South Australia is firmly on track to meet its long-term climate goals, with new independent analysis confirming the state has already achieved a 55 per cent reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions since 2005 and is positioned to reach at least a 60 per cent reduction by 2030.
The findings, released in a CSIRO report, show South Australia continues to lead the nation in renewable energy, with net renewable electricity generation reaching 69.7 per cent in 2023–24. The analysis also reinforces the state’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, supported by a suite of policy reforms and accelerated targets.
Recent amendments to the Climate Change and Greenhouse Emissions Reduction Act 2007, passed in March, have strengthened requirements for government planning, risk assessment and action on climate change. Among the most ambitious measures is the state’s commitment to reach 100 per cent net renewable electricity generation by 2027, brought forward by three years.
The report coincides with the release of South Australia’s first-ever statewide climate change assessment, a landmark piece of work prepared by Deloitte and informed by contributions from more than 100 organisations across government, industry, research and community sectors. The 2024 Statewide Climate Change Risk and Opportunity Assessment explores short, medium and long-term scenarios, looking ahead to 2030, 2050 and 2090.
The assessment identifies 11 priority risk areas requiring increased action within the next five years, including water security, agriculture, transport, emergency services, insurance, coastal systems, biodiversity and human health. It also confirms South Australia’s climate has already warmed by an average of one degree since 1960, with projections indicating a further increase of between 1.3 and 2.2 degrees by 2050 if global emissions remain high.
The findings underline the importance of the state’s first Biodiversity Act, which was implemented following the assessment, and its role in strengthening resilience as South Australia faces the likelihood of more frequent droughts, floods, heatwaves and bushfires.
Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Lucy Hood said the results demonstrate how decisive climate action can deliver both environmental and economic outcomes. “South Australia is a global leader in renewable energy and climate mitigation and we are determined to meet our ambitious targets,” she said.
“From passing the state’s first Biodiversity Act to establishing the Industry Climate Change Conference to help local businesses tap into opportunities available in a low-emissions future, our Government is turning climate action into advantage.”
She said the assessment provided a clearer picture of what lies ahead. “The statewide assessment gives us a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities ahead, highlighting priorities to become more climate resilient,” Ms Hood said. “The report will help us build on measures in place and inform future actions so South Australia’s communities and biodiversity can thrive in a changing climate.”
Premier’s Climate Change Council Chair Martin Haese said the assessment would play a critical role in shaping future action. “This first statewide climate change assessment will help catalyse action to tackle the challenges we face under a changing climate,” he said.
“While there is much we are already doing, there is much more we will need to do. The Assessment is not just about addressing climate risks – it also helps us recognise and seize opportunities for economic growth and creating a more sustainable future together.”
The assessment will be reviewed every five years to track progress and emerging risks, with findings shared across government, business, research and community sectors to inform future adaptation planning.
