South Australian Numbered Acts

CLIMATE CHANGE AND GREENHOUSE EMISSIONS REDUCTION ACT 2007 (NO 22 OF 2007) - SECT 3

3—Objects of Act

        (1)         The objects of this Act are—

            (a)         to assist in the achievement of ecologically sustainable development in the State by addressing issues associated with climate change and, in particular—

                  (i)         by setting a target (the "SA target") to reduce by 31 December 2050 greenhouse gas emissions within the State by at least 60% to an amount that is equal to or less than 40% of 1990 levels as part of a national and international response to climate change; and

                  (ii)         by setting related targets (the "renewable electricity targets )—

                        (A)         to increase the proportion of renewable electricity generated so that it comprises at least 20% of electricity generated in the State by 31 December 2014;

                        (B)         to increase the proportion of renewable electricity consumed so that it comprises at least 20% of electricity consumed in the State by 31 December 2014; and

            (b)         to promote commitment to action within the State to address climate change through—

                  (i)         the development of specific targets (as appropriate) for various sectors of the State's economy; and

                  (ii)         the development of various interim targets; and

                  (iii)         the development of policies and programs for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and for other relevant purposes; and

            (c)         to encourage energy efficiency and conservation; and

            (d)         to promote research and development with respect to the development and use of technology to reduce or limit greenhouse gas emissions or to support adaptation to climate change, including by developing ways to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere; and

            (e)         to encourage the commercialisation of renewable energy and of technologies that will reduce or limit greenhouse gas emissions or support adaptation to climate change; and

            (f)         to provide recognition to bodies and persons who commit to addressing climate change by achieving reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, by increasing the use of renewable energy sources, by introducing emissions off-set programs or by adopting other relevant initiatives; and

            (g)         to encourage and facilitate business and community consultation and early action with respect to issues surrounding climate change; and

            (h)         to support measures to facilitate adaptation to circumstances that will inevitably be caused by climate change, including by supporting measures that will improve the ability of the community, species and ecosystems to deal with the effects of climate change; and

                  (i)         to provide for reporting on progress being made within the State to meet the SA target, and other specific or interim targets associated with reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and to meet targets associated with the use of renewable electricity; and

            (j)         to promote action within South Australia that provides consistency with national and international schemes designed to address climate change, including schemes that relate to emissions trading and emissions reporting; and

            (k)         to enhance the ability of the State to contribute to, and to respond expeditiously to, national and international developments associated with issues surrounding climate change.

        (2)         In seeking to further the objects of this Act, the achievement of ecologically sustainable development will be guided by the following principles:

            (a)         the use, development and protection of the environment should be managed in a way, and at a rate, that will enable people and communities to provide for their economic, social and physical well-being and for their health and safety while—

                  (i)         sustaining the potential of natural and physical resources to meet the reasonably foreseeable needs of future generations; and

                  (ii)         safeguarding the life-supporting capacity of the environment; and

                  (iii)         avoiding, remedying or mitigating adverse effects of activities on the environment;

            (b)         proper weight should be given to both long and short term economic, environmental, social and equity considerations in deciding all matters relating to environmental protection, restoration and enhancement;

            (c)         if there are threats of serious or irreversible damage to the environment, lack of full scientific certainty regarding climate change should not be used as a reason for postponing preventative measures.