Climate Friendly and its carbon farming partners have reached a significant milestone, delivering more than 20 million tonnes of carbon abatement by the end of 2020.
The achievement reflects years of collaboration with Australian farmers, graziers and Traditional Owners who are implementing carbon farming projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting productive and resilient landscapes.
Since its establishment, Climate Friendly has helped develop and manage more than 120 carbon projects across over 10 million hectares of land throughout Australia. Most of the 20 million tonnes of carbon abatement has been delivered in partnership with landholders since 2015.
Climate Friendly CEO Skye Glenday said the milestone demonstrates both the growing impact of carbon farming and its potential to play a much larger role in Australia’s climate future.
“Reaching this milestone is a significant achievement for Climate Friendly and our carbon farming partners. It highlights the important role that Australian landholders are already playing in reducing emissions and contributing to climate solutions.”
While celebrating the achievement, the organisation is focused on what comes next. Climate Friendly has set an ambitious goal of delivering 100 million tonnes of carbon abatement by 2025 as part of its contribution towards a net zero Australia by 2050.
Momentum behind climate action continues to grow across Australia, with businesses, investors, industry groups and governments increasingly committing to net zero emissions targets. As organisations look for practical ways to reduce their climate impact, carbon farming is becoming an increasingly important part of the solution.
For landholders, carbon farming can provide more than emissions reductions alone. Many projects deliver additional benefits such as diversified income streams, improved land management outcomes, healthier soils, increased biodiversity and greater resilience to drought and climate variability.
“Climate Friendly never stops innovating, and we’re seeing increasing recognition that carbon farming is both an economic opportunity and a climate necessity,” Ms Glenday said. “We want more Australian landholders to benefit from land management practices that strengthen agricultural businesses while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
Climate Friendly is also working with government, researchers and industry partners to develop new approaches to landscape-scale carbon farming. Early modelling indicates these approaches could significantly increase Australia’s carbon sequestration potential while delivering positive outcomes for regional communities and the environment.
By continuing to support carbon farming projects across the country, Climate Friendly and its partners are helping build a more sustainable, resilient and productive future for Australian landscapes.
“Together with our carbon farming partners, we’re working towards our goal of delivering 100 million tonnes of carbon abatement by 2025 and supporting the development of a world-leading net zero land sector in Australia,” Ms Glenday said.
