International Industrial Ecology Day 2021

In line with global efforts to avoid catastrophic climate change tipping points, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has pledged to reach net zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, one of the most ambitious targets in both Australia and the world. In 2019 the ACT government stated a further ambition to prioritise reduction of Scope 3 emissions going forward, the size of which had not been fully quantified until now. Commissioned by the ACT government, this study calculated the total carbon footprint of the ACT, including Scope 3 emissions and modelled scenarios to reduce all emissions in line with a 1.5 degree climate change target approach. This is the first time a full international supply chain analysis has been undertaken for final demand in the ACT. A carbon map approach was taken to allow quantification of global origins and destinations of emissions, which showed that the 2018 carbon footprint for the ACT was approx. 34.7 t CO2-eq/cap, with 83% being Scope 3. Main contributions came from transport, retail trade and food, and supply from other Australian states and territories. Modelling in accordance with a 1.5° scenario showed a credible reduction to 5 t CO2-eq/cap by 2045, with remaining emissions predominantly embodied in international supply chains. This study demonstrates the radical changes required by a wealthy Australian city to achieve 1.5° compliance, and identifies sectors and supply chains to prioritise to best achieve this outcome.