Changing Climate, Changing Business Dr Emma Whittlesea Principal - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Changing Climate, Changing Business

Dr Emma Whittlesea Principal Policy Officer, Climate Change and Sustainable Futures Branch, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government: emma.whittlesea@des.qld.gov.au Senior Research Fellow, Griffith Institute for Tourism, Griffith University: e.whittlesea@griffith.edu.au

The Queensland Climate Change Response

VISION: An innovative and resilient Queensland that manages the risks and harnesses the

• pportunities of a changing climate.

• Established 3 key targets
• ‘2-step’ approach → 3 years of

early action (2017-2020)

• develop a comprehensive suite
• f policies for post-2020 action

Queensland Climate Transition Strategy

Queensland Climate Adaptation Strategy

https://app.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/dashboard

Tourism

Community

• QCoast2100 Program
• Climate Transition Roadmaps
• Talking Transition and Pledge
• Climate-KIC and Zero

Emissions Innovation In Action

• Queensland Climate Resilient

Councils Transport

• Zero Net Emissions Transport

Roadmap

• Electric Vehicle Strategy
• Biofutures 10-Year Roadmap
• Electric Vehicle Superhighway

Energy

• 50% renewable energy target by

2030

• 1 million solar rooftops, Solar

150, solar grants

• Demand Management and

Energy Efficiency Strategy Industry Development

• Ecotourism Plans and

Guidelines

• Tourism Response Plan and EY

risks and opportunities analysis

• - Rejuvenating and

decarbonising the GBR islands

• Strategic workforce and

industry foresight analysis Infrastructure and Investment

• State Planning Policy
• Sustainability assessments for

all government capital projects

• ver $100M
• QTC Green Bonds
• Land Restoration Fund

Queensland Tourism Climate Change Response Plan

• Launched May 2018, led by QTIC in partnership with Griffith

Institute for Tourism

• Input from over 80 industry members through workshops
• Presents data, consultation findings, case studies and clear

recommendations

• Tourism relies heavily on the State’s natural assets which

are threatened by climate change

• Demonstrating low-carbon leadership and reducing

pressures on the environment is critical to maintain competitiveness

• Positioning tourism in Queensland to be resilient and a

leading industry

Vision and Six Building Blocks

The plan provides a framework for the tourism sector to proactively respond to climate change risks and opportunities, and lead the way as a steward for the environment and key contributor to community wellbeing.

Risks

Opportunities

• Research to identify opportunities for climate policy

integration in Queensland tourism policy

• Estimating the latest emissions footprint of tourism

in Queensland (2004/05 estimated @ 12.013Mt)

• Review of worldwide climate-tourism policy
• Advising the Thailand Government on tourism policy

entry points for climate adaptation

• … and much more, visit GIFT:

https://www.griffith.edu.au/institute-tourism https://blogs.griffith.edu.au/institute-for-tourism/

GRIFFITH INSTITUTE FOR TOURISM

World leading tourism research

Economic Transition Risks and Opportunities

Source: EY, 2018

• Physical risks are reduced under a 2

Degree Scenario compared to BAU – but challenges are still expected

• Understanding climate-related risks and
• pportunities will improve certainty to

invest

• Blue dots represent the net position of

the tourism sector under each scenario - higher proportion of opportunities under a 2DS

• Opportunities exist in developing

diversified and well-managed tourism

All Islands

• Support a GBR island community of

practice / network

• Develop and publish guidance
• Website content
• Identify the policy gaps and issues –

including investment/finance

Island Communities

• Now commenced GBR whole island

community pilots – participating islands are Great Keppel, Magnetic, Palm and Masig (TSI)

• Capture international best practice

examples and learning from whole island communities Resort Islands

• Three stage process - sustainability

audits, options analysis and business case development for 25 GBR resort islands

• Aligned to the DITID $25M Resort Island

Rejuvenation Fund

• Showcase innovative case studies and

industry leaders e.g. Climate Business Heroes campaign, Tourism Response Plan

$1.73M Election Commitment to Decarbonise the Great Barrier Reef Islands

GBR Island Decarbonisation Program

Source: Energetics, 2018

• Renewable energy and measures to increase

energy efficiency were highly favoured

• Innovative ideas included crushing glass to sand,

solar powered ferry

• Easy wins with quick return on investment such as

staff education

• Value of networking and collaboration
• Cost of installing and maintaining equipment is

higher than the mainland

• Largest source of emissions was transport to and

from the islands (65%) and options to decarbonise are limited

Key findings

Land Restoration Fund

• $500 million commitment
• Facilitating a pipeline of Queensland-

based, carbon offset projects with environmental, social and economic co- benefits

• Support R&D and science including

methods for co-benefits and demonstration projects, especially where Queensland has a natural competitive advantage (e.g. blue carbon)

Destination and Business Tools and Resources

Douglas shire set to be a certified ECO Destination by the end of the year.

Signs of shifting sands…

…and industry is transitioning

This is not new…

Thank you, and please join us

• n the journey…

https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/climate/climate-change