Sustainable Australia: Indigenous People and Water Justice in the 21st Century

Forkan Ali

Introduction

Water is an indispensable resource for human existence, yet its availability and access remain unequal across the world. Indigenous Australians have historically faced significant barriers in asserting their water rights, limiting their ability to govern, manage, and benefit from water resources. Despite growing recognition of Indigenous ecological knowledge and cultural values, contemporary water governance frameworks in Australia fail to fully integrate these perspectives. This essay examines the water injustices experienced by Aboriginal peoples, explores mechanisms for incorporating Indigenous water rights into governance structures, and proposes policy recommendations to achieve equitable and sustainable water justice in Australia.

Indigenous Water Injustice in Australia

Indigenous Australians have long held deep spiritual and cultural connections to water bodies, viewing them as more than mere resources but as living entities intertwined with their identities, traditions, and livelihoods. However, colonization and subsequent water policies have marginalized Indigenous perspectives, restricting access and decision-making authority over water resources. The expansion of agriculture, industrial development, and climate change-induced water shortages have further exacerbated these injustices, disproportionately impacting Indigenous communities. Research indicates that Indigenous communities often suffer from inadequate access to clean and safe water, further perpetuating socio-economic disadvantages (Jackson & Barber, 2013; Sultana, 2018).

Indigenous Expressions of Water Rights and Aspirations

The assertion of Indigenous water rights is a critical step toward rectifying historical injustices and ensuring sustainable water governance. Indigenous groups across Australia have voiced demands for recognition of traditional laws, cultural practices, and decision-making authority in water management. The Murray-Darling Basin (MDB), Australia’s largest water system, illustrates these ongoing struggles. Legal mechanisms such as Native Title and water rights agreements provide some avenues for Indigenous engagement; however, they remain insufficient due to bureaucratic limitations and power imbalances (Jackson, 2017).

Globally, Indigenous communities have influenced water governance through transnational activism and legal frameworks advocating for water justice (Avenell, 2020). Drawing from international examples, Australia must refine its policies to incorporate Indigenous self-determination in water governance. This includes facilitating participatory decision-making processes and embedding Indigenous knowledge into scientific and environmental assessments.

Valuing Water in 21st Century Australia

Water governance in the 21st century must evolve to address Indigenous concerns by integrating ecological, social, cultural, and economic dimensions into policy frameworks. A multi-dimensional justice approach, as suggested by Fraser (2007, 2008), can provide a comprehensive framework for recognizing Indigenous water rights. Acknowledging Indigenous water values involves more than legal recognition—it necessitates meaningful engagement, capacity-building, and co-management initiatives that empower Indigenous communities. The threats posed by climate change, droughts, and extractive industries demand urgent reforms to prevent further water insecurity among Indigenous populations (Vincent, 2020).

Policy Recommendations

·       Strengthening Indigenous Water Rights: The Australian government should enhance legal frameworks to secure Indigenous access to water resources, ensuring enforceable rights under Native Title laws.

·       Co-Management and Governance Inclusion: Indigenous communities must be actively involved in water governance bodies, with equal representation in decision-making at local, state, and national levels.

·       Cultural and Ecological Water Allocations: Policies should recognize and prioritize Indigenous cultural and environmental water allocations, ensuring sustainable water use that respects traditional knowledge.

·       Capacity Building and Indigenous-Led Research: Increased funding for Indigenous-led water research and capacity-building programs will empower communities to manage water sustainably and advocate for their rights.

·       Climate Resilience Strategies: Policies must integrate Indigenous perspectives on climate adaptation, prioritizing water security initiatives tailored to the specific needs of Indigenous communities.

Conclusion

Water justice for Indigenous Australians is a fundamental component of achieving sustainability and equity in water governance. Recognizing and integrating Indigenous knowledge, values, and governance structures into national water policies will not only rectify historical injustices but also contribute to more resilient and ecologically sound water management. The pathway to water justice requires legal, political, and social transformations that enable Indigenous peoples to reclaim their rightful place as stewards of Australia’s water resources. By fostering inclusive governance, respecting Indigenous sovereignty, and adopting sustainable policies, Australia can create a water management system that is just, equitable, and future-proof.

Canberra's Nature Conservation Policy: A Commitment to Biodiversity and Sustainability

Forkan Ali

Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is known for its rich natural environment, with abundant parks, nature reserves, and protected areas that make up a significant portion of the city. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT), which encompasses Canberra, is home to diverse ecosystems ranging from grassy woodlands and wetlands to native forests and mountainous landscapes. This unique natural heritage has prompted the ACT government to implement robust conservation policies that aim to protect and enhance the region’s biodiversity, promote sustainable land management practices, and engage the community in environmental stewardship.

In this blog, we explore Canberra’s nature conservation policies, focusing on key initiatives that support biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, and community involvement in protecting the natural environment.

1. The ACT Nature Conservation Strategy

The ACT government has developed a comprehensive framework for nature conservation in the region, encapsulated in the ACT Nature Conservation Strategy. This strategy aims to guide the management of the ACT’s natural environment and biodiversity over the long term. It focuses on maintaining and restoring the territory’s ecological health, addressing the threats to native species and ecosystems, and enhancing the overall sustainability of local environmental systems.

The strategy identifies key priorities for conservation, including:

Protecting Biodiversity: Protecting threatened species and important ecological communities, as well as enhancing habitat connectivity to support wildlife corridors.

Managing Invasive Species: Reducing the impact of invasive species on native flora and fauna through targeted management programs.

Restoring Degraded Ecosystems: Enhancing the quality and resilience of ecosystems that have been degraded by human activity, climate change, or invasive species.

The strategy is supported by ongoing scientific research, monitoring, and partnerships with conservation organizations, local communities, and landholders. It aligns with national conservation goals and contributes to global biodiversity protection efforts.

2. The Bushfire and Natural Hazards Policy

Given Canberra's vulnerability to bushfires, particularly in the summer months, the ACT government has implemented policies to manage and mitigate the risks of bushfires while maintaining biodiversity and protecting ecosystems. The Bushfire and Natural Hazards Policy emphasizes the need for proactive fire management to protect both human and ecological health.

Key initiatives under this policy include:

Prescribed Burning Programs: The ACT government uses prescribed (controlled) burns to reduce the fuel load in bushland areas and minimize the severity of future wildfires. These controlled burns are carefully managed to ensure they do not damage sensitive ecosystems and species.

Fire Management Plans: Comprehensive fire management plans are developed for each of Canberra’s natural reserves and bushland areas. These plans identify high-risk zones, outline strategies for fire prevention, and ensure appropriate responses to emergency situations.

Post-Fire Restoration: Following major bushfires, efforts are made to restore impacted ecosystems, including planting native species, managing soil erosion, and protecting sensitive wildlife populations.

While bushfire management is critical for Canberra’s safety, it also plays an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, as fire is a natural part of the Australian landscape and many native species are adapted to fire-prone environments.

3. Biodiversity Conservation and the ACT’s Protected Areas Network

The ACT government has established a network of protected areas, including national parks, nature reserves, and nature parks, to conserve the territory’s diverse ecosystems and biodiversity. The Nature Conservation Act 2014 serves as the legal foundation for managing these protected areas and ensuring that conservation objectives are met.

Some of the key protected areas in the ACT include:

Namadgi National Park: Located on the southern edge of Canberra, Namadgi is a significant protected area that encompasses rugged mountain landscapes, native forests, and cultural sites. It plays a crucial role in conserving regional biodiversity and is home to several threatened species, including the southern corroboree frog.

