SustainabilityConnect Newsletter June 2023

The Australian government establishes the Net Zero Authority to oversee the smooth transition to a low-carbon economy.

The Australian government's Net Zero Authority will guide the country's economic transformation towards achieving net-zero emissions, reskilling workers for the energy transition, and facilitating collaboration with industry and investors on transformation opportunities.

The creation of this authority comes on the heels of Australia's commitment to its climate goals, including a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43% by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels) and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. As significant economies worldwide gear up to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the global transition to cleaner energy systems and industries, Australia aims to position itself as a critical player in this transformative journey.

One of the primary focuses of the Net Zero Authority will be to support workers, particularly in emissions-intensive sectors, in accessing new skills and employment opportunities. The authority will facilitate engagement between investors, companies, and net-zero transformation opportunities. It will support regions and communities in attracting new clean energy industries by coordinating programs and policies across the government.

Updapt Views: Australia's plan to establish a Net Zero Authority is a significant step towards sustainable economic transformation. The authority's focus on reskilling workers, coordinating with industry and investors, and supporting clean energy industries aligns with the core principles of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). By prioritizing a just transition and fostering collaboration, Australia aims to achieve its climate goals while leaving no one behind.

Asia-Pacific Region Unites for Urgent Climate Action and Sustainable Development.

The 79th session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) concluded in Bangkok with a commitment from member countries to address the pressing challenges of climate change and sustainable development. The meeting, attended by over 1,000 representatives from governments and stakeholder groups, resulted in the adoption of several resolutions to strengthen regional action and partnerships towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

A key highlight of the session was the resolution on curbing greenhouse gas emissions, which emphasized the region's responsibility as a significant contributor to global emissions. The resolution outlined immediate actions, reflecting the region's determination to accelerate efforts and achieve climate goals.

The resolution also called for the promotion of clean energy technologies, regional power system connectivity, low-emission mobility, early warning systems, and the use of climate change-related statistics. These measures are considered vital components of mitigation and adaptation strategies to address climate change effectively.

Updapt Views: The 79th session of ESCAP showcased a firm commitment from Asia-Pacific countries to urgently address climate change and sustainable development. By adopting these resolutions and forging strategic partnerships, member countries demonstrate their resolve to tackle these global challenges collaboratively. With the spotlight on the transformative role of cities and the unique vulnerabilities certain countries face, ESCAP aims to drive inclusive and sustainable development throughout the region.

British government commits funding for Experiments in the Amazon Rainforest.

The British government has announced new funding for a groundbreaking scientific experiment set in the heart of Brazil's Amazon rainforest. Based in the Amazon rainforest, the project focuses on measuring the impact of rising carbon dioxide levels on trees and holds tremendous potential for shaping sustainable practices and conservation strategies.

In line with their commitment to combating climate change and promoting sustainability, the British government has pledged ￡7.3 million ($9.2 million) towards this research initiative.

Led by the National Institute for Amazonian Research, the University of Campinas in Brazil, and the British Met Office, the experiment—dubbed AmazonFACE (Free-Air CO2 Enrichment)—is set to transform our comprehension of tropical forests' response to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Researchers are erecting multiple towers deep within the Amazon rainforest to inject carbon dioxide into the forest canopy. By closely monitoring how plants absorb this greenhouse gas, the project aims to unravel the intricate relationship between rising CO2 levels, plant growth, and the delicate balance of the water cycle.

Apart from pushing temperatures higher, carbon dioxide can also act as a natural fertilizer for plants. This phenomenon has potential implications for the resilience of the rainforest in the face of climate change. The findings, expected to be available in 2024, will be shared with the global scientific community, fostering collaboration and enabling a better understanding of Amazon's capacity to sequester carbon and its vulnerability to climate change.

Updapt's Views: The knowledge gained through the AmazonFACE project will fuel the efforts to develop innovative solutions that promote sustainability, protect precious ecosystems, and combat climate change. The collaboration between Britain and Brazil, including a climate partnership launch, underlines the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges.

EU and Republic of Korea Forge Green Partnership for Climate Action and Sustainable Transition.

At the EU-Korea Summit in Seoul, the European Union (EU) and the Republic of Korea solidified their commitment to climate action and sustainable development by establishing a Green Partnership.

The partnership aims to enhance bilateral cooperation and exchange best practices in various areas of the green transition, including climate action, clean energy transition, environmental protection, and more. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol jointly launched the Green Partnership, underscoring their shared objective of limiting global temperature rise to below 1.5°C and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

The EU-Korea Green Partnership will prioritize the following areas:

• Combating climate change:?Both parties will intensify efforts in climate adaptation, carbon pricing, methane emissions reduction, and climate finance.
• Environmental protection:?Cooperation will focus on halting biodiversity loss, addressing deforestation and forest degradation, promoting the circular economy, tackling plastic waste across its lifecycle, and implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
• Clean and fair energy transition:?The partnership will enhance collaboration on renewable energies, energy efficiency, renewable and low-carbon hydrogen, phasing out coal-fired power generation, advancing batteries and green mobility, and Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS).
• Green transition facilitation:?The EU and Korea will jointly support third countries in transitioning to sustainable practices, including climate change itigation, adaptation, resilience, clean energy transition, and circular economy measures.
• The Green Partnership also encompasses cooperation in areas such as business collaboration, sustainable finance, research and innovation, sustainable food systems, supply chain resilience, employment, and the social aspects of the green transition.

Updapt's Views: The EU and the Republic of Korea's Green Partnership sets a strong example of international collaboration in addressing climate change and advancing sustainability. Both parties aim to accelerate the global transition to a greener and more resilient future by sharing expertise and working together.

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority launches a net zero strategy for its public transportation.

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled an initiative, the Zero-Emissions Public Transportation in Dubai 2050, adopting an ESG approach.

The RTA's ambitious ESG-driven strategy is expected to reduce 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions significantly. Furthermore, it aims to generate significant financial savings of AED 3.3 billion ($USD 900 million).

The authority has set specific interim targets as part of this strategy. By 2030, they aim to convert 10% of public transport buses to electric and hydrogen vehicles, with a subsequent increase to 40% by 2040 and a complete transition to 100% by 2050. Additionally, they plan to retrofit buildings and facilities with solar cell systems, upgrading 74% of existing buildings by 2030 and achieving 100% by 2045. All new buildings are expected to be near zero energy by 2025.

The RTA also plans to implement initiatives for reusing and recycling 100% of municipal waste by 2030 and increase the use of recycled water in buildings and facilities to 40% by 2050.

To achieve these ambitious ESG goals, the RTA has outlined targeted actions in each category, including decarbonising all taxis, limousines, and public buses, designing buildings with near-zero energy consumption, sourcing energy from renewable sources, and implementing waste management practices that eliminate the need for landfills.

Updapt Views: Dubai's RTA is well on its way to achieving its vision of sustainable and eco-friendly transportation, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change while improving commuters' and residents' lives.