Australia needs scientifically credible targets that will get the country to zero emissions as quickly as possible.
In response to reports that Federal Labor is considering abandoning its target to cut emissions by 45 per cent by 2030, the Australian Conservation Foundation’s Climate Change Program Manager, Gavan McFadzean, said:
“Australia needs scientifically credible targets that will get the country to zero emissions as quickly as possible.
“The most comprehensive advice, from the independent Climate Change Authority, recommends Australia adopt a 45 to 65 per cent cut to pollution from 2005 levels by the end of the next decade.
“All political parties should set their targets heeding the advice of Australia’s best experts.
“Climate action is a core responsibility of any national government – the heavy lifting can’t be left to states and business alone.
“The Morrison Government’s target to cut pollution by 26 to 28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 is deeply inadequate and ensures Australia is a global laggard in tackling climate damage.
“The longer we leave climate action, the more deadly and costly it gets. It’s simply not credible for any national government to bury its head in the sand. This is what the Morrison Government is doing, and it would be shocking for Labor to follow suit.
“Australia must do its fair share in keeping the rise in average global temperatures to well below two degrees as countries have committed to under the Paris Agreement, including rapidly phasing out the burning of fossil fuels.
“Australians are living through our worst ever drought and the early, devastating start to the bushfire season in NSW and Queensland. Climate pollution cuts are matters of public safety, national security and international credibility.”