Murrumbateman Grasslands Nature Reserve: This reserve is dedicated to the conservation of grassy woodlands and native grassland species, which are increasingly threatened by land clearing and urban development.

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve: A popular spot for wildlife viewing, Tidbinbilla is home to iconic Australian animals, including koalas, kangaroos, and emus, as well as threatened species like the eastern bettong.

These protected areas are essential for maintaining biodiversity, providing habitat for native species, and offering opportunities for research and environmental education. Conservation management in these areas includes habitat restoration, species monitoring, and controlling invasive species.

4. Community Engagement and Education

The ACT government recognizes that effective conservation requires the involvement of the local community. Various programs aim to engage Canberra residents in nature conservation efforts, from volunteering in local parks to participating in citizen science initiatives.

Programs such as ACT Parks and Conservation Volunteer Program and BushCare encourage community members to actively contribute to the protection and restoration of local ecosystems. Volunteers participate in activities such as planting native trees, removing invasive species, and monitoring wildlife populations. These programs not only contribute to conservation outcomes but also foster a sense of ownership and stewardship of Canberra’s natural environment.

Additionally, environmental education programs in schools and community centers help raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use practices. The ACT government also supports events like the ACT Sustainability Expo and Canberra Nature Map, which highlight local conservation initiatives and encourage sustainable lifestyles.

5. The ACT Climate Change Strategy

Canberra’s nature conservation policy is closely linked to its efforts to address climate change. The ACT Climate Change Strategy outlines the territory’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase renewable energy use, and adapt to the effects of climate change. It highlights the importance of integrating climate change considerations into nature conservation efforts to ensure the resilience of ecosystems.

Key actions under this strategy include:

Supporting the Transition to Renewable Energy: Canberra aims to be powered by 100% renewable energy by 2025, which will help reduce the city’s carbon footprint and mitigate the effects of climate change on local ecosystems.

Enhancing Ecosystem Resilience: Climate change impacts, such as changing rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events, pose significant challenges to biodiversity. The ACT government is investing in research and conservation strategies to help ecosystems adapt to these changes.

Green Infrastructure: The development of green infrastructure, such as urban parks, green roofs, and sustainable drainage systems, is an important part of the ACT’s approach to mitigating climate change and promoting biodiversity within urban environments.

6. Threats to Nature Conservation in Canberra

Despite the efforts of the ACT government, several challenges continue to threaten the region’s biodiversity and ecosystems. These include:

Invasive Species: Invasive plants and animals, such as foxes, rabbits, and noxious weeds, continue to pose significant threats to native species and habitats.

Urbanization and Land Clearing: As Canberra grows, there is pressure to clear land for development, which can result in the fragmentation of habitats and the displacement of native species.

Climate Change: As mentioned, the changing climate poses new threats to biodiversity, with some species struggling to adapt to shifting environmental conditions. Extreme weather events, such as prolonged droughts or intense bushfires, also affect ecosystems and wildlife.

Conclusion

Canberra’s nature conservation policy represents a concerted effort to protect and preserve the region’s natural environment and biodiversity. Through initiatives like the ACT Nature Conservation Strategy, the management of protected areas, community engagement programs, and climate change mitigation strategies, the ACT government is working to create a more sustainable and resilient future for both people and wildlife.

While challenges remain, particularly in the face of climate change and urban development, the ongoing commitment to nature conservation is crucial for maintaining Canberra’s rich natural heritage and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the region’s unique landscapes and biodiversity.

References:

ACT Government, ACT Nature Conservation Strategy 2020-2025. Retrieved from https://www.environment.act.gov.au

ACT Government, Bushfire and Natural Hazards Policy. Retrieved from https://www.act.gov.au

ACT Parks and Conservation Service, Biodiversity and Conservation. Retrieved from https://www.parks.act.gov.au

ACT Government, Climate Change Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.environment.act.gov.au

The Bush Capital

Deep Ecological Insights: Environmental Wisdom in Indigenous Narratives

Forkan Ali

Abstract:

This is a study of the role of environmental wisdom in Indigenous literature within the process of learning from and harmonizing with nature. Indigenous literature presents alternative perspectives on living harmoniously with nature, a realm that has regrettably received limited attention. Hence, this essay explores the interwoven connections among communities, spirituality, and nature as portrayed in the beliefs and practices of Canadian and Australian Indigenous communities. Drawing on the idea of Deep Ecology, this essay employs an encompassing critical-environmental approach, seeking to uncover how the literature of Canadian First Nations and Australian Indigenous narratives offer innovative alternatives to prevailing environmental ideologies particularly those that prioritize humans over nature. In so doing, this critical-culture-based investigation sheds light on the inadequacy of popular ideologies such as anthropocentrism in addressing today’s ecological challenges. Through this approach, this study not only offers an alternative framework for (indigenous culture-based) ecological criticism but also provides a holistic perspective rooted in traditional Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices, while promoting sustainable coexistence with the environment.  A profound understanding of ecology drawn from Indigenous literature can foster inclusive environmental narratives, enrich contemporary ecocriticism debates, and contribute to environmentalism that respects all Indigenous cultures on Earth.

Keywords: Deep Ecology; Anthropocentrism, Eco-criticism, Environmentalism, Sustainability.

Introduction

The earth and myself are of one mind. The measure of the land and the measure of our bodies are the same.

 —Chief Joseph (Wilson, 1998)

Destroy us, land and forest take forever from your children. Walk the circle of life. Have no fear. Together, let us love and protect our children, respect the land and forest, giving back what we have taken.

― Frederic M. Perrin, Rella Two Trees - The Money Chiefs (Perrin, 2013)

Our spirituality is a oneness and an interconnectedness with all that lives and breathes, even with all that does not live or breathe… … Indigenous spirituality is the belief that all objects are living and share the same soul or spirit that Indigenouss share. — Us Mob (Mudrooroo, 1995)

Our world becomes confined within a system that erodes the entirety of the natural environment. Because it is situated within the pervasive global cultural landscape of industrial capitalism, characterized by its relentless expansion and profit-oriented ethos. Surpassing reverence for life and nature, this system exploits the natural world. The transformation of forests, oceans, animals, plants, and every species, including humans, into commodities for consumption is seen everywhere. These resources are manipulated and harnessed for economic gains and material growth. Within this tightly regimented and suffocating technocratic framework, the very ecology of life is being eroded. This profit-driven capitalist system, coupled with the ever-expanding industrial trajectory, compounds the global environmental crisis, presenting an imminent peril to the planet’s existence. To address this pressing environmental crisis, various measures have been discussed to date. Many ideological environmental movements (for instance, environmentalism, ecocentrism, and conservatism) have emerged. These movements collectively strive to nurture environmental preservation, and optimal ecological well-being, and safeguard all species from human-induced extinction. However, certain challenges perturb environmental scholars who contend that these environmental movements and ideas are relatively inadequate for offering different views regarding environmental challenges and lack practical efficacy in many instances (Gottlieb, 2005). Thus, the emergence of environmental ethics and philosophies has sought to reinvigorate the discourse (Clarke, 2017). Scholars take divergent revolutionary approaches to environmentalism, often categorized as either radicalism or conservatism (Taylor, 1974). These scholars are committed to reconfiguring and proposing a reformation of ecological paradigms. Within this context, radical environmentalism or ecological radicalism emerges as another form of environmental activism advocating the need to reevaluate prevailing popular environmental paradigms (Mareš, 2008). However, what has been left out of these mainstream environmental paradigms, radical environmental thoughts and other environmental movements is the exploration of Indigenous knowledge structure which has been founded by their traditional way of living with mother nature.

