Independents call for 75% pollution reduction
Independent Mackellar MP Sophie Scamps has slammed the Federal Government’s 62 to 70% emissions reductions target, calling it ‘weak.’
Dr Scamps issued a statement after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the highly anticipated 2035 target on 18 September, saying Australians deserved a ‘strong and science-backed target to protect the people and places we love.’
“By setting such a broad target range, the government is hedging its bets rather than committing to the level of ambition the climate crisis demands. And it’s now up to the crossbench to ensure ambition lands at the top end of that band, where the science says it needs to be.”
The target will determine how Australia works to lower pollution emissions, with the government committing more than $9 billion to invest in clean energy projects, encourage lower emissions in certain industries including electricity, and roll out more curb-side fast electric vehicle charging.
But Dr Scamps said the 62 to 70% target was ‘a political balancing act: a way to appease fossil fuel vested interests while appearing to act on climate.’
“Climate change is the most critical issue of our age and our actions as an influential, wealthy, and fossil fuel exporting nation will be judged for centuries to come.”
The target came on the same week the government issued its National Climate Risk Assessment, which showed global temperature increases of 1.5 to 2 degrees could cause a 450% surge in deaths, with rising sea levels also a major risk for coastal communities.
Federal Independents including Warringah’s Zali Steggall are seeking an emissions reduction target at the ‘higher end’ of the government’s range, with 75% a figure they have pushed for in Parliament, which they say more aligns with what has been advocated by the Climate Council.
“Given the combined emissions reduction targets of states and territories already total 66 to 71% by 2035, the government’s target doesn’t raise national ambition or show the leadership that is needed,” Dr Scamps said.
“Australia has everything to gain from leading the clean energy transition and everything to lose if we fail to act. The role of Independents in demanding science-based action is now more crucial than ever, especially in the face of this ambivalence from the government and the policy void of the current Opposition.”
Parliament is expected to debate the target when sittings resume on 6 October.
