One of the world’s top climate diplomats has urged the federal government to commit to an ambitious 2035 target to cut carbon emissions, saying Australia can reap “colossal” economic rewards if it embraces clean energy.
The federal government is due to unveil its 2035 target by September this year, while the Coalition continues to be consumed by a furious internal debate on whether it should maintain its commitment to net zero by 2050.
The Climate Change Authority is preparing advice on a 2035 target between 65 and 75 percent, which will inform the target the government will submit to the UN’s climate agency.
UN climate change executive secretary Simon Stiell, who presides over the agency responsible for managing the Paris Agreement to limit global warming, is visiting Sydney and Canberra this week as he presses countries across the globe to ramp up their climate ambitions.
Stiell called the new climate target a “defining moment” for Australia, and said the government had “one shot to build a blueprint that protects Aussie workers and businesses by preparing them for a fast-changing global economy”.
He used a speech to a group of investors and clean energy representatives in Sydney to warn “unchecked climate change” would be an “economic wrecking ball” for the Australian and global economy, and that action was imperative.
Stiell said climate disasters were “already costing Australian homeowners $4 billion (US$2.60 billion) a year” and that unchecked climate change would “cripple Australia’s food production” and drain trillions from national GDP by 2050.
“You know half measures will destroy property and infrastructure, hammer households, bankrupt regions, and punch holes in public budgets,” he said.
“And you know that real action opens the door to real leadership and big rewards for this ambitious, capable country.”
Stiell’s visit comes as Australia continues its bid to hose the next major UN climate conference in Adelaide next year, competing for the event with Turkiye.
The UN diplomat said a deadline to determine the next host was now several months past, and with the even now less than 18 months away it was imperative that the issue be settled.
“All I can say is a decision needs to be made, and needs to be made very quickly. The two proponents need to come together to make that decision. And the delay in that decision is unhelpful to the process,” Stiell said.
He added that he was in Turkiye just days ago, where he gave the same message.
Standing alongside Stiell, the Climate Change Authority’s (CCA) chair Matt Kean said the stakes “couldn’t be higher” for Australia, but that pursuing net zero emissions also presented an opportunity for the sun-rich and mineral-rich nation.
“Shine, baby, shine’ and ‘store baby store’ should carry an Australian trademark and be hollered from our rooftops — perhaps with an Aussie accent,” Kean said in a reference to United States President Donald Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” remark.
The CCA boss also said that, ahead of the next international climate conference, “maximum ambition should be the catch-cry”.
The United States has slashed clean energy subsidies and pulled out of the Paris Agreement under Trump. However, Stiell said investment in renewables in countries like India and China was “off the chart” and “trillions of dollars are shifting” globally.
Stiell said a 2bog standard” 2035 target would be “beneath” Australia, and that government and business had the capacity to deliver transformational change.
“This is the moment to get behind a climate plan that doesn’t just write that vision into policy — but delivers in spades for your people,” he said.
“So don’t settle for what’s easy. Bog standard is beneath you. Go for what’s smart by going big.
“Go for what will build lasting wealth and national security. Go for what will change the game and stand the test of time.”
Meanwhile, One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson has launched a blistering attack on Australia’s climate policy, vowing to move an urgency motion in the Senate to scrap the government’s net-zero emissions target.
“Today I gave notice to the Senate that I will be moving an urgency motion calling on the Government to scrap its disastrous net-zero emissions target,” Hanson declared.
Citing the impact on small businesses, Hanson said soaring energy prices are killing the backbone of the economy.
“I recently spoke to a small business owner who told me they’re paying $10,000(US$6,524) a month just for electricity, on top of rent. It’s no wonder 30,000 small businesses have shut their doors in just three years.”
Hanson took aim at global emissions heavyweights, claiming Australia is unfairly burdened while major polluters face no pressure to act.
“While China and India are exempt from cutting emissions until 2060 or 2070, and the USA refuses to play ball, we’re punishing our own country for contributing just 1 percent of global emissions. Between them, those three nations emit over 50 percent but it’s Australians who are made to suffer.”
Labeling net-zero “a scam,” Hanson said it is crippling the country.
“Net zero is a scam. It’s destroying our industries, gutting our manufacturing, crippling farming and food production, driving up the cost of living and pushing families into poverty, homelessness and despair.”
She didn’t hold back in her final salvo: “We are being led by fools. Shame on every politician who continues to push this madness. I will not stand by while Australia is driven into the ground.”
