Transformational change is required to limit global warming to 1.5°C, including rapid reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the implementation of technologies which remove and store GHGs from the atmosphere. As Australia's national university, ANU has a responsibility to lead the nation in line with world's best practice on emissions reduction.
In February 2020, the ANU Council passed a resolution recognizing the urgency of action to address climate change and committing to minimising the university's greenhouse gas emissions footprint through its own operations.
ANU is in a unique position to lead societal transformation by combining on-campus climate action with our world-leading climate and energy research and teaching to develop innovative solutions at an institutional level. The University has the capacity to promote these innovations and provide leadership to other organisations in Australia and worldwide.
More specific questions you may want to consider are:
- How might we remove obstacles to rapid achievement of below zero emissions at ANU?
- By what date should we be aiming to reach below zero emissions (with / without offsets)?
- The ANU Below Zero Initiative will include energy related emissions (scope 1), direct emissions (scope 2) and emissions from business travel. Should the initiative also include other emissions eg from purchasing, investments, commuting to campus?
- Do you have any other relevant ideas (that aren't covered in the other themes within this consultation)?
Consultation ran from 8 September - 20 October 2020. A report on the consultation will be released in November 2020 and you can view a recording of the online workshop here.
