South Australia has joined other jurisdictions around the world in declaring a climate emergency.

The climate emergency declaration reaffirms the state’s commitment to reduce emissions and prepare South Australia for the realities of extreme weather, climate shifts and increased global warming.

The government is delivering a broad range of actions to address climate change, including delivering the Hydrogen Jobs Plan and repealing the electric vehicle tax.

You can find out more about government actions on the Climate Smart SA website.

Green hydrogen is a clean and reliable energy source that can help reduce our reliance on electricity powered by fossil fuels. The exciting news is its production is happening right here in South Australia.

The SA government has committed to creating a new hydrogen production and storage facility near Whyalla, promising $593 million dollars to the project over 4 years and bolstering the state’s status as a world leader in the transition to renewable and clean energy.

Over 60% of South Australia’s energy already comes from renewable sources, and adding green hydrogen to the mix will help our state achieve its goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50% by 2030 and net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Check out the Good Living blog to learn more about what green hydrogen is and how it is already being used in South Australia.

When you think about waste reduction, water saving, clean energy and repurposed materials, you probably don’t think about poo…but it’s time that you do!

SA Water has reported that a massive 90,000 tonnes of biosolids - created as a by-product from treated wastewater - is forecast to be collected for use as fertiliser from their wastewater treatment facilities this financial year.

Organic, high-quality biosolid matter helps primary producers improve soil quality and is in high demand from the state’s farming sector.

The production of biosolids is just one of the ways wastewater is reused, with one in every three litres of wastewater being used as recycled water in public parks and to supply dual-reticulation systems in housing developments across Adelaide.

SA Water are also harnessing the energy created through the biogas that is generated in the breakdown of bacteria in the treatment process. An estimated 15 gigawatts per hour of electricity is created each year, enough to meet around 80% of the electricity needs of their three major wastewater treatment plants in metropolitan Adelaide

Want to know more? Check out the SA Water website.

A host of local organisations including Pasadena Foodland, Victor Harbor Beachfront Holiday Park, and Flinders University are set to receive state government funding for electric vehicle smart charging trials.

The trials will test charging conditions during periods of high renewable energy generation or low demand, supporting the grid and leading to reduced energy costs for all electricity consumers.

In total, the state government has funded 9 projects around the state to the total value of $3.2 million. Construction of the EV Smart Charging Trials project is expected to be completed during 2022.

The EV Smart Charging Trials will complement South Australia’s state-wide electric vehicle charging network being rolled out by the RAA, with over 500 charging stations at 140 sites in 52 locations across the state.

Read more about the smart charging trials on the Department for Energy and Mining website.

Green streets and other public spaces provide much more than a pleasant place to live. They also provide habitat for native animals, enhance biodiversity and improve people’s mental and physical health, as well as supporting an economically valuable ecosystem.

Green Adelaide is developing metropolitan Adelaide's first Urban Greening Strategy to protect and enhance Adelaide's mature trees, green spaces and urban biodiversity.

The strategy focuses on increasing tree canopy cover, reducing hard surfaces, meeting the urban green cover target and prioritising areas that are most vulnerable to heat with the aim to create a cooler, greener and wilder metropolitan Adelaide.

To achieve these goals, Green Adelaide will work with local government, industry peak bodies, research institutions, non-government organisations and Kaurna Miyurna (people).

Read more and find out how you can get involved on the Green Adelaide website.

The newly electrified Gawler rail line has now reopened and is welcoming passengers back on board! The new electrified line, together with the progressive introduction of 12 new rails cars will provide passengers with a smoother, faster and quieter journey.

The new electric trains produce less pollution and noise along rail corridors.  Because they are much quieter on the tracks, please always take extra care when crossing the railway line and waiting at stations.

The trains also use recovered energy during braking, meaning more energy efficient vehicles.

Find out more about how public transport can help you save money and the environment on the Adelaide Metro website.

If you’re interested in more news and events visit the Climate Smart SA Facebook page and give us a like. For more information about Climate Smart SA visit the website.