Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is one of the world's most vulnerable countries to rising temperatures, and global warming poses a significant threat to its unique ecosystems, economy, agriculture, and public health. Despite this, the Australian government has been criticized for its approach to climate change and its long-standing support for the fossil fuel industry. While the government has introduced measures to stimulate investment in renewable energy and reduce emissions, its targets have been deemed insufficient to limit global warming to 1.5°C, with Australia's per capita greenhouse gas emissions being among the highest in the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paris Agreement targets | 26-28% reduction of greenhouse gases by 2030 compared to 2005 levels |
| Updated targets | 43% reduction by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050 |
| Gases covered in reductions | Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorinated compounds, sulfur hexafluoride, and nitrogen trifluoride |
| Current policies | On track to reduce Australia's total emissions by 17-21% below 2005 levels by 2030 |
| Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) | Aims to deliver 32 GW of new clean energy capacity by 2030 |
| Clean energy capacity breakdown | 23 GW of variable renewable capacity and 9 GW of dispatchable capacity (e.g. battery storage) |
| Renewable electricity target | 82% |
| Progress towards the target | Lagging, with coal still accounting for nearly half of all generation in Australia |
| Support for fossil fuels | Continuing, with no plans to phase out coal or curb fossil fuel exports |
| Investments into clean energy | New investments promised, but the impact remains to be seen |
| Climate diplomacy | Six officers posted to six regions for six-month terms to support climate capability uplift |
| COP30 | Australia will advocate for ambitious post-2030 NDCs and progress across mitigation, adaptation, finance, technology, and capacity building |
| COP31 | Australia is bidding to co-host in 2026 to accelerate global climate action and address regional climate challenges |
| Global Clean Power Alliance | Australia has joined to support clean energy transition and climate finance |
| Climate protests and strikes | Various protests and strikes have taken place since 2007, with large turnouts and participation from young people |
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What You'll Learn
The Australian government's support for fossil fuels
Despite promising new investments in clean energy, the Australian government continues to support the fossil fuel industry, both domestically and internationally. The government has introduced measures to stimulate investment in large-scale renewable energy, green hydrogen production, and clean manufacturing, but at the same time, it has doubled down on fossil fuels, ensuring their continued role in Australia's energy consumption and exports.
The Australian government has committed to reducing emissions and tackling climate change. They have set targets for reducing emissions under the Paris Climate Agreement and have joined the United Kingdom-led Finance Mission of the Global Clean Power Alliance. However, their current policies have been criticized as insufficient and not in line with the 1.5°C goal set by the Paris Agreement. Australia is one of the world's biggest per capita greenhouse gas emitters, and its emissions reduction targets have been criticized for being too low.
The Australian government has been accused of subsidizing the fossil fuel industry and greenwashing its climate policies. In 2023-24, the government provided $14.5 billion in subsidies to fossil fuel producers and major users, a 31% increase. This support for the fossil fuel industry has been criticized as counterproductive to reducing emissions and addressing climate change.
The government has also faced criticism for its continued backing of the coal industry. Despite phasing out coal being considered crucial to limiting global warming, the government has approved the construction of a new coal mine and has defended the industry's role in the economy. The Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) has been praised for providing additional funding to help businesses and farmers reduce emissions, but Australia's approach to emission reduction has been described as piecemeal.
Overall, while the Australian government has taken some steps towards addressing global warming, its ongoing support for the fossil fuel industry and lack of ambitious emissions reduction targets have been criticized as insufficient to meet the challenges posed by climate change.
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The Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF)
The ERF has been praised for certain aspects, but critics have said that "Australia has adopted a piecemeal approach to emission reduction". The OECD, an economic body that monitors richer countries, has commented on the ERF that the Australian government needs to show how existing instruments can be scaled up to reach Paris Agreement goals.
The Australian government has a history of supporting fossil fuels, both at home and abroad, and has been criticised for continuing to back the coal industry, despite coal being considered the dirtiest fuel. In addition, there are no plans to phase out coal, curb fossil fuel exports, or hold heavy polluters accountable. This is despite the fact that Australia is one of the world's biggest per capita greenhouse gas emitters, and is highly vulnerable to the effects of global warming.
The Australian government has introduced measures to stimulate investment in large-scale renewable energy, green hydrogen production, and clean manufacturing, as well as improvements to vehicle efficiency. However, these efforts are undermined by the government's ongoing reliance on the land sector for emission removals, which gives the appearance of action with little substance.
Despite criticism and the need for urgent action, the Australian government maintains that its policies on reducing emissions will ensure a "vibrant and viable economy, as well as a vibrant and sustainable environment".
