KEY CLIMATE CHANGE POLICIES

Climate change policy now exists at the national, state and international level. Climate Change policies set out guidelines and requirements for climate change response. Key policy frameworks are listed below. National Climate Change Adaptation Framework www.coag.gov.au/coag_meeting_outcomes...framework.pdf The Council of Australian Governments endorsed the National Climate Change Adaptation Framework in April 2007. The framework sets out an agenda of collaboration across all levels of Australian governance to address key climate change adaptation issues including strategies and actions for reducing the impacts of climate change and the vulnerability of sectors and regions. Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme White Paper www.climatechange.gov.au/whitepaper The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme White Paper sets out two major elements of the Australian Government’s climate change mitigation strategy: a medium term target range for national emissions and the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS). The paper also includes information about the supporting measures Government is providing for households and industry. The Government is committed to an unconditional medium-term carbon emission reduction target of 5 per cent below 2000 levels by the end of 2020. Should all major economies make a substantial commitment to reduce emissions via a global agreement, Australia will commit to a target of 15 per cent below 2000 levels by the end of 2020. The scheme will commence on 1 July 2010. The scheme will be Australia’s primary policy tool to drive reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The scheme puts a price on carbon and employs a ‘cap and trade’ mechanism to reduce emissions. Western Australian Office of Climate Change www.dec.wa.gov.au/our-environment/climate-change/about-the-office-of-climate-change.html The Western Australian Office of Climate Change (OCC), located in the Department of Conservation and Environment, is the focal point for climate change policy and strategy in Western Australia. The OCC leads the development and implementation of climate change mitigation and adaptation policies and programs and coordinates the Indian Ocean Climate Initiative (IOCI). The OCC website provides information about climate change in WA and State Government climate change initiatives. Western Australian Greenhouse Strategy www.dec.wa.gov.au/our-environment/climate-change/reports-and-publications.html The Western Australian Greenhouse Strategy is the former Labor Government’s comprehensive response to climate change. Released in 2004, the strategy provides a framework to address climate change impacts and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Part B of Chapter 5 gives an overview of the Government’s strategic directions for adapting to climate change. Part B of Chapter 6 addresses the State’s support for Local Government and community initiatives for climate change abatement and adaptation. Liberal Plan for Environmental Sustainability and Water Management www.wa.liberal.org.au/index.php?option=com_docman&Itemid=141 The Liberal Plan for Environmental Sustainability and Water Management sets out the WA Liberal Party’s environmental policy and funding initiatives including climate change policy. A comprehensive, sector-wide climate change adaptation strategy will be developed. National Sea Change Taskforce www.seachangetaskforce.org.au The National Sea Change Taskforce was established in 2004 to represent the interests of Australian coastal councils and communities experiencing the ‘sea change’ phenomenon. The taskforce provides national leadership in addressing the impacts of rapid growth and planning for climate change. The Sea Change Sustainability Charter seeks the commitment of all spheres of government for a collaborative national response to sea change growth and represents an important step towards development of a policy framework. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change www.unfccc.int/2860.php The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) came into force on 21 March, 1994, and has been ratified by most nations. The convention provides an overall framework for intergovernmental action to address climate change. Adaptation to climate change is addressed in Article 2 and Article 4 (4.1 (b,e,f), 4.8 and 4.9) of the convention. This website contains UNFCCC documentation. Bali Action Plan www.unfccc.int/adaptation/items/4159.php In 2007 parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change adopted the Bali Action Plan as a road map for moving toward a new binding post-2012 climate change agreement. The Bali Action Plan identifies the need for greater action on adapting to climate change. Related Policy State Planning Policy 2 Environment and Natural Resources www.wapc.wa.gov.au/Publications/134.aspx This policy provides the principles and conditions for responsible environmental and natural resource planning in line with the Western Australian Government Planning Strategy. State Coastal Planning Policy (Statement of Planning Policy 2.6) www.wapc.wa.gov.au/Publications/139.aspx This policy deals with development and land use issues pertaining to coastal protection and management. The policy stipulates that sea level rise scenarios must be accounted for in setback distances for developments. Western Australian State Sustainability Strategy www.dec.wa.gov.au/our-environment/sustainability/state-sustainability-strategy.html The Western Australian State Sustainability Strategy represents a long-term agenda for the incorporation of sustainability into government decision-making. Released in 2003, the strategy sets out a comprehensive framework for sustainability, addressing environmental, social and economic goals. Western Australian State Water Strategy http://portal.water.wa.gov.au/portal/..StateWaterStrategy The Western Australian State Water Strategy, released in 2003, provides a coordinated approach to WA’s water management. The strategy outlines key government objectives, initiatives and activities for sustainable water management. Back to top

Authority Overview Legislation Policy Programs Reports and Research Organisations