Mastering Emissions Reduction: Your Guide to Effective Climate Risk Management

We’re all in on combating climate change. Our mission is to cut emissions and bolster our ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change. So far, we’ve made great strides, achieving a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in just two years. Beyond minimizing our carbon footprint, we’re digging deep into how carbon can be captured and stored, covering nearly 15 million hectares of national parks.

Solar Progress

Our solar energy installations have skyrocketed since 2018, increasing tenfold! Key sites include the Mon Repos Turtle Centre and the Queensland Herbarium. We’ve also set up solar systems at ranger stations, cutting back on emissions from diesel generators.

As of 2023, we’ve installed over 1,150 kilowatts of solar power in various national parks, including K’gari and Blackdown Tablelands. Our energy audits continue, leading to more solar power installations.

In fact, every year since 2017, our total photovoltaic (PV) power has steadily climbed:

• 2017–18: 80.2 kW
• 2018–19: 120.1 kW
• 2019–20: 148.6 kW
• 2020–21: 508.0 kW
• 2021–22: 964.2 kW
• 2022–23: 1,078.2 kW
• 2023–24: 1,156.5 kW

Switching to Renewables

Not only are we installing solar panels, but we’re also purchasing 100% renewable electricity. This move drastically reduces our operational emissions.

Green Transportation

We’re upgrading our vehicle fleet under Queensland’s Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy. Currently, 98% of our small and medium vehicles are electric or hybrids, including sixteen fully electric models. By 2026, all small and medium leased vehicles will go electric.

Carbon Management

Our national parks serve as significant carbon stores, absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide. We’re committed to maintaining these resources while working on increasing carbon sequestration to offset any outstanding emissions.

Understanding Climate Risks

We’re also taking steps to integrate climate change risks into our management strategies. Queensland faces extreme weather like floods, droughts, and bushfires, which climate change is likely to worsen.

The Queensland Climate Adaptation Strategy leads our efforts to anticipate and manage these risks. Some of our ongoing efforts include:

• Developing a Climate Risk Management Framework
• Assessing our climate risk maturity
• Identifying specific climate risks our department faces

For anyone interested in learning more about climate adaptation in Queensland, more information is readily available through the climate adaptation strategy.

By standing firm in our resolve and embracing green practices, we can make a real difference. Together, we’re paving the way for a more sustainable future.

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