Australia’s Electoral Decision and its Implications for Climate within a Key Coal-based Economy

Australian citizens have significant influence over climate change due to the country’s high per capita greenhouse gas emissions and status as a major exporter of fossil fuels. While climate change may not be a top concern for voters in the upcoming national elections, the leading candidates from the Labor Party and Liberal-National Coalition have differing climate and energy policies. The country’s reliance on aging coal plants for electricity generation is a central issue, with Labor promoting renewable energy and the conservative coalition pushing for nuclear power. Nuclear power plants take longer to build than renewables, so maintaining coal operations would be expensive and polluting. Australia’s climate politics are similar to the polarized debate in the United States, where President Trump’s stance on climate change has reduced international momentum on addressing the issue. Rising energy costs for households are a concern for Australians, but both parties support gas development. The Green Party and Teal Independents, who advocate for strong climate policies, may have influence in Parliament depending on the election outcome. Additionally, Australia is competing with Turkey to host the annual United Nations-sponsored global climate talks, known as COP. If Australia hosts the event, it will set the tone for the talks and bring economic benefits.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/02/climate/what-australias-vote-means-for-climate-in-a-major-coal-economy.html