The confluences among First Nations cultures, oral traditions, Australian Indigenous[1] narratives, and their beliefs about nature and culture not only articulate a mutual perspective of interconnection between members of community, their sense of spirituality, and the environment but also present an alternative knowledge framework for addressing ecological challenges inclusively. For instance, Indigenous cultures and traditions in Canada and Australia have long upheld such practices that emphasize the interconnectedness of all life forms on Earth. Importantly, they have translated this ethos into practical action since the very inception of human existence on this planet. The epigraphs chosen, for example, sourced from Canadian Indigenous writer Frederick M. Perrin, Chief Joseph of the American Native tribe, and Australian Indigenous writer Mudrooroo, underscore this comprehension and illustrate how Indigenous peoples across distinct regions hold reverence for the atmosphere around them. Their perspective on their lands, waters, oceans, forests, animals, and other natural entities is interwoven with their sense of community and (religious) spirituality. Additionally, the societal fabric of Indigenous communities relies on their natural entities (such as lands, rivers, seas, and forests), culminating in an ecological equilibrium of harmonious coexistence with all-natural facets and resources. It is an outlook that contrasts with the idea of anthropocentrism which believes human beings are the central or most significant entities in the universe (Norton, 1984).  Aware that an ecological collapse would ensue without symbiotic cohabitation with nature, Indigenous communities embrace every aspect of nature; they vehemently oppose any threats to this equilibrium. In Rella Two Trees—Money Chiefs, a story by Canadian Indigenous writer Perrin, a twelve-year-old girl named Rella Two Trees and her people expressively exemplify harmonious cohabitation with natural world. However, their peaceful existence is jeopardized when colonial forces, represented by the Money Chiefs, arrive to exploit oil and gold resources. Similar narratives resonate across various indigenous literary works globally, including those of influential authors like Mudrooroo and Grey Owl, as well as in popular films like James Cameron’s Avatar.[2]

Indigenous narratives represent cultures and traditions that are rooted in a societal ethos that places nature at the forefront. These narratives emphasize the value of and responsibility for safeguarding natural resources and the intrinsic values they embody. A cadre of Indigenous intellectuals, philosophers, and writers champion an essential environmental paradigm aligned with Indigenous philosophy, which prioritizes learning from and harmonizing with nature. Notable figures such as Deloria Jr. (Lakota), renowned for his contributions to Indigenous rights, spirituality, and environmentalism as evidenced in his work Custer Died for Your Sins, underscore the significance of Indigenous perspectives in environmental stewardship. Similarly, Robin Wall Kimmerer (Citizen Potawatomi Nation), an accomplished botanist, author, and professor, intertwines Indigenous wisdom with scientific knowledge in Braiding Sweetgrass, elucidating the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world. Furthermore, figures like Winona LaDuke (Anishinaabe) advocate for Indigenous rights and environmental justice by emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between Indigenous cultures and the land, promoting sustainable practices and renewable energy. Glen Coulthard (Yellowknives Dene), a political theorist and author, delves into Indigenous resurgence, decolonization, and environmental justice in Red Skin, White Masks, challenging Western liberalism and advocating for Indigenous self-determination.

Similarly, Deborah McGregor (Anishinaabe) specializes in Indigenous environmental governance and legal traditions, shedding light on Indigenous perspectives regarding land stewardship, sustainability, and the protection of sacred sites. Similarly, Daniel Wildcat (Yuchi member of the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma) emphasizes Indigenous environmental philosophies and sustainable development in Red Alert!: Saving the Planet with Indigenous Knowledge, stressing the importance of Indigenous perspectives in addressing environmental challenges. Additionally, Gerald Vizenor (Anishinaabe), a prolific writer and scholar, integrates themes of environmentalism and Indigenous resilience in his works, highlighting the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world. All these intellectuals, philosophers, and writers collectively draw upon Indigenous traditions, knowledge systems, and worldviews to advocate for environmental stewardship, underscored by the imperative of living in harmony with nature and learning from Indigenous approaches to sustainability. Within this backdrop, this essay focuses on the role of Indigenous environmental wisdom—the holistic understanding and responsible stewardship of natural resources and ecosystems to ensure their sustainability for current and future generations—in Indigenous literature within the process of learning from and harmonizing with nature. The study specifically offers an alternative intellectual community of fiction writers who depict an Indigenous community grappling with and overcoming challenges posed by profit-driven modern civilization, eschewing complex and artificial dynamics in solving environmental problems.

The ecological ideology, placing nature and its resources at the heart of all, resonates within Indigenous societies and spiritual practices, diverging from popular environmental concepts like anthropocentrism, speciesism, and human chauvinism. Within the subsequent discourse, this essay feels the need to reexamine the ties between Indigenous cultures and ecological criticism, underscoring how concepts like anthropocentrism inadequately address and resolve contemporary global environmental crises. Such concepts disregard the essence of harmonious collaboration with nature as a central tenet, undermining human communities when prioritizing animals and plants, consequently contesting prevailing popular environmental ideas. This study explores the interplay between community, spirituality, and nature within the beliefs of First Nations and Indigenous peoples. This culturally-grounded textual analysis also seeks to discern how literature from Canadian First Nations and Australian Indigenous narratives not only rejects mainstream ideas such as anthropocentrism that undermine mother nature but also sheds light on the notion that these ideas remain incomplete without an integrative amalgamation of human society, spirituality, and nature. In doing so, the essay spotlights less-represented cultures that deeply rooted in ecological equilibrium and the ideologies of Indigenous peoples, as depicted in chosen texts: Alexis Wright’s Carpentaria (2006), Kim Scott’s That Deadman Dance (2010), Eden Robinson’s Monkey Beach (2000), and Jeannette Armstrong’s Slash (1985). Within the brief but rationally applicable analysis of the select novels, a distinctive knowledge paradigm for ecological criticism, one that examines the interdependence of community, spirituality, and nature, is delineated. The reason of choosing these number of texts lies at the heart of showing the similarity of richness of ecophilosophical thoughts in dissimilar texts.  This comprehensive approach acknowledges the ongoing debate surrounding the limitations of established environmental concepts, while simultaneously offering a more expansive perspective through the interpretation of the aforementioned texts and relevant examples. Particularly, it substantiates how these writers’ works brim with the ethos of the idea of Deep Ecology.

Built upon the concept of Deep Ecology, therefore, this essay employs an inclusive critical-environmental methodology. It reveals how the literature of Canadian First Nations and Australian Indigenous narratives presents innovative alternatives to prevailing environmental ideologies, particularly those that prioritize human interests over the natural world. This critical inquiry highlights the shortcomings of widely accepted beliefs like anthropocentrism in effectively addressing today’s ecological crises. Through this approach, not only an alternative framework for ecological criticism is put forth, but also a comprehensive viewpoint grounded in traditional wisdom and cultural customs is emphasized. It underscores the interdependence between humans, nature, and spirituality, while advocating for sustainable synchronicity with the environment. Consequently, a profound comprehension of ecology derived from indigenous literature can foster comprehensive environmental narratives, enrich ongoing debates in contemporary ecocriticism, and contribute to environmentalism that honors almost forgotten Indigenous traditions.

