The government of the ACT has said that it will set a target of cutting greenhouse gas emission by 40% by 2020 and 80% by 2050, based on 1990 levels. The ACT will commit to carbon neutrality by 2060 and with peak per capita emissions by 2013.

The ACT government will also require regular reporting of emission trends to the ACT Legislative Assembly, establish of a Climate Change Council for advice on response to climate issues and encourage of voluntary action.

Simon Corbell, the ACT Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Water said that "Governments have a responsibility to act on this issue, and the ACT Labor Government is leading Australia on reducing our carbon footprint by increasing the uptake of renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency in Canberra homes and businesses."

Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has announced a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as little as 5 percent by the year 2020 – far less than the 25 percent cut sought be environmentalists.

The White Paper released today says that Australia will cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 5% of 2000 levels by 2020 but could make a cut of up to 15% if other countries also sign up to stronger reductions. The commitment falls well below the 25 to 40% target for 2020 recommended by the United Nations for developed economies and the European Union’s commitment to cut emissions by 20% of 1990 levels by 2020 and to increase that to 30% if a global agreement is reached.

The White Paper also contains details of the governments emission trading scheme to start in 2010.

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