“The test for all action – or inaction – on climate change is: will it see Australia contribute to the global effort to keep warming under two degrees above pre-industrial levels,” said Greenpeace Climate Campaigner Nic Clyde.
“The repeal of the Carbon Price at a time when climate change is already affecting Australia is an act of blind irrationality. The fact that we are seeing such sensible measures as the Renewable Energy Target, ARENA and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation also come under attack is simply extraordinary. It calls into serious question the Government’s willingness to meet their own 2020 reduction target.”
“Protecting the Renewable Energy Target should be a no-brainer. It’s an effective mechanism to cut pollution that also reduces consumers’ electricity prices,” said Clyde. “The target means billions of dollars in investment for Australia and thousands of new jobs.”
“As the rest of the world moves to tackle climate change, Australia remains wedded to fossil fuels, particularly coal. As the world’s largest exporter of metallurgical coal and the world’s second largest thermal coal exporter by volume, we risk being left behind as the rest of the world moves to embrace clean energy.
“Already, Australian coal mines are closing as the global coal market deteriorates. Australia must begin preparing for a future, and economy, after coal.
“A Carbon Price and clean energy policies such as the Renewable Energy Target will help drive the transition to a clean energy economy in Australia,” said Clyde.
Notes:
The Climate Change Authority was blunt in its assessment of a 5 per cent target: “a 5 per cent target for 2020 would not be a credible start by Australia towards achieving the below 2 degree goal.[1]