The urgent need to address climate change and achieve net-zero emissions has become undeniable. Recently, at the Mid West Economic Summit: Pathway to Net Zero, NACC NRM CEO, Katherine Allen, was invited to share her thoughts on this topic.
Katherine chose to explore the intersection of the net zero transition and preserving biodiversity with attendees. The presentation explored the risks, potential rewards of achieving net zero, and some practical steps to navigate this transformative journey. This article summarises Katherine’s presentation for those who missed it and outlines Katherine’s thoughts on the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning to a net zero future.
The Vision of a Net-Zero Future
Envisioning a net-zero future needs to go beyond the adoption of technological advancements such as EV charging stations, solar panels, wind turbines, and hydrogen storage. It must extend to creating resilient economies and communities. These economies and communities will rely on resilient landscapes. No matter how seemingly unremarkable, every type of land has a natural asset value. Australia’s vast array of land types supports rich biodiversity, recharge water tables and our agricultural industries. Recognising and protecting the value of land, seas and waterways by examining their interconnected biophysical elements is vital for a sustainable and successful transition to net zero.
Quantifying Trade-Offs and Managing Risks
One of the significant challenges in the journey to net zero lies in quantifying the trade-offs involved, managing the cumulative impact of individual actions and managing potentially negative effects of new and emerging industries and technologies on our land and seas’ biophysical and natural assets.
Combined with analysis, satellite and on-ground data will be critical in determining the risks and potential rewards. There is a vital need for coordinated planning and assessment processes to prevent unintended consequences, such as the loss of threatened species, ecological communities and biodiversity in general, due to fragmented project approvals across vast fragmented landscapes. Through robust data collection and analysis, communities and authorities can make informed decisions to mitigate adverse impacts on the natural environment.
Risk vs. Reward
The transition to net zero entails both risks and rewards. Foreshadowed economic costs of biodiversity loss are high, yet investments explicitly aimed at protecting and restoring fragile natural resources pale compared with the annual investment in the energy transition – approximately 1/6th. An article by Bloomberg NEF cites research that indicates investment of nearly $1 trillion p.a. by 2030 is required to sustainably manage biodiversity and maintain ecosystem integrity. More importantly, failing to do so could substantially reduce global Gross Domestic Product compared to currently projected levels. The reward for this investment in biodiversity will be, securing the future of our natural environments – which we rely on for our way of life. By embracing sustainability as part of our transition to net zero and valuing natural assets, organisations may ensure their ongoing social license to operate and access to finance and markets. But most importantly, they will contribute positively to real, long-lasting solutions.
Practical Steps: Ready, Set, Go
One of the first steps in embarking on a net-zero journey is ensuring you have the natural asset data you need to make decisions. Collaboration with on-ground partners like NACC NRM provides ground-truthed information and access to knowledge and networks. NACC NRM can also deliver services across our vast region. By engaging in meaningful collaborations and leveraging this expertise, organisations can navigate the natural asset challenges and complexities of the transition to net zero.
Furthermore, supporting initiatives that collect and share biodiversity data within harmonised metrics and frameworks is essential. Avoiding duplication of effort in this space and investing in efficient systems will optimise outcomes and enable collective impact.
Valuing natural assets and ecosystem services is critical in the transition to net zero. As nature-related financial markets mature, so will our valuing of natural assets. The New Stock Exchange has recently recognised ‘Natural Asset Companies’ in a new asset class, signalling opportunities for the provision of ecosystem services and those in the conservation sector who guide and deliver nature-related outcomes.
As the urgency to combat climate change intensifies, the pathway to net zero demands collaborative efforts, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to sustainability. Recognising the interconnectedness of natural resources, quantifying trade-offs, and managing cumulative impacts are paramount. By embracing the vision of a net-zero future, understanding the risks and rewards, and taking practical steps towards sustainable change, organisations can contribute significantly to building a resilient and thriving world for future generations.