Deep Ecology and Indigenous Novels

Deep Ecology (otherwise known as ecosophy or wisdom of ecological philosophy) is an environmental philosophy that emphasizes the intrinsic value of all living beings and advocates for a harmonious, interconnected relationship between humans and the natural world. Scholar Aldo Leopold recognized the importance of ecology as “the outstanding discovery of the twentieth century,” but it was not until the 1960s, with the emergence of the Age of Ecology, that the broader public grasped its significance for environmental issues, leading to what G. Tyler Miller described as “the most all-encompassing revolution in the history of mankind” (Perley, 1973). Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, coinciding with a rising awareness of pollution and environmental degradation, marked the beginning of this ecological revolution, challenging anthropocentrism and questioning humanity’s ability to control nature. The conservation efforts initiated by the Kennedy administration in the early 1960s, as outlined by then-Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall’s The Quiet Crisis, also reflected the growing environmental awareness but predominantly adhered to an anthropocentric “resource” approach. Lynn White, Jr.’s 1967 article, “The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis,” initiated interest in Deep Ecology by critiquing the dominant Judeo-Christian perspective of man versus nature. The influx of Eastern spiritual traditions into the West since the 1950s, represented by figures like Alan Watts and Daisetz Suzuki, offered an alternative man/nature vision, influencing Deep Ecology. In the late 1960s and 1970s, a growing exploration of Eastern and Western philosophies, as seen in works by Fritjoff Capra, Joseph Needham, and Huston Smith, contributed to a renewed interest in relating the environmental crisis to values within the Western paradigm and seeking guidance from Eastern philosophies (Sessions, 1987, 25). In 1975, John Passmore advocated for a new metaphysics that transcends anthropocentrism, marking a pivotal task for philosophy. The emergence of ecophilosophy (occurred in Norway) can be traced back to Peter Zapffe in 1941, gaining momentum in the 1960s with protests against river damming (Naess 1973). Arne Naess, a prominent philosopher, defined the Deep Ecology movement and argued for a transformative shift in human thinking, emphasizing ecological perspectives, normative values, and the need for an ecophilosophical approach, as outlined in his major work, “Ecosophy,” published in 1976 and only now gaining recognition beyond Scandinavia.

To differentiate shallow anthropocentric and technocratic environmental protests from deep, long-range ecological ones, Norwegian Philosopher Arne Naess coined the term “Deep Ecology” in his article “The Shallow and the Deep, Long-Range Ecology Movement” as such:

Ecology is a limited science which makes use of scientific methods. Philosophy is the most general forum of debate on fundamentals. ... The significant tenets of the Deep Ecology movement are clearly and forcefully normative. They express a value priority system only in part based on results (or lack of results) of scientific research.... It is clear that there is a vast number of people in all countries... who accept as valid the wider norms and values characteristic of the Deep Ecology movement. (Naess, 1973, 99)

Shallow environmentalism severs the human-nature bond, prioritizing humans as the source of all value and controllers of nature, fostering ecological disasters. Conversely, Deep Ecology perceives humans as an integral part of the interconnected natural environment, rooted in norms andspiritual awareness.

Centering only on human interests to the detriment of other species places the planet in jeopardy. The current ecological crisis, coupled with radical transformation and global violence, prompts a crucial question about humanity’s role alongside other living beings on Earth. Does the planet require humans for its survival? The answer is surprisingly straightforward: no. In our absence, the Earth would thrive even more successfully. Conversely, it is believed, if a single insect were to disappear, the planet’s demise would soon follow. Through economic, industrial, and technological advancements, humans have left an indelible mark on the Earth’s geological history, positioning themselves as “geological agents” (Chakrabarty 2009, 197). The Anthropocene epoch, intertwining geological and human history, has emerged (Chakrabarty 2009, 197). We are now acutely aware that our actions, impacting Earth’s health and species, are intricately tied to our own well-being and that of future generations. As a result, notions such as anthropocentrism and speciesism, which assert human dominance over nature, are under scrutiny.

Anthropocentrism, prevalent in the European environmental and social philosophy model, prioritizes human interests above all (Catton and Dunlap 1978). However, this perspective has been increasingly challenged, with scholars seeking a more holistic reevaluation (Gardiner and Thompson 2015; Domanska 2010; Shoreman-Ouimet and Kopnina 2015). On the other hand, speciesism, akin to anthropocentrism, biases in favor of one’s own species, leading to unfair treatment of others (Kopnina et al. 2018). Moreover, the anthropocentric approach wrongly assumes that all of humanity adheres to this ideology, disregarding Indigenous societies like Canadian First Nations, Australian Indigenous communities, and Native Americans, which are not inherently anthropocentric. In contrast to anthropocentrism, ecocentrism, closely tied to Deep Ecology, rejects human supremacy and advocates for a relationship between humans and nature based on ecological realities (Nelson et al. 2016). This perspective values biodiversity, animal welfare, and overall ecological balance, resembling aspects of biocentrism (Bekoff 2013). Unlike subjective anthropocentrism, objective ecocentrism prioritizes naturalism and perceives humans as “memberless fact,” devoid of exceptional status (Hoffman and Sandelands 2005). What is substantial from this critical discussion is to identify the complexity lies within the different environmental concepts. The goal should be very simple: to let nature flourish, let not the human to suppress it. Thus, the need for inclusive environmentalism and multicultural ecocriticism arises, one that embraces traditions, beliefs, and communities, intertwining them with nature’s interconnectedness. This integrated approach resonates well with the notion of Deep Ecology, prioritizing human-environment relationships and emphasizing ecological balance and ecosystem security (Morton 2010, 1; Tallis and Lubchenco 2014, 27).

The concept of Deep Ecology and Indigenous novels share a strong connection as they both emphasize a holistic and interconnected worldview that aligns with the values and perspectives of many indigenous cultures. Deep Ecology, a philosophical and ecological ideology, advocates for a profound shift in human consciousness towards recognizing the intrinsic value of all living beings and their interconnectedness within the ecosystem therefore, “there are deeper concerns which touch upon principles of diversity, complexity, autonomy, decentralization, symbiosis,

egalitarianism, and classlessness” (Naess, 1973, 95). Moreover, “ecological knowledge and the

life-style of the ecological field-worker have suggested, inspired, and fortified the perspectives of the Deep Ecology movement” (98). Indigenous Novels, on the other hand, often reflect symbiosis, egalitarianism, and classlessness with the deep spiritual and cultural connections that indigenous communities have with the natural world. Deep Ecology’s emphasis on ecological interconnectedness and the recognition of nature’s intrinsic value resonates with the way many indigenous societies such as Canadian First Nations and Australian Indigenous view their environment. Indigenous cultures often hold beliefs that consider the land, animals, and plants as integral parts of their identity and spirituality. This spiritual connection goes beyond a utilitarian view of nature and re-emphasizes a harmonious reconciliation with the environment.

In Indigenous novels, the interconnectedness and reverence for nature are frequently depicted through storytelling, where landscapes, animals, and natural elements are personified and given agency. The Indigenous literature often portrays a deep understanding of ecological balance and the interdependence of all elements in the ecosystem. This also resonates with Deep Ecology’s call for “wider norms and values” as well as a fundamental reevaluation of human-nature relationships (Naess, 1973. 99). Moreover, both the idea of Deep Ecology and Indigenous novels challenge the anthropocentric worldview that has led to environmental degradation in many ways. They propose a shift towards desired ecological balance, where the focus is on the well-being of the entire ecosystem rather than just on human interests.

