Utilising the Snapshot[1] community climate tool, the estimated emissions for City of Newcastle LGA (the city) for 2020/2021 were 2.1 Mt CO2-e, representing approximately 1.6% of the total net emissions for NSW (Ironbark Sustainability and Beyond Zero Emissions, 2022; DCCEEW, 2022c). [1] 2022 Snapshot emissions profile – Ironbark Sustainability and Beyond Zero Emissions.
Newcastle Emission Targets and Emission Projections
The City of Newcastle has set the aspirational targets for emission reduction in Newcastle. These include the aspirational Newcastle Community GHG emissions targets of a 30% reduction in city-wide emissions by 2025 and a 100% reduction in city-wide electricity emissions by 2030 (Net Zero by 2030) (CoN, 2021a).
The Snapshot time-series gives an overview of high-level emissions trends as shown in Figure 9. Trends evident include the continued decarbonisation of the electricity grid (approximately 3.8% decrease in emissions per annum) and the drop in transport use during Covid. Gas usage increased marginally over the period. Overall GHG emissions are decreasing by approximately 3.6% per annum.
At the current rate of emission reduction, a 30% reduction in city-wide emissions would be achieved after 2026 and a 100% reduction in city-wide electricity emissions would not be achieved until approximately 2044, both missing their target. Moreover, for Newcastle to play our part in reducing Greenhouse gas emissions globally, we need to see a much more rapid decrease, to cut emissions by 75% this decade to remain within 1.5C warming and avoid the catastrophic effects of global warming (Climate Council, 2022b; Climate Targets Panel, 2021).
Ironbark Sustainability and Beyond Zero Emissions. (2022). 2022 Snapshot emissions profile – Ironbark Sustainability and Beyond Zero Emissions. Snapshot. Retrieved 09 April 2023, from https://snapshotclimate.com.au/
