States’ heavy lifting on 2030 exposes federal climate stasis and weak targets

2021-09-30

The Greens have modelled the combined Australian State and Territory climate targets to show that the collective commitments made would amount to at least a 35% emissions reduction by 2030 from the States alone, leaving Scott Morrison with no excuse for failing to up to triple Australia’s 2030 targets, in line with the UK and US. (Full table below)

The Australian government remains committed only to Tony Abbott’s 26% target - one-third of the 74% cuts required, as identified by the independent Climate Targets Panel, chaired by former Liberal leader, John Hewson.

The Glasgow summit will focus on countries lifting their 2030 targets and increasing short-term ambition.

Quotes attributable to Greens Leader, Adam Bandt MP:

“Scott Morrison loves dressing up in khaki but hides like a coward on climate.”
 
“If Scott Morrison cared about climate half as much as war, he’d go to Glasgow and propose a climate AUKUS.”  

"The States are now doing so much heavy lifting that Scott Morrison can align Australia with the US and UK by doubling to tripling our 2030 climate targets, as recommended by the independent Climate Targets Panel."

“With the States alone cutting Australia’s pollution by at least 35%, there’s nowhere for Scott Morrison to hide on his woeful 2030 targets.”