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AAP
Business
Maeve Bannister

Climate group wants fast track to net zero

Planning ahead for coal closures is among the steps of the Climate Council's emissions action plan. (Julian Smith/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

The federal government is being urged to upskill Australians, boost battery storage and plan ahead for coal closures following the passage of landmark laws to tackle climate change.

The peak body for climate action has released a 10-step action plan to fast-track Australia reaching its new emissions reduction target.

Greenhouse gas reduction targets of 43 per cent by 2030, and net-zero by 2050, were locked in last week when the Senate passed the government's proposal with Greens and crossbench support.

A report released by the Climate Council on Tuesday proposes a roadmap for the government to speed up emissions reduction over the next decade.

Among the council's recommendations are enacting a renewable energy storage target and appointing a national energy transition authority to agree on mine closure dates and transition plans.

The authority should take responsibility for planning and forming the workforce needed for building renewable energy infrastructure, the report says.

Implementing mandatory fuel efficiency standards, working with states and territories to replace diesel buses with electric fleets and making all new buildings net zero should be the first priorities.

Climate Council chief executive Amanda McKenzie said the hard work begins now to avoid the worst impacts of a warming planet.

"Our Power Up report is a plug-and-play roadmap for policymakers, with practical science-backed solutions they can implement straight away using today's technology," she said.

"It will deliver win-win-win benefits for our climate, cost of living and economy."

The report found Australia's energy and cost of living crises could be alleviated in the medium to long term by a swift transition to renewable energy and electrification.

It recommended accelerating the energy transition to insulate Australia against international price shocks and supply chain disruptions.

Ms McKenzie said Australia had a choice to make - to take action on the climate crisis or be left behind by the rest of the world.

"A clean, safe and bright future is within our reach and we have the solutions to achieve it," she said.

"Australians will pay the price if we don't grasp the opportunity before us."

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