Climate Rescue

The world has passed any point that could be regarded as a safe climate. Current impacts are unacceptable and between global average temperature increases of 1.5°C to 2.0°C, we risk tipping into a state of “Hothouse Earth”, in which warming is irreversible in a human timescale. Preventing catastrophe will require decisive action to take advantage of all options still open to us.

To actually stop and reverse warming globally, we must not only reduce emissions to zero, but also remove existing greenhouse gases to lessen overall concentrations. Because reducing emissions and overall greenhouse gas concentrations alone is too slow to stop feedback loops that are accelerating warming, we also need immediate cooling (repair). 

These three actions, reduce, remove and repair, are known as the 3Rs. These three actions combined are the only path to stop and reverse warming.

Fusion supports the goals of the Climate Rescue Accord:

• Hold global average temperature rise to the minimum possible, ensuring 2°C is not breached and temperatures return below 0.5°C.
• Set a course to reduce greenhouse gas concentrations to preindustrial (safe) levels, based on credible scientific evidence.

Fusion commits to the following high level actions:

• Declare and mobilise against climate emergency
• 10 year transition to near zero across all sectors 
• Drawdown to reduce CO2 concentrations
• Urgent R&D toward creating an immediate cooling
• Lead internationally to restore a safe climate

Declare an emergency and mobilise to reverse global warming

Australia, with its veto powers in the IPCC has stymied global action for decades. Australia now needs to lead globally. A national climate emergency and mobilisation act would put Australia on “wartime footing” to reduce, remove and invest in urgent R&D into repair.

State and federal governments will need to shape the transition so that it is strategic, holistic, cogent and efficient. 

We must build the workforce for growing and emerging sectors, including in STEM, manufacturing and land-based industries.

10-year transition to negative emissions (reduce and remove)

We need emergency roadmaps and transitions to zero or near zero across every sector. Much of the transition is about fixing inneficiencies in homes and industry which accounts for a significant portion of current emissions.

This will be a complex and difficult process involving all aspects of the global economy.

Build a 100% Zero Emissions Grid

By elevating our renewable energy capacity to 800%, we aim to:

• Satisfy domestic needs and further electification (e.g. transport).
• Spur economic growth and new industry development.
• Become a powerhouse for energy exports.

Many blueprints exist for a 100% renewables grid, we just need the will to rapidly phase out fossil fuels and invest in and regulate for a cheap, clean future. 

Invest in R&D for future technologies

Commit to broad-spectrum research and development, ensuring Australia is at the forefront of innovative technologies that can contribute to a sustainable future and a dynamic economy. This includes overturning the ban on nuclear power for the purpose of research into fusion energy

Establish a closed loop economy

Advocating for 100% recyclable products across manufacturing and construction.

Modernize Agriculture and Optimize Land Use

Expand precision fermentation and other technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of these sectors. Modify farming practices to reduce emissions, especially methane from ruminant animals

Cut Rogue Emissions

Plug rogue (mining site) emissions from current and historical coal and gas mining.

A price on carbon

Place a material price on carbon emissions, and remove all subsidies from greenhouse emission intensive practices and vehicles.

 

Modernise our transport networks

Transform Australia's transport sector to promote zero-emission vehicles and technologies, coupled with infrastructure that supports an energy-efficient future. Electric vehicle batteries have the added bonus of being able to stabilise the grid during peak demand. Public transport, cycling, and small personal electric vehicles will all play a key role in the energy transition

Develop a National EV Charging Network

Roll out a nationally coordinated electric vehicle charging network.

High-speed rail from Melbourne to Brisbane.

Connecting our major cities will provide cheap, low-emmission intercity travel that will create further economic opportunities.

Facilitate Electric Vehicle Financing

Facilitate financing for purchase of electric vehicles, including e-bikes and scooters, based on savings accrued over the life of the vehicle.

Invest in Green Hydrogen

Continue to invest in green hydrogen and other zero emissions fuels as a potential future zero emissions heavy vehicle and flight fuel.

Drawdown or sequester carbon dioxide:

Implement diverse strategies to actively remove CO2 from the atmosphere and enhance natural carbon sinks. This also requires significant R&D investment and includes both natural and industrial means.

Promote Ecological Restoration

Incentivize rewilding and rehabilitation of ecosystems. This includes wetlands and oceanic ecosystems like kelp forests and krill populations that act as significant carbon sinks.

Support Soil Carbon Enrichment

Encourage practices aimed at rehydrating landscapes to increase their carbon storage capacity.

Halt Native Logging and Land Clearing

Allow forests to regenerate by ending destructive practices.

Develop Bio-Char from Organic Waste

Encourage the production of bio-char as a method of carbon sequestration.

Repair / immediate cooling

This begins with facilitating urgent R&D in the area of immediate cooling strategies. There are a number of different methods in question. Implications of their use are not yet fully understood. International cooperation is paramount.