Climate Change Authority calls on Australians to cut back on red meat to reduce emissions

Australians will need to cut back on red meat and ditch petrol cars for electric vehicles in order to reach net zero emissions by 2050, according to the government agency advising Anthony Albanese on climate change.

The Climate Change Authority has suggested a series of lifestyle changes to get Australia to net zero in a new report released on Wednesday.

The Authority has suggested Aussies swap red meat like beef and lamb for more emission-friendly options like kangaroo, chicken and pork.

It comes after the Climate Council found that agriculture was responsible for over half of Australia’s methane emissions in 2022-23.

It found that nearly 65 per cent of climate pollution came from methane burped by cattle, like cows and sheep, as they digested their food.

The council estimates the industry is responsible for around 18 per cent of Australia’s total climate pollution, primarily by raising livestock.

National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke hit back at the suggestion Australians should change their preferences.

‘The NFF strongly opposes this notion, maintaining that a balanced and nutritious diet includes red meat,’ Mr Jochinke said.

‘The idea that alternative animal proteins could replace red meat in Australia’s unique rangelands is severely misguided.’

The CCA report says all light car sales need to electric by 2040 

Another sector the CCA wants to see changes is the automobile industry.

It argues that all light car sales will need to be electric by 2040.

‘Sales of new light vehicles reaching 100 per cent electric ahead of 2040 can ensure there are minimal light vehicle emissions by 2050,’ the report states. 

Electric cars will need to be priced similarly to non-electric cars by 2030, and the infrastructure for charging stations will need to be prioritised. 

The report cited data from Tesla which revealed EV charging stations took up to a year to be installed in Australia but less than two months in other countries.

Pictured: National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke

The CCA is also interested in pursuing more hydrogen-powered vehicles – a new technology with no harmful tailpipe emissions – as well as the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels to reduce domestic aviation emissions by 16 per cent.

Both Labor and the Coalition have pledged to support new ways of lowering emissions in every sector of the economy.

CCA Chair Matt Kean, former NSW Climate Change and Energy Minister, said the proposals were not recommendations but information for major players in the goal to net zero, including government, business and the community.

‘The Climate Change Authority’s role is to provide independent, frank and fearless advice to the parliament and to the government of the day, irrespective of political colour,’ Mr Kean told The Australian.

‘The Climate Change Authority’s pathways review is not recommendations to government, but rather information and analysis to inform the community, businesses, policymakers, investors and governments at all levels on what’s needed for a robust but responsible transition.’

You can read the full report here.