This essay re-explores this discussion examining how Indigenous cultures have lived in harmony with their environments for generations, often following sustainable practices that align with the principles of Deep Ecology. The study further reveals how the connection between Deep Ecology and Indigenous novels therefore lies in their shared values of interconnectedness, diversity, ecological harmony, and the recognition of nature’s intrinsic worth. Both views offer alternative perspectives to the dominant anthropocentric ideologies, emphasizing a spiritual and respectful relationship with the natural world. By integrating the insights from Indigenous novels with the principles of Deep Ecology, there is a potential to cultivate a more profound understanding of ecological stability and inspire sustainable actions for the benefit of both nature and humanity.

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Lamb, Hubert H. Climate, History and the Modern World. Routledge, 2002.

Leopold, Aldo. A Sand County Almanac. (1949). Oxford University Press, 1968.

Mareš, Miroslav. “Environmental Radicalism and Extremism in Postcommunist Europe.” Journal for the Study of Radicalism 2, no. 1 (2008): 91-107. doi:10.1353/jsr.2008.0033.

McLaughlin, Paul. “Remarks on Ecological Radicalism.” In Environmental Political Philosophy, pp. 29-50. Routledge, 2017.

McLaughlin, Paul. Radicalism: A Philosophical Study. Springer, 2012.

McMichael, A. et al. “Climate Change and Human Health: Present and Future Risks.” The Lancet 367, no. 9513 (2006):  859-869.

Methot, Suzanne. “Spirits in the Material World: Haisla Culture Takes Strange Shape in Eden Robinson’s Monkey Beach.” Quill & Quire 66, no. 1 (2000): 12-13.

Morton, Timothy. The Ecological Thought. Harvard University Press, 2010.

Mudrooroo. Us Mob. Sydney: Harper Collins, 1995.

Naess, Arne. “The Shallow and the Deep, Long‐Range Ecology Movement. A Summary.” Inquiry 16, no. 1-4 (1973): 95-100.

Neal, Fw. “Radicalism”, in J. Gould and W. L. Kolb (eds.), A Dictionary of the Social Sciences, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1964.

Nelson, Michael Paul Nelson, Jeremy T. Bruskotter, John A. Vucetich, and Guillaume Chapron. "Emotions and the Ethics of Consequence in Conservation Decisions: Lessons from Cecil the Lion." Conservation Letters 9, no. 4 (2016): 302-306.

Perrin, Frederic M. Rella Two Trees. Sydney: Ankh Publishing, 2013

Radha, M. Narratives of Denial Accusation and Confession in Canadian Indigenous Women Writers. Doctoral Thesis, Madurai Kamraj University, 2008: 1-237.

Robinson, Eden. Monkey Beach. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2000.

Rowland, Lucy. “Indigenous temporality and climate change in Alexis Wright’s Carpentaria (2006).” Journal of Postcolonial Writing 55, no. 4 (2019): 541-554, DOI: 10.1080/17449855.2019.1598472

Shoreman-Ouimet, Eleanor, and Helen Kopnina. Culture and Conservation: Beyond Anthropocentrism. Routledge, 2015.

Scott, Kim. That Deadman Dance. Pan Macmillan, 2011

Sorensen, Kelsey. "Preservation of Oral Tradition-Why Monkey Beach Isn't a Gothic Novel." MacEwan University Student Research Proceedings 4, no. 1 (2019): 1-5.

Stokols, Daniel. “Establishing and Maintaining Healthy Environments: Toward a Social Ecology of Health Promotion.” American Psychologist 47, no. 1 (1992): 6-22.

Tallis, Heather, and Jane Lubchenco. “Working Together: A Call for Inclusive Conservation.” Nature News 515, no. 7525 (2014): 27-28.

Taylor, Gordon Rattray. Rethink: Radical Proposals to Save a Disintegrating World. London: Penguin, 1974.

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Wright, Alexis. Carpentaria. Giramondo Publishing, 2006.

Npotes:

[1] Australia’s Indigenous peoples consist of two distinct cultural groups: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Within these groups lies significant diversity, highlighted by over 250 different language groups spread across the nation (See AIATSIS at aiatsis.gov.au). The Canadian Constitution recognizes three distinct groups of Indigenous peoples: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (see, Indigenous peoples and communities, Government of Canada at https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013785/1529102490303).

[2] This film is often interpreted through the lens of the white savior trope but the significance of protecting natural habitats with the indigenous ways portrayed in the film has gained universal appeal.

How to Protect the Environment and Make Effective Policies: Learning from Success Cases and Failed Interventions

Forkan Ali

Environmental protection has become a global priority as the impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution continue to threaten ecosystems, economies, and communities. However, effective environmental protection requires the design and implementation of policies that are both ambitious and practical. By studying successful cases and analyzing failed interventions, governments, organizations, and individuals can learn valuable lessons that can inform future environmental policies.

In this blog, we will explore how to create policies that effectively protect the environment, drawing from both successful examples and lessons learned from past failures. These insights can guide policymakers in creating frameworks that not only protect natural resources but also foster sustainable development.

1. Key Elements of Successful Environmental Policies

Successful environmental policies often share several common characteristics. These policies tend to:

• Be Evidence-Based: The best environmental policies are informed by scientific research and data. This ensures that the measures adopted are grounded in an accurate understanding of environmental issues.

• Set Clear and Measurable Targets: Successful policies often set clear, specific, and measurable targets. This makes it easier to track progress and hold stakeholders accountable.

• Encourage Stakeholder Participation: Effective policies involve a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, communities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This ensures that the policies reflect diverse perspectives and are more likely to be supported by those affected.

• Be Flexible and Adaptive: Successful environmental policies are adaptive and can be modified in response to new information or changing conditions. This is especially important in addressing complex, evolving environmental challenges such as climate change.

• Incorporate Economic and Social Considerations: Good policies recognize that economic growth and environmental protection can go hand in hand. Sustainable policies account for the economic needs of communities while ensuring long-term ecological health.

2. Learning from Success Cases

Case 1: The European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS)

One of the most successful examples of environmental policy is the European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS), established in 2005. The EU ETS is a market-based approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by setting a cap on emissions and allowing companies to trade emission allowances.

Why It Worked:

Market Incentives: By putting a price on carbon emissions, the EU ETS incentivizes companies to reduce their emissions. Those who reduce emissions below their allowances can sell their excess allowances to others, creating a financial incentive for emission reductions.

Flexibility: The EU ETS allows companies to choose how they reduce emissions, whether through energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, or other technologies.

Continuous Improvement: The system has been revised over time to tighten emissions caps and include more sectors, making it more effective at reducing emissions.

Case 2: Banning Single-Use Plastics in Kenya

In 2017, Kenya became one of the first countries to implement a nationwide ban on single-use plastic bags. The ban was introduced in response to the widespread environmental damage caused by plastic waste, particularly in the country’s rivers, wildlife, and landfills.

Why It Worked:

Strong Enforcement: Kenya’s ban was enforced with strict penalties for producers, distributors, and users of plastic bags, which ensured compliance.

Public Support: The ban was accompanied by public awareness campaigns that highlighted the environmental damage caused by plastic waste. This helped garner public support for the policy.

Positive Economic Impact: The ban also led to the development of alternatives such as reusable bags, spurring new businesses and job creation in the sustainable products sector.

Case 3: The Clean Water Act (United States)

The Clean Water Act, passed in 1972 in the United States, is one of the most significant environmental protection laws in history. It regulates the discharge of pollutants into U.S. waters and sets water quality standards for surface waters.

