On October 26th, Scott Morrison presented the Coalition’s climate action ‘plan’ to the media. “The plan to deliver net zero – The Australian Way” fails to legislate net zero by 2050 or set a more ambitious short-term 2030 emissions reduction goal. On October 27th, the Government blocked debate of the Climate Change Bill, scuppering Australia’s last opportunity to agree substantive climate commitments ahead of COP26. All this in the week the UN Environment Programme released their annual Emissions Gap report which shows despite the impact of COVID-19, the world is still on track for global warming of +2.7c, even if countries deliver their current targets in full. Australians deserve better.
What is the Climate Act?
The Climate Act is a proposed law to ensure the long-term safety, security and prosperity of Australia by achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. Zali Steggall OAM MP first tabled the Act to parliament on Monday November 9th 2020. Following a parliamentary inquiry, whose submissions the government chose to ignore, a second draft of the Bill, incorporating feedback from the inquiry and additionally committing to a 60% emission reduction by 2030 on 2005 levels, will be presented to parliament on October 18th 2021 ahead of COP26.
How does the Australian Climate Act work?
– Net Zero emissions by 2050: Net zero means we need to balance the carbon we put into the atmosphere with what we draw down through tree planting and soils – just like balancing a budget.
– Risk Assessments and adaptation plans: To protect our communities, we need to assess the risks of rising temperatures, pandemics, worsening bushfires, cyclones and droughts, and implement plans that benefit our economic strength and recovery.
– Technology readiness assessment: With regular reviews of existing and emerging technologies we can monitor and fast track opportunities to get to Net Zero.
– Independent advisory commission: To guide our response to climate change, this body will conduct assessments, track progress, advise the government and report publicly.
Zali Steggall OAM MP is urgently calling for Australia to commit to a minimum 75% emissions reduction by 2035. To meet the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5C, host a COP Summit and emerge as a leader in climate action, Australia needs to match our ambition to our international peers and accelerate emissions reduction. Across the world, governments and businesses are racing to net zero and accelerating the transition to clean technologies by establishing strong targets and policies that drive investment. Australia needs a strong 2035 target – a floor of 75 by 35 – to stay in the race. Zali Steggall, OAM MP