Australia falls behind on climate action

When it comes to climate action, Australia is increasingly falling way behind the rest of the world.  There’s been a renewed focus on climate change action from leaders right around the globe, with many countries upping their emission targets at the recent Virtual Leaders’ Summit on Climate.  However, the country failed to increase emission targets at the summit, which has prompted concern that the country is falling behind global allies.

“The Australian [emissions] target is out-of-step with the ambition of all relevant comparison countries. The US target blows Australia’s target out of the water.”

Frank Jotzo, director of the ANU’s Centre for Climate and Energy Policy

Scott Morrison refuses to commit to climate action in Australia

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison wasn’t invited to the last climate summit, because his climate targets weren’t high enough. Regardless, President Biden gave Scott Morrison the chance to step forward for Australia in the fight against climate change.

However, the Australian PM delivered what was a largely empty speech. He refused to commit to anything concrete, or make promises on the timing to a net zero carbon future. The nation made no new commitments with Australia still aiming to reduce emissions by 26-28 per cent on 2005 levels over the same period.

They weren’t alone though. Many of the countries responsible for much of the world’s fossil fuel exports and deforestation also fell short in committing to climate action. They include India, Russia, South Africa, Brazil, Indonesia and Turkey.

While Australia’s emissions have fallen, the country is still a world leader on a per capita basis. Australia ranks alongside the United Kingdom, despite a much smaller population.

Global leaders commit to reducing emissions in the US, Africa and China

Biden is setting the tone for other countries by aiming halve emissions by 2030. This comes after the US rejoined the Paris Agreement on climate change. Biden also signed a sweeping executive order that puts the climate crisis at the centre of US foreign policy and national security earlier this year.

Other world leaders have followed suit. Japan, the UK, Africa, Canada and China have all committed to ambitious targets. The UK announced plans to cut emissions by 78% by 2035. Even China agreed to commit to climate action despite tensions with the US. China recently signed a statement agreeing to use technology to cut emissions, committing to net zero by 2060.