Why It Worked:

Clear Goals and Standards: The Act set clear water quality standards and established a framework for regulating the discharge of pollutants into waterways.

Enforcement Mechanisms: The Act provided strong enforcement mechanisms, including the authority for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to monitor and penalize polluters.

Collaboration: The Act encouraged cooperation between federal, state, and local governments to manage water resources and enforce pollution controls.

3. Learning from Failed Interventions

While there have been many successful environmental policies, there have also been many failed interventions. Analyzing these failures can offer valuable lessons for future policymaking.

Failure 1: The Kyoto Protocol (1997)

The Kyoto Protocol was an international treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While the treaty marked a major step in global climate negotiations, it faced several challenges that limited its effectiveness.

Why It Failed:

Lack of Commitment from Major Emitters: The United States, one of the largest emitters, did not ratify the treaty, and other developing countries were not bound by the same emissions reduction targets. This led to a lack of global commitment.

Inflexibility: The Kyoto Protocol was criticized for its rigid targets and lack of flexibility in how countries could meet their emissions reduction goals. This made it difficult for countries to align their own economic needs with the goals of the treaty.

Failure 2: The Queensland Floodplain Development (Australia)

In the 1990s and 2000s, large-scale developments on floodplains in Queensland, Australia, were approved without fully considering the environmental risks. This led to widespread damage during flooding events, such as the 2011 Brisbane floods.

Why It Failed:

Poor Planning and Risk Management: The development failed to account for the environmental risks posed by building on floodplains, which led to significant damage to infrastructure and communities during floods.

Lack of Adaptation to Climate Change: The development was based on outdated assumptions about flood risks and did not adequately consider the potential impacts of climate change, including more intense rainfall and rising sea levels.

Failure 3: The Agricultural Subsidy Programs (Global)

In many countries, including the United States and European Union, agricultural subsidies have been used to support farmers and ensure food security. However, these subsidies have often been linked to environmentally harmful practices such as overuse of pesticides, monoculture farming, and deforestation.

Why It Failed:

Incentives for Harmful Practices: Subsidies often incentivize practices that degrade the environment, such as intensive farming and deforestation for agricultural expansion.

Failure to Account for Externalities: Agricultural subsidies have historically failed to account for the environmental and social costs associated with unsustainable farming practices, such as soil degradation and biodiversity loss.

4. Key Takeaways for Effective Environmental Policy

Based on the success stories and failures, several key lessons can be learned when creating environmental policies:

Incorporate Science and Evidence: Policies must be based on sound scientific research and data to ensure they are effective and adaptable to changing circumstances.

Set Clear, Achievable Goals: Policies should set clear, measurable targets to monitor progress and adjust actions accordingly.

Encourage Stakeholder Engagement: Successful policies involve input from all relevant stakeholders, including affected communities, industries, and experts.

Build Flexibility and Adaptability: Policies must be adaptable to new information, technologies, and evolving environmental conditions.

Consider Economic and Social Impacts: Policies should aim to balance environmental protection with economic growth and social equity to gain broad support.

Ensure Strong Enforcement: Clear enforcement mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance are essential to ensuring the success of environmental policies.

Conclusion

Protecting the environment requires a nuanced and strategic approach to policy-making. By learning from successful policies and analyzing past failures, governments and organizations can design more effective environmental interventions. Effective environmental policies are those that are based on evidence, involve broad stakeholder participation, set clear targets, and can be adjusted as new challenges and information arise. By applying these lessons, we can better navigate the complex task of balancing human development with the preservation of our planet for future generations.

References:

The European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS). (2020). European Commission. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu

Kenya’s Plastic Bag Ban. (2017). United Nations Environment Programme. Retrieved from https://www.unenvironment.org

The Clean Water Act (United States). (1972). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov

Kyoto Protocol. (1997). United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Retrieved from https://unfccc.int

Net Zero Future for Australia after COP27: Transport Planning and Policies

Forkan Ali

Achieving the Net Zero emissions goal crucial to address climate change risks and future regional and urban planning and sustainable development. However, persuasively, sectoral transformations such as zero-emission transport systems are essential. To date, countries have taken a few steps to reduce transport-related emissions. Australia is one of the few countries emitting the highest level of transport-related GHGs and now has made efforts for this cause. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate how Australia responds to issues associated with Net Zero and its implications for transport planning and governance. Relying on the integrated review method, this study collects, analyses, and synthesizes carefully selected data from Net zero efforts in other countries and shows how these plans could help inform the analysis of the Australian situation. In so doing, this research maps out a practical pathway to initiate the transition away from fossil fuels combined with strategic planning and policymaking.
Emerging from physical climate science and operationalized through social, political, and economic systems, Net Zero emissions simply mean removing an equal amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere as we release them. Fankhauser and Smith et al. in their article on Nature Climate Change elaborate on this concept of Net Zero emissions.

The corollary of this result [relationship between cumulative net anthropogenic  CO2 emissions and CO2-induced surface warming] is that CO2-induced warming halts when net anthropogenic CO2 emissions halt (that is, CO2 emissions reach net zero), with the level of warming determined by cumulative net emissions to that point. (Fankhauser, Smith et al. 2022)

The idea of Net Zero applies to a condition where anthropogenic GHG emissions are in balance with emissions cutbacks. In this condition, CO2 is yet produced but an equivalent quantity of CO2 is eliminated from the atmosphere while it is released into it, followed by zero increase in net emissions (Wood 2021). In the last couple of years “Net Zero” has been pragmatically envisioned as the key pillar of efforts to bring the long-term temperature goal of the Paris Agreement into reality, the 2022 UNFCC Conference (held from 9-18 Nov 2022 in Egypt), commonly referred to as COP27, fails to accentuate a commitment to phase out fossil fuels but suggest a holistic approach to decarbonisation initiatives (Rannard 2022).[1] Achieving  Net Zero emissions as a concept was cherished in Article 4.1 of the 2015 Paris Agreement and was again emphasized IPCC Special Report 2018 and restated in the 2021 Sixth Assessment Report (UNFCCC 2016[2] and 2021[3], IPCC 2018[4], IPCC 2021[5],). The current adoption of climate policies will decrease emissions, but not fast enough to reach international targets of limiting temperature. As the figure below shows, if the countries achieve their pledges, they will certainly progress, but we are still far off the way.

However, many developed and developing countries along with European Union have already adopted the Net Zero emissions target supported by several international initiatives including the Climate Ambition Alliance. Regardless of the Covid-19 Pandemic, the drive behind Net Zero has continued even with many non-state actors’ commitments to the target (Buckle, Ellis et al. 2020). There exists a growing gap between the several Net Zero pledges set forth and solid actions being employed in due course. Even if the declared Net Zero commitments are achieved, the total energy-related CO2 emissions will yet be about 22 gigatonnes in 2050 (IEA 2021[1]).  

