory Government will energy to power mining and processing continue to work with the tourism will be encouraged to Solar energy is the cheapest form industry to grow the number of assist in reducing emissions. of electricity generation. Facilitating tourism products and invest in niche the growth of low cost renewable markets targeting ecotourism, while energy facilitates the growth of low ensuring tourism infrastructure carbon industries in the Territory, such projects build seasonality and climate as electrified transportation, green change variances into their long term hydrogen production and export, resilience and sustainability. as well as electrified manufacturing and processing plants. Public and private partnerships will be pursued to encourage investment in low carbon technologies and industries in the Territory. Existing low carbon industries have demonstrated the economic, cultural and environmental opportunities available to Aboriginal communities through land and fire management services, and the establishment of the carbon industry. Growing this industry will support the creation of additional meaningful job opportunities in some of the remotest parts of the Territory. Remote communities will also be able to participate in and share the revenues from renewable energy systems located on Aboriginal-owned land. Northern Territory Climate Change Response: Towards 2050 13 Our solar resources and our proximity to domestic and international markets seeking renewable energy place the Territory in a key position to export renewable energy. The digital economy powered by renewables represents another international market demand available to the Territory. The increasing production of renewable Building our manufacturing and export industries technologies and batteries is expected to The Territory has the capacity to generate more solar energy than it requires. This increase demand for minerals, including opportunity can be harnessed to deliver net zero emission and low cost electricity lithium. Processing these minerals in to major industrial consumers, establishing a critical global competitive advantage. the Northern Territory, powered by renewable energy, provides further With existing energy export infrastructure, close proximity to economies export opportunity. demanding renewable energy and an energy corridor for domestic and international export, the Territory is well placed for the development and export Building a low carbon industry base of renewable energy in the Asia-Pacific region. Upgrading the Territory’s fibre using renewable energy sources allows optic cable network will facilitate improved communication networks, attracting the Territory to promote itself as a new investment, new industries and new jobs. renewables innovation centre. The Territory Government will work with investors to grow its manufacturing industry and facilitate a renewable energy export industry. Growing our carbon farming industry Carbon farming refers to the opportunity to reduce emissions associated with land management activities and promote carbon sequestration (or storage) from plants and soils. Carbon farming can increase land productivity and provide other important environmental co-benefits. The Territory has been at the forefront of the Australian carbon farming industry through the development of innovative savannah burning programs to reduce carbon emissions associated with late season fires. The carbon farming industry delivers significant economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits to Aboriginal people across the Territory. With its extensive pastoral estate and Aboriginal lands, the Territory has an opportunity to expand into other carbon farming opportunities, including those associated with human-induced regeneration (HIR) of native vegetation and herd management to reduce emissions from cattle. The Territory Government will work to improve awareness of the opportunities for carbon farming in the pastoral and agricultural industries and to address policy barriers to carbon farming in the Territory.

14 Department of ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES Inform and involve Many Territorians want to know more about what they can do to Making sustainable choices address climate change and how A changing climate means being mindful of how we use and manage our natural to prepare for climate risks. The resources and the services they provide, particularly water. The Territory Territory Government is committed Government will use water monitoring data, real time weather observations and to developing strategies and actions seasonal data, and projected climate change impacts to manage the sustainable that promote and support climate- use of water in the Territory. conscious behavioural change. The Territory Government is undertaking the planning required to ensure that Business and industry have water resources are managed in an ecologically sustainable manner. It is assessing responsibilities to put in place the Territory’s water challenges and demand pressures in order to identify measures to remain competitive appropriate responses to deliver water security. The Territory Government is in a low carbon future. Consumer committed to investing in innovative water infrastructure and supply solutions to behaviour and economic markets ensure appropriate water quality and availability for Territorians. will favour investment in products and commodities with a small carbon The Territory Government has also invested in a range of programs designed to footprint. Our policy and regulatory reduce water use and improve water efficiency. Territorians can assist by turning environment will support existing off taps, fixing leaks, and investing in water tanks and water reuse systems. and new businesses and industries to invest in this transition. The Territory Government supports energy efficiency initiatives provided by public, private and community sectors to assist businesses and residents across To respond effectively to climate the Territory make sustainable choices. change requires the integration of climate policy across the full breadth of Territory Government responsibility. The Territory Understanding the risks The Territory Government will Government decision making and provide a climate information hub and policy direction will be informed To prepare for climate change we resource centre for all Territorians to by the objectives described in will access the most up to date help them understand and respond to this framework. The Territory information and projections of climate change impacts. Government will also lead by change and impact. The Territory example and reduce its own Government will work with business To ensure all of the Territory can emissions, such as from energy and community groups to identify contribute to the climate change usage, transport choices and waste the key risks to different sectors conversation, and adapt and management processes. from a changing climate and respond to its impacts, the Territory facilitate appropriate responses. It Government will develop and provide will undertake risks assessments access to a range of culturally for Government assets, critical appropriate educational resources. infrastructure and services, and This will include resources in prioritise actions for response. Aboriginal languages where possible. Northern Territory Climate Change Response: Towards 2050 15 5. Delivering the response This Climate Change Response establishes the objectives and policy pathways for the Territory to achieve net zero emissions, build resilience to the impacts of a changing climate and grasp the opportunities of a transition to a low carbon future. Responding to climate change is a complex challenge, and this framework is the starting point in a transition that will take decades. The Territory Government will develop a series of time-bound action plans to articulate the key strategies and priority actions the Territory Government will implement to help deliver on the objectives of this framework. The first of these plans will ensure that the Territory Government builds the foundations required for long-term action on climate change in the Territory. A culture of continual improvement will ensure that plans are responsive to new scientific information, national and international policy settings, advances in technology and new emissions reduction opportunities. The Territory Government will be accountable for its delivery of the objectives of this Climate Change Response by reporting annually to the Legislative Assembly. This Response will be reviewed in 2025.

16 Department of ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES Northern Territory Climate Change Response: Towards 2050 17 July 2020