Federal Climate Policy is Weak

Following the passing of our new Federal Government’s climate change legislation, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, stated that it showed the rest of the world that Australia is serious about driving down emissions and reaping the economic opportunities from affordable renewable energy. 

While Australians concerned about climate change will be pleased that this government has committed to greater emissions reduction than the previous government, there are still major concerns about its climate policy.

The legislated 43% cuts by 2030 are in line with a temperature rise of 2°C – not the 1.5°C which is in line with the Paris goal. Scientists have advised that much greater cuts than this are required – and much sooner than 2030. Recent Australian bushfires and floods as well as world-wide climate-induced disasters are making this very plain.

There is even more concern about the Government’s policy in relation to its dealings with the fossil fuel industry. Its “business as usual” approach – a follow-on from that of the previous government -highlights how inconsistent and weak its climate policy is.

It has no concerns about the opening of new coal and gas mines and their impact on our emissions.

Just recently Minister for Resources, Madeleine King, announced that 46,758 sq km of new petroleum acreage would be opened up for exploration in Commonwealth waters to the north of the country. 

She also approved two permits for offshore greenhouse gas storage areas north of WA and the NT. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is part of the government’s plan to deal with emissions.  It’s a technology beloved by the fossil fuel industry which has had millions of taxpayer dollars thrown at it. Although it is “pie in the sky”, CCS is an important form of “green-washing” by polluters intent on pursuing their damaging businesses with government encouragement.

Many Australians concerned about climate change and its impact on future generations are likely to be urging the government to get rid of its cosy relationship with the fossil fuel industry and act in the national interest.

Leonie Blain