Matt Kean, New South Wales Minister for Energy and Environment, urged for Australia to commit to higher climate action. He highlighted the importance of acting now on this important priority. He drove home just how high the stakes are for our great nation on the climate change front. That urgency only grows as the federal government prepares to announce its long-term 2035 emissions target this September. Kean is currently drafting advice for the government to ensure that the upcoming commitment aligns with the urgent needs of the environment and economy.
Australia is currently living the worse impacts of climate change. Homeowners have enough pain to deal with, given average costs of $4 billion annually. Climate disasters threaten to “cripple Australia’s food production” and could drain trillions from the nation’s GDP by 2050 if left unchecked, according to UN climate chief Simon Stiell. This scary forecast highlights the need for urgent and bold action.
Economic Opportunities in Clean Energy
Both Kean and Stiell recognize a monumental opportunity with the pursuit of net zero emissions. That’s all the more so for a country that’s as rich in solar power and minerals. Stiell underscored that Australia stands to gain “tremendous” economic benefits if the nation fully commits to a clean energy future. He underscored the point that India and China are both investing quadrillions into renewable energy. This trend is part of a broader global movement away from fossil fuels and toward cleaner, renewable energy sources.
Stiell has termed the new climate target a “defining moment” for Australia. We applaud his recommendation to the federal government to set a bold target that goes beyond current proposals and deeply cuts carbon emissions. He warned that taking on a “bog standard” target would be an underachievement for Australia. It would be an insufficient attempt to meaningfully confront and combat the severity of the climate crisis.
“This is the moment to get behind a climate plan that doesn’t just write that vision into policy — but delivers in spades for your people.” – Simon Stiell
The need for action is immediate. Australia is competing with Turkiye to host the next major UN climate conference in Adelaide next year. The end result of this conference will raise Australia’s stock on the international stage, specifically as a potential climate leader.
The High Costs of Climate Inaction
The economic costs of climate change left unchecked are severe. Stiell articulated that without significant intervention, climate change would act as an “economic wrecking ball” for both Australia and the global economy. The cost of climate-related disasters is already putting a massive strain on Australian households. If we do not act decisively and preventatively, this increases all of our burdens.
Stiell’s analysis indicates that half measures will lead to catastrophic outcomes, stating, “You know half measures will destroy property and infrastructure, hammer households, bankrupt regions, and punch holes in public budgets.” These dire predictions are underscored calls to enact more robust climate measures that focus on sustainable communities and climate-resilient infrastructure.
A Call for Bold Action
Australia is at the cusp of deciding its climate destiny. Bold leaders like Matt Kean and Simon Stiell are calling for that bold action. Stiell implored decision-makers not to settle for easy solutions but instead advocate for ambitious targets that reflect Australia’s potential as a leader in renewable energy.
“So don’t settle for what’s easy. Bog standard is beneath you. Go for what’s smart by going big.” – Simon Stiell
The next 2035 target will be pivotal for addressing the climate crisis and other environmental injustices. It’s fundamental for sustaining our overall economic progress as we face a growing cascade of climate impacts. As negotiations continue around a national response, the onus is on Australia’s federal government to step up with a clear and considered response.
