ACT Climate Change Strategy
2019 to 2025
The ACT is committed to net zero emissions by 2045. We’re following the ACT Climate Change Strategy to help cut emissions by 50 to 60% (from 1990 levels) by 2025. We can all take action to reduce emissions for a more liveable city now and in the future.
About the current strategy
The ACT Climate Change Strategy 2019–2025 is helping our city reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for climate change.
The strategy is helping us:
- build resilience to climate change impacts
- make sure we don’t ‘lock in’ future emissions
- lay the foundations for our commitment to net zero emissions by 2045.
Read the full strategy [PDF 11.4 MB] or executive summary [PDF 1.6 MB].
When developing the 2019-2025 strategy, we talked to our community and stakeholders. Then we built the strategy around their priorities, interests and expectations. Read the Community Engagement Report.
Targets
The ACT is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2045 (based on 1990 levels). We’ll get there progressively. We aim to reduce emissions by:
- 50 to 60% by 2025
- 65 to 75% by 2030
- 90 to 95% by 2040.
The targets are legislated under the Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act 2010. This Act was independently reviewed in 2021. Read the review [PDF 1.2 MB] and response [PDF 252.1 KB].
The strategy outlines the steps the government will take to achieve these emissions reductions targets. We all have a role to play.
Developing the next ACT climate change strategy
The ACT is developing a new climate change strategy to guide our next phase of action beyond 2025.
Achieving net zero emissions by 2045 will require collective action. Everyone - households, businesses, industry, and community groups - has a role in building a resilient, zero-emissions ACT.
Building on the strong foundations of the Climate Change Strategy 2019–25, we will focus on continued emissions reduction and practical steps to help our community adapt to a hotter, more variable climate. This next strategy will embed climate risk in decision-making and deliver co-benefits like healthier communities, economic opportunities, and more liveable neighbourhoods. Importantly, our approach will be fair and equitable, ensuring support for those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change or the impacts of the transition to net zero.
Consultation
We’re committed to working collaboratively to shape the ACT’s next Climate Change Strategy. Over the coming years, we’ll need to navigate complex challenges and take advantage of new opportunities, and your feedback is vital to our success.
Stakeholder consultation
Targeted stakeholder consultation is currently underway. Read the draft discussion paper [PDF 3.5 MB].
Early engagement with key community and industry stakeholder groups is essential to shaping initiatives that are inclusive, practical, and responsive to community needs.
Community consultation
Community consultation is expected to begin in early 2026 and will take place on YourSay, the ACT Government’s online consultation hub.
If you have any questions about the next ACT Climate Change Strategy, please contact climatehchange@act.gov.au
Why it’s important
Our climate is already changing because of greenhouse gas emissions. If we act now, we can create a liveable future for our community and future generations.
While fighting climate change, these strategies also creates other benefits for the community. These include:
- cost savings
- more comfortable homes
- a cooler and more liveable city
- attracting zero emissions research, business and investment, and job opportunities to the ACT.
Measuring change
We measure the ACT’s greenhouse gas emissions over time. See how the ACT is tracking with emissions reductions.
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.