Omari Gates
Australia is one of the world's biggest per-capita greenhouse gas emitters and is vulnerable to rising temperatures. Despite this, the country has been criticised for its approach to climate change, with scientists noting denial about the impacts of rising CO2 levels. Australia has set a target of reducing emissions by 26-28% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, but this has been criticised as insufficient and not on track. The country continues to back the coal industry, and its climate finance contributions are low. However, Australia is taking steps to address climate change, including investing in nature-based solutions and engaging in international cooperation. The country has also made commitments to protect its oceans and ecosystems and transform from deforestation to reforestation. It remains to be seen if these efforts will be enough to combat the impacts of climate change.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Australia's rating | "Insufficient" |
| 2030 NDC target | 43% |
| Net zero emissions target year | 2050 |
| Australia's position on climate change | Denial about the impacts of rising CO2 levels |
| Australia's status as a fossil fuel producer | Has not acknowledged the need to plan for a world of net zero emissions |
| Australia's status as a per capita greenhouse gas emitter | One of the world's biggest |
| Australia's status as a coal producer | Fourth largest in 2017 |
| Australia's status as a deforestation nation | Highest rate of deforestation in the developed world |
| Australia's international climate change commitments | Pledged to stop financing fossil fuel projects abroad within a year |
| Australia's international climate diplomacy | Led by Ambassador for Climate Change, Ms Kristin Tilley |
| Australia's international climate finance rating | "Insufficient" |
| Australia's climate finance contributions | Low |
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What You'll Learn
Australia's commitment to reducing emissions
In 2020, the Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, defended his government's stance on climate change, stating that his policies on reducing emissions would ensure a "vibrant and viable economy, as well as a sustainable environment." Under the Paris Climate Agreement, Australia committed to reducing its emissions by 26-28% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. However, these goals have been criticised as being too low, and in 2019, the United Nations (UN) reported that Australia was not on track to meet its targets.
The Australian government has made some efforts to address emissions, such as the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF), with a total investment of $4.5 billion to help businesses and farmers reduce emissions. Additionally, Australia has pledged to stop financing fossil fuel projects abroad within a year. However, the government has also approved the construction of a controversial new coal mine, and Australia remains one of the world's largest exporters of coal and natural gas.
According to the Climate Action Tracker, Australia's rating remains "Insufficient," and its 2030 target of a 43% reduction in emissions is not aligned with the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement. Australia's continued revision of its land sector sequestration projections has been criticised for creating the illusion of action without addressing the main drivers of climate change.
Despite some efforts, Australia's commitment to reducing emissions has been characterised as a "piecemeal approach" by the OECD. The country continues to face criticism for its support of the coal industry and lack of acknowledgement of the need to transition to net-zero emissions. Australia's overall climate finance rating remains "Critically Insufficient," indicating a need for increased international climate finance contributions.
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The impact of rising temperatures
Australia is one of the most vulnerable countries to rising temperatures, yet there is still denial about the impacts of rising CO2 levels. The country is among the world's largest exporters of coal and natural gas, and the fourth-largest producer of coal. Phasing out coal is considered crucial to limiting global warming, but the Australian government continues to back the industry.
The increase in temperature has led to more frequent and intense heatwaves, causing roads to melt and vegetation to turn black. Heatwaves are Australia's deadliest natural hazard, and heat-related deaths will only increase as heatwaves worsen. The warming trend also has severe consequences for ecosystems, with many trees, plants, birds, and animals dying due to extreme heat.
Rising temperatures are also causing sea levels to rise. Sea levels are projected to rise between 45 and 82 cm by 2090, and the melting of land-based ice sheets will further increase this level. With most of Australia's population living along the coast, this will significantly impact coastal infrastructure, community livelihoods, agriculture, and habitability.
Australia's States and Territories are taking the lead on climate action, with all except Western Australia and the Northern Territory having more ambitious 2030 targets than the Federal Government. However, overall, Australia's efforts to reduce emissions and transition to net-zero are criticized as insufficient.
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Australia's role as a fossil fuel producer
Australia is one of the world's largest exporters of fossil fuels, including coal, and natural gas. In 2017, it was the fourth-largest producer of coal. The country's fossil fuel exports give it an outsized contribution to global warming, with lifecycle emissions calculations ranking Australia as the world's fifth-largest emitter.
