In response to the Albanese government’s release of new emissions projections, the Australian Conservation Foundation’s Թվ Climate Policy Adviser Annika Reynolds (they/them) said:
“The emissions projections released today show the government’s renewables agenda is cutting emissions from the domestic energy sector.
“The government has made solid progress on reducing electricity emissions, putting Australia on track to meet its 2030 climate target, yet that target remains far too weak.
“The government’s 43% target is consistent with more than 2°C of global warming, meaning longer heatwaves, more intense bushfires and worse flooding for Australians.
“While its renewable energy policies are cutting emissions, the government has facilitated further warming by approving 27 new or extended coal and gas projects since assuming office.
“Just three coal mine approvals alone, signed off by the Albanese government this year, will generate more than a billion tonnes of climate-heating emissions over the life of the projects.
“Approving coal and gas projects is the opposite of climate action.
“The continued expansion of fossil fuels is undermining the government’s good work on renewable energy, making it harder for Australia to set and reach credible emissions reduction targets.
“It is disappointing the important climate policies championed by Climate Minister Chris Bowen have not been matched by government action to pivot Australia’s exports from climate wrecking coal and gas to net zero industries.
“Is the Prime Minister prepared to walk away from the government’s Future Made in Australia legislative agenda, which has the potential to be a once in a generation investment in Australia’s clean energy industries?
“Meanwhile, the federal opposition’s nuclear energy policy threatens to derail climate action by slowing down the clean energy transition and cementing coal and gas in our system for longer.”
