Civil Society Calls for Strong 2035 Climate Target in Australia

Strategic Insights -

Climate representatives from various groups have urged the Albanese government to set a robust 2035 emissions reduction target, aligning with scientific guidelines. A strong 2035 target is seen as crucial to protecting Australians from climate change, driving investment in clean energy technology, and creating well-paid jobs in the renewable energy sector. The community sector is emphasizing the need for a target that prioritizes the future and wellbeing of people in Australia. Climate experts stress that a weak target would commit to global climate disruption and damage.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Australian Conservation Foundation, Electrical Trades Union, Australian Council of Social Service, Australian Services Union, and Climate Council are calling for a strong 2035 target that aligns with scientific guidelines.
  • Gavan McFadzean, climate program manager at the Australian Conservation Foundation, emphasizes the importance of a strong science-based 2035 emissions reduction target to keep Australians safe from climate change impacts.
  • Michael Wright, national secretary of the Electrical Trades Union, highlights the need for strong targets to create jobs and drive industry certainty, with an estimated 42,500 extra electrical workers required by 2030 for the energy transition.
  • Dr. Cassandra Goldie, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service, emphasizes the severe toll climate change is taking on people's mental and physical health, quality of life, housing, and cost of living.
  • Scott Cowen, assistant national secretary of the Australian Services Union, stresses the need for strong targets to provide economic certainty and create secure, well-paid jobs in the renewable energy sector.
  • Amanda McKenzie, CEO of the Climate Council, warns that a weak climate target is not a passive choice but an active commitment to global climate disruption and damage.
  • Climate Councillor Professor David Karoly highlights the catastrophic climate consequences that will result from anything less than a strong 2035 target, including more frequent heatwaves, floods, and bushfire weather.

Statistics:

  • 42,500: the estimated number of extra electrical workers required by 2030 for the energy transition.
  • 2030: the deadline for achieving the estimated 42,500 extra electrical workers needed for the energy transition.
  • 2035: the target year for reducing emissions in line with scientific guidelines.
  • 2 C: the global warming limit that Australia's 2035 climate target must aim to limit to prevent catastrophic climate consequences.
  • 2013-2022: the decade of inaction from the previous Australian government on tackling climate pollution.
  • 2019-2020: a year marked by destructive flooding in New South Wales and Queensland, drought in South Australia and Victoria, and devastating marine heatwaves across three states.

Sources:

  • Australian Conservation Foundation: https://www.acf.org.au/
  • Electrical Trades Union: https://www.etunews.com.au/
  • Australian Council of Social Service: https://www.acoss.org.au/
  • Australian Services Union: https://www.asu.asn.au/
  • Climate Council: https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/