Reuters reported that under the leadership of the new Labor government, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese submitted a more aggressive emission reduction target to the United Nations on the 16th, pledging to reduce carbon emissions by 43% by 2030 compared with 2005 levels. This is more aggressive than the 26% to 28% target of the previous conservative government, and is gradually catching up with the commitments of other wealthy economies in line with the Paris Agreement.
The world's largest coal exporter is reversing its image as a late-stage climate change producer.
Australia is not only one of the countries with the highest per capita carbon emissions in the world, but also the world's largest exporter of coal and liquefied natural gas. However, during the governance of the previous government, it was long regarded as a laggard in climate commitments and lacked clear energy and climate policies to encourage investment in renewable energy.
At the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow last year (2021), former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison was criticized for failing to propose more ambitious emissions reduction targets. In contrast, the United States, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Japan all significantly increased their climate commitments—Canada's goal is to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, while the United States' goal is a whopping 52%.
Energy supply issues drive emissions reductions; Australia to increase investment in renewable energy
"For years, the Australian government has been telling the world this is hard," Chris Bowen, Australia's climate change and energy minister, told a news conference in Canberra. "We are now telling the world, our friends and allies, that Australia is a partner in tackling the climate crisis. As the prime minister said, we are telling Australians we want to end the war on climate."
Australia is experiencing a mix of planned and unplanned coal-fired power outages, which is driving the pace of emissions cuts and boosting demand for gas-fired power generation at a time when global gas prices are surging.
Bowen said that the crisis highlights the need to accelerate rather than slow down legislation and encourage increased investment in renewable energy. Therefore, the Australian government will seek opportunities to incorporate emission reduction targets into law after the parliament opens.
Source: Environmental Information Center (https://e-info.org.tw/node/234383)
