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Rebalancing Regional and Remote Australia
A vision for a global carbon sink while creating sustainable communities
About
The Rebalancing Regional and Remote Australia strategy proposes a bold vision to transform Australia into a major global carbon sink, targeting the sequestration of 4 gigatonnes (Gt) of CO₂ equivalent annually. By harnessing approximately 25% of the nation’s landmass, this strategy aims to address climate challenges with innovative, proven solutions in energy, water, and agriculture, specifically tailored to Australia’s unique arid climate.
Key components of the strategy:
1. Global carbon sequestration;
2. Water, energy, and food security;
3. Development of sustainable communities;
4. Circular economy and income generation.
2. Water, energy, and food security;
3. Development of sustainable communities;
4. Circular economy and income generation.
Practicality through pilot projects
The strategy’s design is highly scalable, beginning with manageable pilot projects to demonstrate practical viability. These pilots would integrate innovative renewable energy, water management, and agricultural systems, leading to a natural climate solution with innovative processes. Over time, the goal is to support 20 million people across 200 communities, emphasising economic growth through sustainable development in regional and remote areas.
Pilot communities would be strategically located in partially fertile regions within reasonable proximity to the coast, initially focusing on Central West Queensland and Northern Western Australia. These projects are aligned with Australia’s growing population projections, which anticipate a rise to 40 million people by 2070.
A national and international model
The strategy represents a paradigm shift in Australia’s climate approach, proposing a comprehensive solution that addresses the interconnected challenges of environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social well-being. With a focus on scalability and innovation, the Rebalancing Regional and Remote Australia strategy offers a model for national and international action, transforming Australia into a global leader in climate mitigation and sustainable development.
A free copy of the paper is available from the Environmental Research Letter web site or from here, including Supplementary material, which includes our foundational assumptions.