The Net Zero emissions target is a commitment that the countries realised its urgent significance and put forward to date giving welcome signals of intention. There also exist several questions regarding the concept and various relative targets of Net Zero and how to reach the targets with issues such as what technologies, plans, policies, and sectoral transformations are required (La Hoz, Doda et al. 2021 ). Studies show that countries are embracing various approaches across major aspects of their Net Zero targets (Rogelj, Geden et al. 2021). Some of the key aspects of distinction include the legal status, terminological differences, level of coverage, timeframe, and limits of the Net Zero strategic goal (Rogelj, Forster et al. 2019, Jeudy-Hugo, Re et al. 2021). Many of the OECD countries reflected the Net Zero target into a legal status while countries consider all GHG emissions under the target but countries like New Zealand excludes biogenic methane. Considering the sectoral scope of the Net Zero, it is economy driven but countries like Sweden exclude specific sectors such as LULUCF (Land Use, Land Use Change, and Forestry). Moreover, many countries exclude the international aviation and shipping sector except the UK. Most countries target to gain Net Zero by 2050 while countries like Finland, Maldives, Iceland, and Finland have earlier targets, and countries like Brazil, China, and Indonesia target to achieve it after 2050. Moreover, several countries like Switzerland, Iceland, Germany, and Sweden have expressed their “post-Net Zero “commitments to sustain Net Zero to reach a point of negative emissions. However, the information about countries’ preferred goals for emissions reductions is limited except in some countries from the EU such as Sweden (Jeudy-Hugo, Re et al. 2021). Though still poor in any parameters towards the reality of Net Zero, Australia's emissions reduction target of 43 percent and net zero emissions by 2050 has now been enshrined in legislation on 8 Sept 2022 with a strong low emissions technology stretch goal.

Today, accomplishing the Net Zero emissions goal has become a crucial effort for future regional and urban planning as well as policymaking. For this to be a reality, switching from fossil fuel to clean energy and clean energy products or clean energy system needs to be accelerated. For decarbonising our energy system, it is also vital to shift sectors for instance transport towards viable low-carbon technologies such as using electricity. Therefore, aiming for a zero-emission transport system is fairly effective in attaining a sustainable, resilient future for cities and the environment, considering the transport system’s large contribution to global emissions. Yet countries have taken a few steps to reduce transport emissions. Australia is one of the few countries that has already visioned and made efforts for this cause. For example, the “Zero-Emission Transition Plan for Transport Canberra” is one of the promising projects offering key drivers, prospects, and limitations of this greater intervention in climate change. Other mega-cities of Australia like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are also visioning achieving this goal. The overall aim of this paper is to investigate how Australia responds to issues associated with Net Zero, demonstrating the Net Zero policy efforts made by Australian cities: the implications for transport planning, and governance. Adopting the integrative review method, this paper collects and analyses data from Net Zero efforts in other countries – while they are relatively uncommon, several European countries (for example) have at least produced decarbonization plans, this study shows how these plans could help inform the analysis of the Australian situation. Then this study seeks to analyse how Australia plans to address the problems such as alternative options to traditional fuel supply chains, service planning, and procurement, reflected in its newly adopted clean transportation planning and policies. In so doing, this research maps out a practical pathway and a knowledgebase to initiate the transition away from fossil fuels combined with strategic planning and policymaking.

[1] IEA (2021). Net Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for Global Energy Sector. https://www.iea.org/reports/net-zero-by-2050. (Accessed on 27 Nov 2022).

[1] At the UN's COP27 summit, A historic deal has been struck. The rich nations are committed to paying poorer countries for the damage and economic losses caused by climate change, which has been a great achievement since the Paris Agreement.

[2] UNFCCC (2016). Report of the Conference of the Parties on its twenty-first session, held in Paris from 30 November to 13 December 2015. https://unfccc.int/resource/docs/2015/cop21/eng/10a01.pdf#page=2. (Retrieved on 27 Nov 2022).

[3] UNFCCC (2021). Nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement. https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/cma2021_08_adv_1.pdf. (Retrieved on 27 Nov 2022).

[4] IPCC (2018). Special report: Global Warming of 1.50C. https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/. (Retrieved on 27 Nov 2022).

[5] IPCC (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis report. IPCC Sixth Assessment Report. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGI_Full_Report.pdf.

Australia’s Net Zero Initiatives

Forkan Ali

Bypassing the Albanese government’s Climate Change Bill in the Senate, “the legislation puts Australia on a credible path to net zero,” said Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen.[1] The Australian Government has now on board with more than ten global partners including the USA who determined the world’s first Net Zero Initiative at COP27, committing to governments around the world to “lead by example” and accomplish Net Zero emissions across their operations.[2] Establishing a new Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is one of the several bold initiatives that the government has set out already. The Australian government has strengthened and legislated its emissions cutbacks target of 43% by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050. To achieve these goals, initially about the $21 billion investment fund was proposed (see Figure 5). To kick start, the government invests $7.1 million in transitioning the Australian Public Service to Net Zero through the following measures:

·      Directing enhanced energy efficiency of government property through a growing renewable energy supply

·      Government spending power to act on climate change and support energy schemes through the Buy Australian Plan

·      Re-establishing public coverage of government emissions to track improvement to the target.

An additional amount of $15.9 million has been budgeted over 4 years for reaching the low emissions transportation target for the Commonwealth Fleet by 2025, including new passenger transport buys and leases. This initiative excludes Defence and security agencies.
Both the targets, as stated by the government, are economy-wide emissions cutback pledges that cover all sectors and gases included in Australia’s national inventory. The updated 2030 target which is s significant ambition to deduct emissions 43% below 2005 levels by 2030 puts Australia on track to reach the Net Zero Emissions target by 2050 (UNFCCC 2022).[3] The government is on the way to implementing a considerably large suite of new policies across the economy to Net Zero interventions since the new 2030 target is dependent on the modelled impact of these policies. The government is working straightaway to maximize the emissions deduction impact as well as financial benefits while it guides the Australian industry with a comprehensive and consistent policy framework. Australia’s Net Zero policies include the following sectors (see Figure 5):

-Further $100 million for 10,000 energy apprentices

-More $10 million for new energy skills program

Additional $300 million for community batteries and solar bank.

Australia’s Net Zero interventions are comprised of some of the demanding sector’s renovation where a national Net Zero transportation system such as the National Electric Vehicle Strategy has been created to lessen emissions and quicken the uptake of electric vehicles.  Details about Net Zero transport planning and policies are discussed in a later section.

[1] Australia Government (2022). Australia legislates emissions reduction targets. Media Release, 08 Sep 2022. https://www.pm.gov.au/media/australia-legislates-emissions-reduction-targets. Accessed on 29 November 2022.

[2] Australia Government (2022). Australia joins international Net Zero Government Initiative. Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. https://www.dcceew.gov.au/about/news/australia-joins-international-net-zero-government-initiative. Accessed on 29 November 2022.

[3] UNFCCC (2022). Australian NDC Communication 2022. https://unfccc.int/NDCREG. Accessed on 29 Nov 2022.

Australia’s Net Zero Transportation Planning and Policies

Forkan Ali

The impacts of climate change are the risks irreversible. Both the 2019 Australian Bushfire and Covid-19 have made the solid ground for positive collective action on climate change including mass adoption mandated of electric vehicles (EVs) across Australia (PWC 2022).[1] Australia’s whole-of-economy Long-Term Emissions Reduction Plan is a strategic plan for reaching the Net Zero emissions target by 2050 through a pragmatic and responsible way, exploring new economic opportunities. The Technology Investment Roadmap becomes a major pathway for this plan that prioritises technology-driven policy implementation to help Australia reduce emissions with the creation of new jobs and a growing economy (Australian Government 2022).[2]  Transitioning to net zero is a part of this Long-Term Plan which is not a small task for Australia. The pathway to the implementation of the plan involves the transformation of GHGs reduction processes including fuel use, stationary energy production, and passenger transport which all together have been responsible for 80% of Australia’s accountable emissions in 2020 (CSIRO 2022).[3]

[1] PWC (2022). Australia’s road to zero transport emissions. https://www.pwc.com.au/government/Australias-road-to-zero-transport-emissions_1.pdf. Accessed 30 Nov 2022. 

