{"id":19630,"date":"2020-11-12T00:11:25","date_gmt":"2020-11-11T16:11:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/media-release\/report-finds-creating-a-more-sustainable-wa-would-boost-jobs-and-economy\/"},"modified":"2020-11-12T00:11:25","modified_gmt":"2020-11-11T16:11:25","slug":"report-finds-creating-a-more-sustainable-wa-would-boost-jobs-and-economy","status":"publish","type":"media-release","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/media-release\/report-finds-creating-a-more-sustainable-wa-would-boost-jobs-and-economy\/","title":{"rendered":"Report finds creating a more sustainable WA would boost jobs and economy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Creating a more sustainable or \u2018green\u2019 state would deliver 55,000 jobs, 49,000 of which would be in regional WA, and add $16 billion to the Western Australian economy, while helping to significantly reduce WA\u2019s environmental footprint, a new Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre report has found.<\/p>\n

The report, Green Shoots: Opportunities to grow a sustainable WA<\/em> Economy<\/em>, identifies significant opportunities for the State to reduce the negative environmental impact of industries across its regions, and provides a roadmap for WA to transition to a more sustainable and resilient economic future.<\/p>\n

Report co-author and Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre Director Professor Alan Duncan said the report suggests that diversifying into more sustainable industries such as renewable power generation, lithium mining and processing would create a pathway to greater economic value and better employment opportunities for the state, particularly in regional WA.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the WA economy, which will be felt for years to come. It is essential to balance future economic growth with achievable targets to reduce the State\u2019s environmental footprint,\u201d Professor Duncan said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy doing this, 55,000 additional jobs could be created across industries such as specialised grain and livestock farming and the expansion of scientific services, 49,000 of which would be based in regional WA, while also boosting the state\u2019s economy by an estimated $16 billion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Professor Duncan said the report identified air pollution, land use, water security and waste management as some of the biggest challenges currently facing the state.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe pollution of our air, growing water scarcity and the increasing amount of waste has accelerated the loss of biodiversity. For example, Australia\u2019s per capita air pollution emissions are the highest in the OECD and sixth highest in the world, only surpassed by Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia,\u201d Professor Duncan said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a critical need to address and take action on global warming by significantly reducing greenhouse gases emissions generated by both industries and households.<\/p>\n

\u201cWestern Australia\u2019s mining sector is responsible for 40 per cent of the state\u2019s emissions and while greenhouse gas emissions have been falling nationally, they have risen significantly in WA growing by 12 per cent in the last five years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Report co-author and Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre Research Fellow Dr Silvia Salazar said WA has the lowest proportion of renewable electricity generation of any state at only 8.9 per cent.<\/p>\n

\u201cWA is one of only two states without a renewable energy target. Introducing a bold but achievable target, backed by strong policies will help drive greater investment in renewable energy in WA and reduce our emissions, especially across local industries,\u201d Dr Salazar said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe development of smarter buildings, more efficient industries and better use of resources will help to reduce energy use and WA\u2019s greenhouse footprint, while also saving households money.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur report estimates that simple measures such as double glazing, integrated window shading, and decreasing air leakage can save households $681 per year in energy bills, or around $34,000 over 50 years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr Salazar explained that water security and waste management remain a significant challenge for WA, but the State needs to make smarter decisions to ensure the state enjoys a sustainable and successful future.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur report found there is an increasing threat to water security faced by WA \u2013 particularly in the South West \u2013 but despite the scarcity, WA households continue to use 26 per cent more water than the average Australian household, while state industries use five times as much as households,\u201d Dr Salazar said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWA can do a lot more to reduce our energy, water and waste consumption. Adopting a circular economy where most of our resources are recycled and reused, and implementing simple things like making sure all households have access to an organic waste bin, will mean that we can get the most out of the goods we use and at the same time protect and look after our environment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Key findings from the report include:<\/strong><\/p>\n