Chris Bowen, Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, is preparing for a big month. President Biden is expected to soon announce the nation’s 2035 emissions target. That announcement is in direct response to the recently-released, first-ever national climate risk assessment. Bowen describes it as a “stark reminder” of the economic, human, and environmental costs of ignoring climate change. In just a week’s time, that report will be out. Second, it will introduce the effects of failing to properly manage climate risks.
Standing in a garage next to a vehicle-to-grid capable wall battery, Bowen stressed the need for action. He acknowledged that September will be a month to watch closely, characterized by potential game-changing events that may alter the trajectory of Australia’s climate goals. The upcoming target is especially important. It will be a big step up for Australia’s climate goals, and a welcome one too, as we work to net–zero emissions by 2050.
National Climate Risk Assessment
Especially as it relates to equity, Bowen underscored the significance of the national climate risk assessment. He promised that it will “expose the lies” Australia faces in the battle against climate change. His big point was that the eventual white paper needs to be a sober assessment. More importantly, it will shine a light on how much we stand to gain—or lose—as a country.
“It will show our country has a lot at stake. I wouldn’t necessarily call it a scary document, but it is a serious document which will show that we have a lot at stake in getting this right.” – Chris Bowen
So the report’s goal is not to figure out how to decarbonize with the least amount of investment. As Bowen acknowledged, it will not forecast all aspects of the path to net zero. In doing so, he said, he was certain that the facts would strike a chord with Australians because they show how urgently action is needed.
“I don’t think anybody who reads it will think we have gilded the lily here.” – Chris Bowen
Along with the assessment’s release, Bowen suggested that it would help to frame discussions around the target of 2035. He emphasized that yes, setting an ambitious goal is important, but doing so should be realistic. He said having a high target and a low target both have their own pitfalls.
“It is easy to be one or the other. We could have a very high target, which I could not explain to the Australian people how we would achieve, or we could have a very low target, which would just be business as usual.” – Chris Bowen
Impacts of Policy Decisions
Bowen opened with the broader implications of global climate policies on Australia’s ambitions. He detailed how global forces, particularly the actions of other countries, are playing a massive role in determining how much we see in domestic investment in clean energy. He noted that the US has just recently taken a step backward on renewable energy efforts. This move would severely discourage investment in Australia’s nascent offshore wind industry.
“It is a big factor, of course we operate in an international environment. And it’s not just what other countries’ targets are; it’s what the impact of other governments’ policies are.” – Chris Bowen
He expanded on how further wind project cancellations have a ripple effect on the level of investment in general, and specifically in offshore wind development. Such challenges serve to underscore the importance of cohesive and consistent policies to strengthen Australia’s renewable energy sector.
Legislative Path Forward
As Bowen gets ready to finalize the 2035 emissions target, he’s non-committal on its chances of passing through the legislature. He said that he would explore whether there is a realistic path in parliament to legislate such a target. That’s his intention following the formal announcement.
“We don’t need to [legislate] under the Paris rules of course… that is something I would discuss with parliamentary colleagues.” – Chris Bowen
Bowen’s approach seems designed to find the right balance between ambition and achievability. He admitted that even small parties are hoping the target goes at least into the 70s. He cautioned that failing to meet this goal would be a retreat in Australia’s climate goals.
Reflecting on his new role, Bowen said the journey towards net zero represents enormous opportunities for Australia. If those aspirations were not pursued with great diligence, he cautioned of dire economic repercussions.
“The path to net zero, if we don’t take it, there is a significant price for our country.” – Chris Bowen