[2] Australian Government (2022). Australia’s Long-Term Emissions Reduction Plan. Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/publications/australias-long-term-emissions-reduction-plan#:~:text=Australia's%20whole%2Dof%2Deconomy%20Long,to%20serve%20our%20traditional%20markets. Accessed on 30 Nov 2022.

[3] CSIRO (2022). Towards Net Zero. https://www.csiro.au/en/about/challenges-missions/towards-net-zero. Accessed 30 Nov 2022.

Future Roadmap of Australia’s Net Zero Transport Mobility

Forkan Ali

Transformation of the urban mobility sector to reach the Net Zero emissions target is one of the substantial challenges the world encounter. While world transport makes up nearly a quarter of total emissions, the transport sector shares 19% of Australia’s total carbon emissions (see Figure 12) and becoming the third largest fastest growing source of GHG emissions (Climate Council 2017).[1] Light transports like cars are responsible for half of the carbon emissions in the Australian mobility sector. In a study conducted amongst 23 countries, Australia places itself in second-last position in terms of transport energy efficiency and it has been called the “dumping ground” for the heaviest polluting vehicles in the world. A massive transformation of transport sectors is essential and a shift towards electric transport is one of the key ways to put forward. The positive thing is that the federal governments and state governments have realised the severity of the condition and the opportunity to be one of the leaders in addressing one of the fastest-growing sources of emissions. Although different jurisdictions are moving at different speeds, many of them have already outlined several strategies in their policy documents and allocated funds to implement some of them.

Australian National Electric Vehicle Strategy

Tackling transport-related emissions through electrification is imperative for the Australian government to reach Net Zero by 2050. However, Australia is still lagging behind many other developed and emerging countries in terms of electric vehicle deployment (see Figure 13). Electric vehicles (EVs)[3] as a new transport invention are used across the world for reaching the global climate goal of limiting temperatures below 20C along with having low running costs compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) transports.

Australia’s National Electric Vehicle Strategy is a part of the Labour Government’s grand Powering Australia plan “to create jobs, cut power bills and reduce emissions by boosting renewable energy” (ALP 2022).[5]  The objectives of the National Electric Vehicle Strategy are stated below:

National Electric Vehicle Strategy Objectives

·       Build on the strong platform that governments and industry have already started

·       Deliver a nationally consistent, comprehensive, and overarching framework

·       Enhance existing actions to ensure greater alignment with the Strategy

·       Raise the pace and scale of change

·       Address national gaps so all Australians can access the benefits of EVs

·       Be dynamic and adapt over time to reflect the rapidly evolving nature of the sector

·       Make sure we are on track to meet our emissions and transport electrification goals and proposed objectives.

This strategy also involves actions to bring momentum in transition across all road transport areas including initiatives connected to light and heavy vehicles micro-mobility, and motorbikes. The government’s proposed framework for the National Electric Vehicle Strategy is shown in the figure below.

Figure 14: Australian Government’s proposed framework for the National Electric Vehicle Strategy, adapted from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (2022).[6]

The National Electric Vehicle Strategy incorporates various policies and develops initiatives already underway. The strategy also promotes the swift expansion of demand for EVs, enhances the supply of affordable and accessible EVs, increases competitiveness in the EV value chain, and builds infrastructure across Australia including inspiring local and state economies.

Net Zero Strategies for Australian Cities

Australian states and territories join other global cities around the world in maintaining efficient urban form mobility and reducing GHG emissions. Although the different cities are advancing at a different pace, most of them have aimed to re-structure the overall transport infrastructure to achieve Net Zero. For instance, Australian Capital Territory (ACT)’s Transport Strategy is an inseparable part of both Statements of Ambition that sets out the ACT government’s vision and ACT Climate Change Strategy 2019-2025, declaring a state of climate emergency (ACT Government 2022)[7]. The strategy states actions to address the ACT government’s legislated emissions decline target of 50%-60% by 2025 and aims to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2045, involving the shift towards a Zero emissions fleet by 2040.  Transport contributes 60% of ACT’s GHGs since the Territory is supplied with 100% renewable electricity. Most of these vehicle-related emissions come from private vehicles (69%), freight (20%), and public transport (3%). Therefore, transport-related emissions reduction is at the heart of the Act Government’s climate change response.

To take action on the strategy, the ACT Government adopts the Zero-Emission Transition Plan for Transport Canberra, mapping out a practical pathway to take initiative in the transition away from fossil fuels. The Plan creates a robust supply chain and develops capability as the economy transitions to an emission-free future guided by six objectives as shown in Figure 15 (ACT Government 2020).[8]

These objectives outline the near-term investment and decision-making strategies for the way decisions will be implemented at the local levels contributing to the emissions reduction outcomes.

Australia’s busiest state New South Wales with its capital city Sydney also adopts Future Transport Strategy to make NSW Government’s Six Cities vision into reality through three actions: connecting regional communities, encouraging thriving local neighbourhoods, and strengthening NSW’s economy as shown in figure 16 (NSW Government 2022).[9] The Future Transport Plans replaces Greater Sydney, and Regional NSW Services developed in connection with land use.

Decarbonisation is at the heart of NSW’s goal of Net Zero emissions and requires decarbonisation and electrification with a focus on renewable sources across the transport system to meet the emissions reduction goal by 20250. For decarbonising heavy freight, NSW Government looks to collaborate with Commonwealth (Federal) Government and other states and territories. Moreover, NSW’s Future Transport Strategy includes extensive research, planning, technological innovation, supportive policies, and infrastructure transformation.

[1] Climate Council (2017). Transport Emissions: Driving Down Car Pollution In Cities. https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FactSheet-Transport.pdf. Accessed 30 Nov 2022.

[2] Australian Government (2019). Quarterly Update of Australia’s National Greenhouse Gas Inventory: March 2019. Department of the Environment and Energy. https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/nggi-quarterly-update-mar-2019.pdf. Accessed 30 Nov 2022.

[3] The National Strategy defines Electric Vehicles (EVs) as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

[4] Australian Government (2022). National Electric Vehicle Strategy.  Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. https://storage.googleapis.com/converlens-au-industry/industry/p/prj21fdd5bb6514260f47fcd/public_assets/National%20Electric%20Vehicle%20Strategy%20Consultation%20Paper.pdf. Accessed 30 Nov 2022.

[5] Australian Labor Party—ALP (2022). Powering Australia. https://www.alp.org.au/policies/powering-australia. Accessed 30 Nov 2022.

[6] Australian Government (2022). National Electric Vehicle Strategy.  Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. https://storage.googleapis.com/converlens-au-industry/industry/p/prj21fdd5bb6514260f47fcd/public_assets/National%20Electric%20Vehicle%20Strategy%20Consultation%20Paper.pdf.  Accessed 30 Nov 2022.

[7] ACT Government (2022). ACT Climate Change Strategy 2019-2025.   https://www.transport.act.gov.au/act-transport-strategy/setting-the-scene/policy-context. Accessed 30 Nov 2022.  

[8] ACT Government (2020). The Zero-Emission Transition Plan for Transport Canberra. ZERO-EMISSION-TRANSITION-FINAL-.pdf (act.gov.au). Accessed 30 Nov 2022. 

[9] NSW Government (2022). Future Transport Strategy. Future Transport Strategy: Our vision for transport in NSW. Accessed 30 Nov 2022.