Environmental Advocacy in Central Queensland (EnvA) is dismayed by the Federal Government’s announcement of its 2035 emissions reduction target of just 62–70% below 2005 levels.
The announcement comes only days after the release of the National Climate Risk Assessment, which painted a dire picture for Australia’s environment, communities and economy. The report outlined the catastrophic consequences of global temperature rises of 1.5°C, 2°C and 3°C. Today’s target locks Australia onto a pathway far closer to the 3°C scenario — a devastating outcome for all Australians, but one that will weigh heaviest on the next generation.
Alongside the target, sectoral emission reduction plans were released to chart the path forward. EnvA warns that these plans fail to deliver the rapid decarbonisation the science demands, particularly in the Electricity and Energy Sector.
EnvA Director, Dr Coral Rowston, said:
“This is not a science-based target. It’s a roadmap to a ‘burn baby, burn’ future.
“A 62% cut is a capitulation to the coal and gas lobby, not a plan to protect workers, families or communities.
“The Electricity and Energy Sector plan allows new and expanding fossil fuel projects to continue unchecked, while shifting the costs and consequences of climate change onto households and other sectors.
“The Government is still ignoring the science and locking Australians into deeper climate and economic disruption.
“We call on the government to listen to the science and protect Australians from the harms of climate change – stop approving new coal and gas projects. ”
EnvA - CQ 