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The Paris Agreement
Australia is one of the world's biggest per-capita greenhouse gas emitters, and its approach to climate change has been a topic of long-running debate. The Australian government has introduced several measures to address global warming, but it has also been criticised for its continued support for the fossil fuel industry and lack of commitment to phasing out coal.
Under the Paris Agreement, a global pact to tackle rising temperatures, Australia set a target of reducing its emissions by 26-28% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. However, this goal has been criticised by the United Nations (UN) as being insufficient and Australia was reported as not being on track to meet it. The UN stated that there had been no improvement in Australia's climate policy since 2017 and that emission levels for 2030 were projected to be well above the target set out in the Paris Agreement.
Despite this criticism, the Australian government, led by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, has defended its stance on climate change. Morrison has emphasised the importance of balancing economic viability with environmental sustainability. In response to devastating fires and a historic heatwave, Morrison asserted that his policies on reducing emissions would ensure a "vibrant and viable economy" alongside a "vibrant and sustainable environment".
Australia has made some efforts to transition towards clean energy and reduce emissions. The Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) is a central climate plan, with the government investing a total of $4.5 billion to help businesses and farmers reduce emissions. Additionally, the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS), expanded in late 2023, aims to deliver 32 GW of new clean energy capacity by 2030. However, progress towards renewable energy targets has been lagging, and coal still accounts for a significant portion of Australia's energy generation.
Australia has also been active in global climate diplomacy and negotiations. It has participated in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) conferences, including COP29, where it engaged in various events and discussions related to climate finance, ocean-climate interactions, and climate mobility. Australia has also bid to co-host COP31 in 2026, aiming to accelerate global climate action and bring attention to the climate challenges in the Pacific region.
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The Clean Power Alliance
Australia is one of the world's most vulnerable countries to rising temperatures, and the Australian government has faced criticism for its handling of the issue. Despite this, the government continues to support fossil fuels, both at home and abroad, while also investing in clean energy.
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 vibrant and sustainable environment." However, Australia has been criticised for its lack of progress in meeting the goals set by the Paris Climate Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to below 1.5 °C compared to pre-industrial levels. Under this agreement, Australia committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. This target was criticised as being too low, and in 2022, the new Australian government, led by Anthony Albanese, updated the goal to a 43% reduction by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.
The Australian government has introduced measures to stimulate investment in large-scale renewable energy, green hydrogen production, and clean manufacturing, as well as improvements to vehicle efficiency. However, there are no plans to phase out coal, curb fossil fuel exports, or hold heavy polluters accountable. The government has also approved the construction of a controversial new coal mine, which could be the biggest in the world.
In addition to its domestic efforts, Australia has joined international initiatives to address climate change. At the G20 Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Australia announced its participation in the United Kingdom-led Finance Mission of the Global Clean Power Alliance. Australia has also actively participated in various events and activities at COP29, demonstrating its commitment to global climate action. Furthermore, the Australian government is bidding to co-host COP31 in 2026, aiming to accelerate global climate action and bring attention to the climate challenges in the region.
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The Climate Change Authority
The Authority is currently developing advice on Australia's 2035 emissions reduction targets and reviewing potential technology transitions and emissions pathways to support the country's transition to net-zero emissions by 2050. This includes examining the impact of overhauling Australia's electricity system with nuclear power.
The CCA has also published reports with recommendations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to economic recovery and resilience, such as the "Prospering in a low-emissions world" and "Economic recovery, resilience and prosperity after the coronavirus" reports.
In addition to its advisory role, the CCA conducts periodic legislative reviews of the Emissions Reduction Fund and special reviews as requested by the Minister responsible for climate change or the Australian Parliament. It may also undertake self-initiated research on matters related to climate change.
The Australian Government has stated that it is committed to ambitious and practical climate action and has outlined a Net Zero 2050 plan in its 2022 Annual Climate Change Statement to Parliament. The government is also working to increase the country's capacity to adapt to the climate crisis through its Powering Australia plan, which aims to create jobs, reduce energy costs, and boost renewable energy.
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Frequently asked questions
The Australian government has introduced measures to stimulate investment in large-scale renewable energy, green hydrogen production, and clean manufacturing, and to improve vehicle efficiency. However, they have also continued to support the fossil fuel industry, and there are no plans to phase out coal.
The Australian government has committed to reducing emissions by 43% by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels), and net-zero emissions by 2050.
Australia is one of the most vulnerable countries to the effects of global warming due to its extensive arid and semi-arid areas, already warm climate, and high annual rainfall variability. The country is already experiencing the impacts of climate change, with natural disasters such as bushfires, heatwaves, and floods becoming more severe and frequent.
Australia is a signatory to the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to below 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels. The Australian government has also joined the United Kingdom-led Finance Mission of the Global Clean Power Alliance and is bidding to co-host COP31 in 2026.
