Zero Carbon Australia 2020
Latest News!
The Zero Carbon Australia 2020 Stationary Energy Plan - preview executive summary is now available for download here.
What is Zero Carbon Australia 2020 (ZCA)?
Zero Carbon Australia 2020 (ZCA) is an exciting initiative of Beyond Zero Emissions and the Climate Emergency Network, (CEN) with generous support from Climate Positive.
It is a project to develop a blueprint for the transition to a decarbonised Australian economy by 2020.
The Project draws on the enormous wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise in the community to develop a blueprint for transitioning Australia to a zero carbon future. Individuals with expertise, knowledge and experience in relevant areas can work within a structured process to contribute to the transition plan.
Why do we need it?
The latest and most credible science tells us that such a transition is necessary to maintain a safe climate. It is also in line with the Al Gore ten year 100% renewable energy challenge and the 'Repowering America' plan designed to achieve this.
ZCA 2020 consists of separate working groups examining different sectors of the Australian economy including:
- stationary energy,
- transport,
- land use,
- buildings,
- industrial processes,
- replacing coal export revenue.
The guiding principles of ZCA 2020 include:
*Australia's energy is provided entirely from renewable sources at the end of the transition period.
*All technological solutions employed are from proven, reliable technology which is commercially available.
*The security and reliability of Australia's energy supply is maintained or enhanced by the transition.
*Food and water security are maintained or enhanced by the transition.
*Australians continue to enjoy a high standard of living.
*Social equity is maintained or enhanced by the transition.
*Other environmental indices are maintained or enhanced by the transition.
When and where do the working groups meet?
Each ZCA 2020 Project Team working group will have two meetings per month on a weeknight evening from 6.30 to 8.00 pm. The meetings will be held in Melbourne, usually at the Beyond Zero Emissions office in Fitzroy.
Working group contributors will work independently between meetings or in collaboration with other working group members.
Work is already under way on the project; however we hope to expand the base of contributors to produce a very rigorous and comprehensive document.
Would you like to contribute?
Those wishing to contribute to the project can become a part of one of these working groups, or be part of the support team in different capacities working towards development and promotion of the final report. It is a not for profit project, therefore all contributions are made on a volunteer basis.
If you'd like to contribute, fill out our Zero Carbon Australia Volunteer Application/Information form (47Kb) and email it to markogge@gmail.com.
Please forward the form to anyone else you feel may be interested!
Enquiries from individuals, groups or associations are welcomed. Please contact markogge@gmail.com
Volunteer to help with the graphic design, production and illustration of the Zero Carbon Australia 2020 report.
For further information about the plans visit Climate Emergency Network, (CEN)
Zero Carbon Australia 2020 Presentations
Overview on the work so far, given by Mark Ogge at the Climate Emergency Network Annual General Meeting in September 2009, click here to download (3.5 MB)
Zero Carbon Buildings, presented by Richard Denby for the Beyond Zero Emissions Discussion Group in September 2009, click here to download (8.0 MB)
Below are links to emissions reduction plans that Beyond Zero Emissions was working on prior to the inception of the Zero Carbon Australia 2020 initiative. As one of the few organisations working toward solutions to global warming, Beyond Zero Emission's plans were not only a catalyst for the Zero Carbon Australia 2020 initiative, but have formed the basis of the Zero Carbon Australia stationary energy plan and the Zero Carbon Australia transport plan.
Preliminary Zero Carbon Australia - Stationary Energy
This document is a summary of phase one of Victoria’s zero emissions energy transition plan, and is commonly referred to as 'Coal Switch'. This document will form the basis of the Zero Carbon Australia - Stationary Energy Plan.
'Coal Switch' proposes a straightforward and prudent approach to cutting greenhouse emissions by virtually eliminating the use of coal in Victoria. This is needed because brown coal is an extremely greenhouse-damaging source of energy, and constitutes the overwhelming bulk of our electricity generation, making Victorians among the world’s highest per capita emitters of greenhouse gases.
'Coal Switch' is based around a three-year, immediate-start program which can yield a 50% reduction in the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.
'Coal Switch' summary (64Kb)
'Coal Switch' - First phase of 10 year zero carbon switch for Victoria's stationary energy sector (338Kb)
Preliminary Zero Carbon Australia - Transport
We are currently working on a transport sector plan as well. Below is a link to a preliminary transport plan poster. The transport plan is progressing well, so please visit this page again for ongoing updates.
Preliminary Transport Plan poster (896KB)
Similair Plans
Mark Z Jacobson - Scientific American Repowering a green planet
Zero Carbon Britian http://zerocarbonbritain.com/
Repower America http://repoweramerica.org/
