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A Step In The Right Direction on Climate

FOR THE FIRST TIME, new data suggests the Federal Government may be able to reach its 2030 climate goals, largely as a result of state action on renewables. 

“The latest emissions data shows the important impact of state governments in leading the way to reduce emissions. Without a coherent Federal policy, state and local governments, business and the community have been implementing real change to reduce emissions. It is getting results,” said the Climate Council’s CEO Amanda McKenzie.

“Imagine what we could achieve if the Federal Government implemented a credible climate policy to reduce emissions,” said Ms McKenzie. 

The annual forecast of Australia’s emissions projections is compiled by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. It is intended to track Australia's progress against its emissions reduction goals. 

“It’s now time for the Federal Government to strengthen its targets, as many countries around the world are doing. Australia’s current targets are nowhere near where the science says they need to be,” she said. 

Australia has committed to reducing its emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2030. Climate scientists say this goal needs to be closer to 65%.

“Australia is on the frontline of climate impacts as we have seen with the Black Summer bushfires and the third mass bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef in five years,” said Ms McKenzie.

“On the eve of the international Climate Ambition Summit it would be wonderful to see the Federal Government show some ambition on climate action,” she said. 

For interviews please contact Lisa Upton on 0438 972 260 or Brianna Hudson on 0455 238 875. 

The Climate Council is Australia’s leading community-funded climate change communications organisation. We provide authoritative, expert and evidence-based advice on climate change to journalists, policymakers, and the wider Australian community.

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