MICHAEL HILLER: QUEENSLAND CHAIRMAN, KPMG

In a landmark event for the world, Queensland has committed to deliver ‘the world’s first climate positive Olympic and Paralympic Games – ‘Brisbane 2032’. It will act as further catalyst for Queensland’s decarbonisation agenda.

Sporting events and the sporting industry are no exception when it comes to feeling the impacts of and contributing to climate change. The industry contributes approximately 0.6% of global GDP ($500B), responsible for around 300- 350 million tonnes of CO2 emissions (0.3% of total global emissions), equivalent to the emissions of Spain or Poland.

As a result, the International Olympics Committee (IOC) has planned two climate-neutral Olympic Games (Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028) followed by the first ever climate positive Olympics -Brisbane 2032.

So, what is the difference between ‘carbon neutral’ and ‘climate positive’?

‘Carbon neutral’ refers to implementing positive actions that compensate for the negative climate effects of the Games. ‘Climate positive’ extends beyond this and requires positive actions that compensate for more emissions than are caused by the Games.

Undeniably, Brisbane 2032 is a step up for Australia and the world as we journey towards net zero. To date, 91% of global GDP is covered by net zero targets – around 768 companies world-wide. The OECD estimates that USD 6.9 trillion a year is required up to 2030 to meet climate and development net zero targets. Australia’s Paris Agreement commitment is 43% emissions reduction by 2030 with a target to achieve net zero by 2050. A climate positive Olympic and Paralympic Games will be an important milestone for the 2050 agenda.

How can the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games achieve ‘climate positive’ status?

Brisbane 2032 is a unique challenge. While traditional carbon footprints use retrospective accounts of environmental impacts, successful delivery of a climate positive Games relies on a forward-looking inventory of the event’s anticipated impacts. An analysis of the impacts of the Games identifies how Brisbane can achieve a climate positive event including creating vehicle-free venues, investing in transport infrastructure and repurposing and upgrading existing venue infrastructure.

Declaring a climate positive 2032 Games is a significant opportunity for the State – driving sustainable urban development and creating a circular economy. The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan (QEJP) is a 10-year plan to increase Queensland’s renewable energy target to 70% by 2032. The State is on a rapid emissions reduction trajectory, and 2032 is a significant milestone in this transition.

Where to next for Queensland?

Now is the time to think not only about the legacy of the Games, but also to act intentionally to ensure the Games themselves deliver on their climate positive promises. Brisbane 2032 will put the State’s net zero ambitions on an accelerated timeframe. Some questions about Queensland’s next steps include:

• From which point in time will we begin to measure and allocate the emissions and other environmental impacts associated with the infrastructure development for the Games?
• What partnerships can be fostered to maximise the opportunities to build a circular economy ecosystem?
• What mechanisms might Queensland use
  to encourage active forms of transport and incentivise accelerated availability and uptake of electrified transport? 
• How can the 2032 Games encourage more sustainable mobility and other lifestyle habits to support the abatement of emissions and reduction of other environmental impacts associated with transportation and international travel in 2032?

This opportunity, together with the SEQ City Deal, will accelerate critical conversations around climate change across all levels of government, positioning Queensland and Australia as global leaders in decarbonisation, hosting the world’s first climate positive summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.