Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen has released the Government’s first Climate Change Statement.
It shows Australia is on track to reduce emissions by 32-40% by 2030. That’s below the Government’s target of 43% by 2030.
Bowen says it’s a “wake-up call” for Australia.
The statement
The Climate Change Statement will be a yearly update on the Government’s emissions reduction targets, based on data analysis by the independent body Climate Change Authority.
It predicts that based on current policies, including to fund solar batteries and discount electric vehicles, Australia will reduce emissions by 32% by 2030.
When other policies being prepared by the Federal Government are taken into account, it’s predicted this will improve to a 40% reduction in emissions by 2030.
Will we get on track?
Bowen acknowledges there will be “stumbling blocks and challenges” in meeting the Government’s emissions reduction target.
“Reducing emissions by 43% is an achievable but ambitious target and we are going to need a collective effort and determination across all of the economy to get there.”
He says the Government is continuing to develop policies to reach “at least 43%”.
