EPA South Australia (EPA SA) has released its first-ever position statement outlining its role in preparing for climate change.
In its publication, Climate Change: The EPA’s role in supporting South Australia’s response to climate change 2021–25, the Authority said the statement included a clear and robust regulatory framework to help businesses become more resilient, prepare for more frequent extreme weather events and reduce waste to enable the advantages of a more circular economy.
“Projected trends for climate-related changes in South Australia (Green & Pannell 2020) indicate that South Australia will become hotter and drier with more frequent and intense extreme weather events,” EPA SA said.
“These changes will have impacts on not just the environment but also communities, business, industries and infrastructure,” it said.
EPA SA said that in the coming years, its focus for climate change would be on adaptive responses, strengthening the regulatory framework for the circulation of materials and sharing science and trends.
“Taking action to mitigate and adapt to climate change is shared responsibility between Government, business, the education sector and the community,” it said.
The Authority said it supported the Directions for a Climate Smart South Australia, a 2019 policy statement led by the Department for Environment and Water which set the Government’s agenda for practical, on-ground action to address climate-related impacts, and it was committed to actions within the South Australian Government Climate Change Action Plan 2021–2025.
“By adapting to the changing climate, individuals, communities, businesses and the environment can become more resilient to the consequences of more frequent and extreme weather events,” it said.
“A circular economy that keeps material resources in use or ‘circulating’ for as long as possible can maximise the use of existing material, reduce dependence on new raw materials, reduce waste, and importantly also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
“Driving initiatives that promote and extend the circulation of materials will contribute to greenhouse gas emission reductions and realise further sustainable economic growth and development opportunities,” EPA SA said.
EPA SA’s five-page Position Statement can be accessed at this PS News link, the Government’s 61-page Climate Change Action Plan at this link and its Directions for a Climate Smart South Australia at this link.
