Australia, the world’s leading per-capita polluter, is aiming to decrease its carbon emissions by at least 62% from 2005 levels over the next decade. The country’s previous commitment was a 43% greenhouse gas reduction by 2030. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the new goal on Thursday, calling it a “practical plan” backed by science. The government received a warning from a risk assessment this week, stating that Australia will experience more extreme weather events due to human-made climate change. The commitment to reduce emissions is part of Australia’s responsibilities under the Paris Climate Agreement. The new target is consistent with the suggestions of the Climate Change Authority, an advisory body. The prime minister will present this pledge during a UN General Assembly meeting later this month. The Paris Agreement was signed in 2015 by world leaders, with the aim of keeping global temperatures from rising above 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels. Australia, like much of the world, has experienced severe climate-induced disasters such as droughts, bushfires, and floods. Climate change has also caused mass coral bleaching at the famous Great Barrier Reef in Queensland and Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. A report released on Monday revealed that Australia has already reached significantly higher temperatures and that climate risks would affect all communities. The report also warned of potential economic loses due to higher heatwave and flooding related deaths, reduced water quality, and rising sea levels. The climate agenda and the aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 remain controversial topics in Australia. The opposition party, the Liberal National coalition, is debating whether to support the net zero emissions goal, while others are advocating for faster action. Opposition leader Sussan Ley opposed the new target, citing both “cost and credibility” issues. In 2022, the Labor government increased climate targets from the previous conservative coalition’s 26-28% goal. The government plans to make Australia a major player in renewable energy but has also continued approving fossil fuel projects.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgn6mvvxm3o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
