in a pre-recorded speech To the Australian National University Forum, the UN Special Adviser on Climate Change Selwyn Hart Join the calls for the Australian government to adopt more ambitious emissions reduction targets.
He reiterated the need for the countries of the Intergovernmental Economic Organization Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development , including Australia, to stop using coal by 2030 and by 2040 for all other countries.
Most developed countries have signed on to a goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
Due to its reliance on coal-fired energy, Australia is one of the world’s largest emitters of carbon per capita, but Prime Minister Scott Morrison has resisted committing to a timetable for setting a net greenhouse gas emissions target of 2050.
Fear of losing jobs
Mr. Morrison has also steadfastly supported the fossil fuel industries, saying tougher action on emissions will cost jobs.
Noting that national governments – responsible for 73 per cent of global emissions – had now committed to net zero by mid-century, he urged Australia to join it “as a matter of urgency”.
While important, these zero-rate, long-term national commitments are only part of what is needed. It must be backed by ambitious 2030 goals and clear plans to achieve them, otherwise we will not see the changes in the real economy that we urgently need,” he told the ANU Crawford Leadership Forum.
‘hold the moment’
Mr. Hart highlighted the extent to which this policy isolates the government and stressed the importance of taking “bigger action this decade.”
“We fully understand the role that coal and other fossil fuels have played in the Australian economy, even if mining is a small part – about 2 per cent – of total jobs,” Hart added, “but it is essential to have a broader, more honest conversation. and rationality about what is in Australia’s interest.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia will update its 2030 emissions forecast at UN climate talks in Glasgow in November.
Mr Hart urged Australia to “seize the opportunity” and switch to renewables.
‘critical juncture’
The United Nations official quoted a previous call by Secretary-General António Guterres Rich countries phase out coal by 2030 and other countries, which have less chance of developing using fossil fuels, to stop using it by 2040.
“If this timetable is adopted, it will leave nearly a decade for Australia to ensure a fair transition for coal workers and others affected,” he said.
“We are at a critical juncture in the climate crisis,” he said, noting that if the G20 industry opted for business as usual, “climate change will soon send Australia’s high living standards into flames.”
By contrast, if countries including Australia opt for bold climate action, “there is a new wave of prosperity, jobs, equity and sustainable economic growth,” Mr. Hart said.
Still time to reduce climate change
Last review by Intergovernmental panel on climate change It found that man-made climate change has already caused extreme weather and climate across every region around the world.
Unless there are rapid and deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions in the coming decades, to achieve the 2015 targets Paris Agreement ‘It would be unattainable’ warned painting.
but IPCC Experts said there is still plenty of time to curb climate change.
Strong and sustained reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases could rapidly improve air quality, and global temperatures could stabilize in 20 to 30 years. In Australia, average temperatures above ground have risen by about 1.4°C since 1910.
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