Have your say: Published response
Published name
It is encouraging to see that there is recognition of the need to transition to net zero; and also encouraging to see the word "ensure" used with respect to that effort. However, there is little emphasis given to a crucial part of the step of ensuring progress towards net zero - that is verification of greenhouse gas emissions at a national scale as well as on regional scales. Such efforts require a coordinated approach to atmospheric measurement and modelling of composition in order to be able to determine this progress and verify (or "ensure") that reported emissions are reflective of the actual emissions. The only way to ensure that is by measuring the impact on the atmosphere - the medium where net zero increase in GHG needs to be achieved.
There are many learnings we can gain from Indigenous Australians. The first step to gain that knowledge is to stop and listen
In the case of ensuring net zero, we need to understand our reference point and have means in place to be able to quantify our progress. This means having an appropriate and immediate plan for the measurements and measurement priorities to achieve that.
Naturally funding helps, but appropriate advocacy and knowledge transfer is also critical to being able to implement and achieve the outcomes that the priorities are aiming for.
a) appropriate balance between fundamental and applied research funding.
b) supporting necessary infrastructure for verifying (ensuring) progress towards net zero. This requires a coordinated national atmospheric measurement and modelling infrastructure, which is something we currently do not have.
c) see a)
d) by recognising the important role Australia can play in supporting international science. From my perspective, the glaring lack of support for earth observation, whether through ground-based measurements, modelling, or contributing to satellite missions, will hinder Australia's ability to be a science powerhouse, and leave the study of important Australian domestic issues to efforts entirely dependent on foreign countries with no Australian input