Sydney, 10 December 2020 – Greenpeace Australia Pacific says that new emissions reduction “projections” to be released by the Federal Government today are aiming for an inadequate target and will fail to tackle worsening climate change.
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor is set to release claims today that Australia can achieve cuts to its greenhouse gas emissions by 29 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, if the government’s controversial “Technology Roadmap” is effective.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO David Ritter said that the Federal Government’s projections are following a poorly-sketched roadmap to the wrong destination.
“You’ve got to wonder what planet Angus Taylor thinks he is living on. Our beautiful country burned this year and our government’s pitiful efforts to kick the coal and gas habit are a global embarrassment. This sort of sneaky low-flying effort is irresponsible, inappropriate and ineffective.”
“The Federal Government’s self-appointed emissions reduction target is woefully inadequate. We need to be aiming for net-zero emissions by 2040. The Federal Government is aiming for a low-ball target and patting itself on the back while Australia faces a climate crisis.”
“Climate change is already taking a devastating toll. We’ve just sweltered through record-breaking spring heat, and current projections show that the world could heat to almost 4 degrees by 2100.”
“The Federal Government’s Technology Roadmap relies on unproven, expensive technology such as carbon capture and storage, rather than proven, reliable solar and wind. It’s a pathway to more extreme heat, worsening bushfires and severe harm to our neighbouring Pacific Island countries from climate change.”
“The situation is critical, and we don’t have time to waste on risky, unproven technologies and the Federal Government fiddling the books on emissions figures.”
“The rest of the world sees through our Federal Government’s dissembling. Prime Minister Morrrison has yet to be granted a speaking slot at this week’s global Climate Ambition Summit because he lacks a critical element – climate ambition.”
Greenpeace Australia Pacific is calling on the Federal Government to commit to a net-zero by 2040 emissions reduction target, and follow the lead set by states, businesses and industry groups in transitioning rapidly to renewable energy.
For more information or to arrange an interview contact Fiona Ivits on 0487 003 872 or [email protected]
