Sensitive Intervention Points for Australia's Transition to Net-Zero Emissions

Abstract

Australia is not on track to meet its obligations under the Paris Accord. How can action to achieve net zero be accelerated? Here, we apply the concept of ‘sensitive intervention points’ and consider six potential interventions that could have a disproportionate impact on Australia's progress: (i) a national plan to clarify direction; (ii) a national net-zero authority to coordinate efforts; (iii) support for a set of nationally significant projects in particular places; (iv) an industrial policy response akin to the US IRA; (v) a standard for the construction industry; and (vi) a requirement that companies develop net-zero plans. Individually and collectively, we argue that they could plausibly accelerate Australia's trajectory to net-zero emissions.