Cultural burning On Country reduces city emissions

Aboriginal carbon farmers based in northern Australia have joined the fight against climate change following an agreement between the City of Sydney and the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation.

The City is buying 1,800 Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCU) from Indigenous carbon farmers to help offset Sydney’s inner-city emissions.

“The City of Sydney has been certified carbon neutral since 2011 and we continue to increase the energy efficiency of our own buildings and operations by taking ambitious climate action, from switching to LED lights and electric or hybrid vehicles, to installing solar panels and a massive Tesla battery at our Alexandria depot,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“Last year we switched to 100 per cent renewable electricity to power our operations, but where emissions can’t be avoided we invest in fantastic projects, such as Aboriginal carbon farming, to offset them.”

“If we’re serious about tackling our climate emergency, we need to do everything we can to reduce our emissions, including through national and international programs like this one.”

The continued development of a local carbon offsetting market can help reduce emissions, create local jobs, support Indigenous business, support farming and have wider environmental benefits across Australia.

The Lord Mayor said it was vital for organisations like the City to look at a range of options when it comes to dealing with the climate crisis.

“First Nations people of Australia play a vital role in the climate emergency response and we are proud to be tackling this important issue together,” the Lord Mayor said.

“This new deal will not only see us support high quality Aboriginal carbon farming projects, but it also underlines our commitment to reconciliation.

“The City has purchased these offsets from projects in northern Australia, but we hope to see the program expand across other states, including NSW, so we can also support businesses closer to home.”

Using traditional burning methods, Indigenous carbon famers manage land and vegetation to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that would ordinarily be released into the atmosphere.

That reduction in greenhouse gases is quantified by the Australian Government’s Clean Energy Regulator. The farmers can sell carbon credits to organisations needing to offset their own emissions.

Indigenous famers largely generate carbon credits by using a form of traditional burning, known as savanna fire management, to reduce the risk of larger fires, which release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Savanna fire management is the most widely used form of Indigenous carbon farming and was responsible for 10 per cent of Australia’s carbon credit production in 2019.

Australian Carbon Foundation CEO Rowan Foley said he hoped the new partnership would highlight Indigenous carbon farming and encourage other organisations to get involved.

“Carbon farming isn’t just a vital part of the fight against climate change. By reducing the risk of out of control wildfires, our Indigenous rangers help to conserve biodiversity in unique parts of Australia, as well as protect cultural and sacred sites of significance,” Mr Foley said.

“By partnering with Indigenous carbon farmers, organisations provide valuable support to Aboriginal communities, helping to create jobs, growth and skills in these areas.

“The carbon industry has grown substantially in the past 10 years, with over 30 Indigenous projects now across northern Australia. We’re actively involved in several carbon projects and recently completed training Aboriginal rangers from three different groups in the Top End.”

Established in 2010, the Australian Carbon Foundation helps create environmental, social and cultural benefits for Indigenous peoples through the ethical trade of carbon credits.

The foundation connects communities who supply carbon credits with the organisations seeking to offset their carbon emissions and is a full member of the Carbon Market Institute.

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For media enquiries contact Nicky Breen Phone 0436 599 861 or email [email protected]

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore contact Trisha Croaker Phone 0418 397 462 or email [email protected]