Taking Climate Action

The science is clear, the only way to hold global warming to below 2˚C is to reduce emissions to net-zero by 2035¹.

Our state has suffered drought, a harmful algal bloom, bushfires and floods in the recent decade and it is impacting our wellbeing, environment, food security, tourism and business. Global warming is everyone’s problem.

We deserve a clean, sustainable future for people and planet.

South Australia has declared a climate emergency but are not treating it with the urgency it requires. We can’t tinker around the edges, and we can’t afford a slow transition.

We will legislate a target of net-zero emissions by 2035 based on 2005 levels.

^{1. Source: Climate Council - https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/why-australias-2035-climate-target-matters/}

South Australia has committed to a net zero target by 2050 and has legislated a 50 percent reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2023. However, it’s still investing heavily in gas using taxpayer money. 

The Greens will scrap the $100 million in subsidies for fossil fuel companies. In 2024-25, South Australia provided $37 million in assistance to fossil fuel industries and longer-term commitments worth $98 million. The largest sum of taxpayer money is spent at the Port Bonython facility used by Santos². 

^{2. Source: Australia Institute - https://australiainstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/P1669-Fossil-fuel-subsidies-2025-Web.pdf}

There is no evidence to show that we need new more gas. Australia has more gas supply than demand and 80% of what is produced here is exported³. Gas is a polluting fossil fuel, and opening new exploration in our state is tying us to a polluting future.

In the last 12 months, the State Government opened new gas expansions in the Otway and Polda basins⁴. 

We will cancel all exploration permits and establish pathways for gas workers to transition to new jobs for equal pay.

^{3. Source: Climate Council - https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/three-ways-coalitions-gas-scheme-threatens-australias-future/}

^{4. Source: Department of Energy & Mining - https://www.energymining.sa.gov.au/home/news/latest/exploration-opportunities-open-to-firm-sas-energy-future}

Greenwashing should be illegal. Many Australian consumers want to make environmental choices when they buy their everyday products or services, but at the moment, businesses can lie or exaggerate their climate and environmental credentials rather than improving their practices to meet consumer demands.

Adelaide’s government-run sporting event, the Tour Down Under, is sponsored by Santos, a polluting fossil fuel corporation which is actively contributing to climate change. In 2022, Santos ended its sponsorship of the Darwin Festival after calls from the community who were opposed to fossil fuels and fracking⁵, but here in SA, our state government continues to accept their sponsorship.

The Greens will move to end sponsorship by fossil fuel companies that use events like the Tour Down Under to extend their social licence. 

^{5. Source: ABC News - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-10-19/santos-ends-sponsorship-funding-for-darwin-festival/101549370}

Our water security is at risk. South Australia has been gripped by drought for over a year, with record-low rainfall across the state⁶. In early 2024, there were reports of water theft from rainwater tanks as people started running out of water⁷. As our climate warms, our state will to see drier conditions⁸.

Access to clean and affordable drinking water is a human right. The best way for us to address the lack of rainfall is to take climate action, but we also need to support people here and now with their water needs. 

Other states have adopted a basic level of service for water to ensure that everyone has equitable access to water, including regional and remote communities⁹.

The Greens will legislate for a basic level of service, with a framework that recognises reliable access to clean, safe, accessible and affordable water as an essential human right.

^{6. Source: ABC - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-10/south-australia-drought-sets-low-rainfall-records-farming-areas/105376286}

^{7. Source; ABC News - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-29/water-thefts-reported-in-adelaide-hills-dry-period/105229760}

^{8. Source: Bureau of Meteorology - https://www.bom.gov.au/climate/drought/}

^{9. Source: SACOSS - https://sacoss.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/250804_BasicLevelOfServiceBriefing.pdf}