Accusations have been hurled at Peter Dutton for allegedly plotting to disregard Australia’s pledge to the historic Paris climate accord by rejecting the nation’s 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target.
In an interview with the Weekend Australian, the opposition leader indicated his opposition to the mandated 2030 emissions target, which aims for a 43% reduction from 2005 levels, while still aiming for net zero emissions by 2050.
Dutton also acknowledged that the Coalition’s plan to introduce nuclear power plants in Australia would not materialize before 2040, a move criticized for potentially delaying climate action and allowing emissions to increase.
Emphasizing the promotion of gas as a fossil fuel, Dutton argued against setting unattainable targets, stating, “there was no sense in signing up to targets you don’t have any prospect of achieving.”
Experts noted that existing policies could lead to a 42% emissions cut by 2030, close to the 43% target, contradicting claims that the goal was unattainable.
Critics warned that Dutton’s stance might violate Australia’s commitment to the Paris agreement, which aims to limit global warming to below 2C and ideally to 1.5C above preindustrial levels.
Erwin Jackson, a climate policy expert, stressed the importance of upholding emissions targets under the Paris agreement to maintain international credibility and attract necessary investments for achieving net zero emissions.
Questions remain about the Coalition’s stance on the Paris agreement and the previous commitment to reduce emissions by 26-28% by 2030, highlighting uncertainties surrounding Australia’s climate policy.
Richie Merzian, a former Australian climate diplomat, underscored the significance of increasing ambition and meeting targets set by the Paris agreement to address the pressing climate crisis.
2024-06-07 22:00:55
Link from www.theguardian.com