Changing Climate, Changing Business Dr Emma Whittlesea Principal Policy Officer, Climate Change and Sustainable Futures Branch, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government: emma.whittlesea@des.qld.gov.au Senior Research Fellow, Griffith Institute for Tourism, Griffith University: e.whittlesea@griffith.edu.au
The Queensland Climate Change Response VISION: An innovative and resilient Queensland that manages the risks and harnesses the opportunities of a changing climate .
Queensland Climate Transition Strategy • Established 3 key targets • ‘2 - step’ approach → 3 years of early action (2017-2020) • develop a comprehensive suite of policies for post-2020 action
Queensland Climate Adaptation Strategy https://app.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/dashboard
Community - QCoast2100 Program - Climate Transition Roadmaps - Talking Transition and Pledge - Climate-KIC and Zero Emissions Innovation In Action - Queensland Climate Resilient Councils Transport Infrastructure and Investment - Zero Net Emissions Transport - State Planning Policy Roadmap - Sustainability assessments for - Electric Vehicle Strategy all government capital projects over $100M - Biofutures 10-Year Roadmap - QTC Green Bonds - Electric Vehicle Superhighway - Land Restoration Fund Tourism Industry Development Energy - Ecotourism Plans and Guidelines - 50% renewable energy target by 2030 - Tourism Response Plan and EY risks and opportunities analysis - 1 million solar rooftops, Solar 150, solar grants -- Rejuvenating and decarbonising the GBR islands - Demand Management and Energy Efficiency Strategy - Strategic workforce and industry foresight analysis
Queensland Tourism Climate Change Response Plan • Launched May 2018, led by QTIC in partnership with Griffith Institute for Tourism • Input from over 80 industry members through workshops • Presents data, consultation findings, case studies and clear recommendations • Tourism relies heavily on the State’s natural assets which are threatened by climate change • Demonstrating low-carbon leadership and reducing pressures on the environment is critical to maintain competitiveness • Positioning tourism in Queensland to be resilient and a leading industry
Vision and Six Building Blocks The plan provides a framework for the tourism sector to proactively respond to climate change risks and opportunities, and lead the way as a steward for the environment and key contributor to community wellbeing.
Risks
Opportunities
• Research to identify opportunities for climate policy GRIFFITH INSTITUTE FOR TOURISM integration in Queensland tourism policy World leading tourism research • Estimating the latest emissions footprint of tourism in Queensland (2004/05 estimated @ 12.013Mt) • Review of worldwide climate-tourism policy • Advising the Thailand Government on tourism policy entry points for climate adaptation • … and much more, visit GIFT: https://www.griffith.edu.au/institute-tourism https://blogs.griffith.edu.au/institute-for-tourism/
Economic Transition Risks and Opportunities • Physical risks are reduced under a 2 Degree Scenario compared to BAU – but challenges are still expected • Understanding climate-related risks and opportunities will improve certainty to invest • Blue dots represent the net position of the tourism sector under each scenario - higher proportion of opportunities under a 2DS • Opportunities exist in developing diversified and well-managed tourism Source: EY, 2018
GBR Island Decarbonisation Program Resort Islands Island Communities All Islands • Three stage process - sustainability • Now commenced GBR whole island • Support a GBR island community of audits, options analysis and business case community pilots – participating islands practice / network development for 25 GBR resort islands are Great Keppel, Magnetic, Palm and • Develop and publish guidance • Aligned to the DITID $25M Resort Island Masig (TSI) • Website content Rejuvenation Fund • Capture international best practice • Identify the policy gaps and issues – • Showcase innovative case studies and examples and learning from whole island including investment/finance industry leaders e.g. Climate Business communities Heroes campaign, Tourism Response Plan $1.73M Election Commitment to Decarbonise the Great Barrier Reef Islands
Source: Energetics, 2018
Key findings • Renewable energy and measures to increase energy efficiency were highly favoured • Innovative ideas included crushing glass to sand, solar powered ferry • Easy wins with quick return on investment such as staff education • Value of networking and collaboration • Cost of installing and maintaining equipment is higher than the mainland • Largest source of emissions was transport to and from the islands (65%) and options to decarbonise are limited
Land Restoration Fund • $500 million commitment • Facilitating a pipeline of Queensland- based, carbon offset projects with environmental, social and economic co- benefits • Support R&D and science including methods for co-benefits and demonstration projects, especially where Queensland has a natural competitive advantage (e.g. blue carbon)
Destination and Business Tools and Resources Douglas shire set to be a certified ECO Destination by the end of the year.
Signs of shifting sands…
…and industry is transitioning
This is not new…
Thank you, and please join us on the journey… https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/climate/climate-change
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