Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged that the country will cut carbon emissions by 43% from 2005 levels by 2030, up from the previous conservative government’s target of between 26% and 28%.
The target by Australia, one of the world’s highest per capita carbon emitters brings the country more in line with other developed economies’ Paris climate accord commitments.
According to reports, Canada is also aiming for a reduction of 40% by 2030 from 2005 levels, while the United States has a target of up to 52%.
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Albanese, who assumed office last month, told the United Nations, “When I’ve spoken with international leaders in the last few weeks, they have all welcomed Australia’s changed position,”
He explained that In recent years, the country has suffered severe drought, historic bushfires, successive years of record-breaking floods, and six mass bleaching events on the Great Barrier Reef.
The latest UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report warns that the country is racing towards a future full of similar disasters, except if the right measures are taken.
Recall that the former government had angered allies with its short-term emissions reductions target – which is half what the IPCC says is needed if the world has any chance of limiting warming to 1.5C.
The latest target comes as major fossil fuel companies in Australia seek to decarbonise their operations. Global miner BHP this week announced it had been unable to find a buyer for its coal mines in the Australian state of New South Wales and would instead close the project by 2030.
In his reaction, the country’s Climate Change and Energy Minister, Chris Bowen said that the commitment was a message to the international community.
“We send the message to the rest of the world, to our friends and allies, that we’re partners in tackling the climate emergency,” he was quoted as saying. “We send the message to Australians that we seek to end the climate wars, as the prime minister said,”.
Story was adapted from BBC.