Despite this, the Australian government continues to back the coal industry due to its economic significance. The government has approved the construction of a new coal mine, which could be the biggest in the world. This perceived dependency on fossil fuel export income is in direct conflict with policies seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Australia's climate finance contributions have been criticized as being insufficient and not in line with the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C limit. The country's emissions reduction targets have also been deemed too low, with the United Nations reporting that Australia was not on track to meet its 2030 goals.
While there have been some efforts to reduce emissions, such as the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF), Australia has been criticized for adopting a piecemeal approach to emission reduction. The country's historical and projected estimates for fossil fuel emissions reductions have been revised multiple times, creating the illusion of action without introducing significant new policies.
Australia's role as a major fossil fuel producer and exporter highlights the need for effective climate policies to decarbonize all sectors and achieve net-zero emissions targets. Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies and exports would substantially reduce domestic emissions and contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change.
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The government's plan for the coal industry
Australia's relationship with the coal industry is a complex and highly debated topic, with the country facing criticism for its stance on coal and climate change.
The Australian government has defended its support for the coal industry, citing economic reasons and the need to develop technology. Scott Morrison, the former Australian Prime Minister, proclaimed, "This is coal. Don't be afraid of it!" while holding a lump of coal in Parliament. The country's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 has been criticized as insufficient, with the Climate Change Authority asked to replace it with a detailed plan for decarbonizing various sectors.
Despite being one of the sunniest and windiest continents, Australia has been slow to invest in renewable energy sources. The country's mining sector, driven by coal exports, hit a record high in national export revenue, with the industry arguing that coal will continue to generate wealth for decades. The government has provided extra support to coal through approving new mines, tax subsidies, and 'clean coal' investments, although the effectiveness of these schemes has been questioned.
Australia's refusal to phase out coal has led to criticism, particularly as coal is considered the worst fossil fuel. The Climate Council has stated that Australia is being left behind as the world moves away from coal, and its impact on climate change is significant, with the country having the highest coal-based greenhouse gas emissions per capita.
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Australia's contribution to international climate action
Australia has been criticised for its response to climate change, particularly as it is one of the most vulnerable countries to rising temperatures and one of the world's biggest per-capita greenhouse gas emitters. Under the Paris Climate Agreement, Australia has set a target of reducing emissions by 26-28% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. However, this goal has been criticised as too low, and Australia's climate finance contributions have been rated as "critically insufficient".
Despite this, Australia is taking some steps towards international climate action. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is responsible for climate change and energy functions, and the country has an Ambassador for Climate Change who leads international climate diplomacy. Australia participated in the COP29 Action Agenda, engaging in over 20 Pacific events related to climate finance, ocean-climate nexus, climate and health, and climate mobility.
Additionally, the Australian government has committed $535,000 to its inaugural climate public diplomacy program, promoting themes such as renewable energy and climate finance. Australia is also bidding to co-host COP31 in 2026, which could help accelerate global climate action.
However, Australia's actions have been described as "piecemeal" and the country has yet to acknowledge the need to plan for a world of net-zero emissions. As one of the world's largest exporters of coal, Australia's continued backing of the coal industry is at odds with its climate commitments. Overall, while Australia is taking some steps towards international climate action, there are concerns that its contributions are not sufficient and that more ambitious action is needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia has been criticised for not doing enough to combat climate change. Despite being one of the most vulnerable countries to rising temperatures, there is denial about the impacts of rising CO2 levels. The country is one of the world's biggest per capita greenhouse gas emitters and has a high rate of deforestation. The government has been criticised for continuing to back the coal industry and for failing to acknowledge the need to plan for a world of net-zero emissions.
Under the Paris Climate Agreement, Australia set a target of reducing emissions by 26-28% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. However, this target has been criticised as being too low and not in line with the agreement's 1.5°C limit. Australia's updated NDC submitted in 2022 aims for a 43% reduction by 2030.
The Australian government has established the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) with a total investment of $4.5 billion to help businesses and farmers reduce emissions. Australia has also shown commitment to international cooperation on climate change through its participation in the COP meetings and its Ambassador for Climate Change. Additionally, the government has pledged to stop financing fossil fuel projects abroad.
Climate change can lead to an increase in extreme weather events, such as the 2019-2020 bushfires, which destroyed wildlife habitats and ecosystems. Small changes in climate can also disrupt the delicate balance of nature, affecting plant growth and animal survival. Without significant and urgent action, the effects of climate change will worsen.
