Report suggests soft landing for Australia's low-carbon transition

SYDNEY, July 27 (Xinhua) -- A new report from Monash University has assessed the social and economic challenges of Australia's transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and provided recommendations for achieving a smooth and "just" transition.

The report, published on Wednesday by Monash and the Royal Holloway University of London, began by acknowledging that Australia's economic growth and job market are both heavily reliant on carbon-producing industries -- described as Australia's "coal curse."

Report co-author and Director for Monash University's Emerging Technologies Research Lab, Sarah Pink, said the overarching policy needs to be considered for the impact it would have on different groups and areas across Australia.

"Policymakers should keep in mind a just transition is about better futures for all of us, and needs to be finely attuned to the needs and unique challenges in every rural, regional and urban community across Australia," Pink said.

A report from Australia's Centre for Policy Development (CPD) published earlier this year estimated that between 100,000 and 300,000 Australians have jobs in emissions-intensive industries.

The report called for measures such as including jobs in the implementation of new technologies, ensuring resources are distributed equally, and that the public has access to transparent information around policy decisions.

Australia's newly elected Labor government has revised the nation's net-zero targets to a 43 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 and net-zero by 2050.

However, environmental groups have raised concern that the fact the government is going ahead with plans to build new coal and gas plants is at odds with this pledge.

The report highlighted that the rhetoric of a "just transition" could not fail to acknowledge that particular groups, such as those in rural areas or working in fossil-fuel related industries, would bear the brunt of national policy decisions.

Contributing author and professor of sustainability transitions from Monash University Rob Raven said Australia was on the "knife edge" of climate change.

"There needs to be a seismic shift in government policies ... to ensure that Australians from all walks of life can move towards sustainable lifestyles."