Australia must step up on climate goals—the world is watching

From the editor’s desk

Australia is at a turning point. The decisions Australia makes today will determine not only its environmental future but also its economic and geopolitical position as the climate crisis worsens and countries around the world increase their commitments to clean energy. Will the country embrace its enormous potential and become a world leader, or will it stick to minimal compliance?

The recent visit of Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, brought this sense of urgency home. Stiell made a direct statement while speaking at a significant event in Sydney: Australia's current climate policies are just "bog standard" and far from what is required or expected of a country that has the potential to spearhead the global energy transition. However, simply having the ingredients is insufficient. According to Stiell, the true question is whether Australia has the political will to employ them.

Australia has pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and a 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. When these goals were announced, they were viewed as a step forward, especially after years of inaction. However, those goals no longer reflect the scope of the crisis, as climate science now warns of the need for more aggressive and immediate action. By September, Australia's 2035 emissions target must be announced. This is not just another administrative deadline; rather, it is a chance for the Albanese government to demonstrate to the world that Australia is taking the climate crisis seriously.

Delays will have very personal repercussions, and the stakes are high. The threat posed by climate change is not hypothetical or remote. Its effects are already being felt by Australians, as evidenced by record-breaking heatwaves, devastating floods, and devastating bushfires.

Inaction could result in longer mega-droughts, more severe natural disasters, and disruptions to food supply chains, according to modelling cited by News.com. au. Fruits and vegetables may become too expensive for the average Australian. According to economic modelling, the economy could lose US$6.8 trillion by 2050 if climate change is not addressed, and average living standards could drop by more than $7,000 per person. There is an impending economic and social revolution in addition to the environmental crisis. Additionally, the window to avoid it is closing.

For this reason, the government is being urged to be much more ambitious by climate experts and advisory bodies. A 65% to 75% reduction in emissions by 2035 has been suggested by the independent Climate Change Authority, which is currently led by former New South Wales Treasurer Matt Kean. An even more resolute commitment is being called for by the Climate Council and other environmental organisations: net zero by 2035. Although these goals may seem ambitious, they align with what is required to reach the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C limit. Anything less runs the risk of causing the planet to reach an irreversible point.

Before deciding on the new goal, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen have committed to extensive consultations. Industry preparedness and economic viability are important factors, but they shouldn't be used as justifications for inaction. Being a leader means taking initiative rather than waiting until the last minute. Australia's response needs to be motivated by both opportunity and responsibility.

Australia is in a unique position to gain from the energy transition. It boasts a highly qualified workforce, some of the best solar and wind resources in the world, and enormous potential for producing green hydrogen. The government can stimulate domestic investment, increase exports, and generate long-term employment by establishing a robust 2035 target. Making a firm decision now would also give investors and companies peace of mind, hastening the transition to clean technologies.

Furthermore, on the global scene, Australia's credibility regarding climate change is being questioned. Without exhibiting leadership at home, that bid cannot be successful.

Stiell's warning was crystal clear: affluent countries like Australia are supposed to lead, not follow, while the rest of the world watches.