Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen stated he “understands” and “respects” the commentary of critics and scientists who say the federal government’s local weather targets don’t go far sufficient in tackling local weather change, however has doubled down on yesterday’s announcement that Australia goals to chop emissions by 62-70 per cent of 2005 ranges by 2035.
“With all due respect to these commentators who say we ought to be doing extra, they don’t have to ship. The authorities does, and the federal government has set out yesterday, not solely a goal, however a complete plan to assist us get there,” he stated on Radio National this morning.
“I consider performing on local weather change is a large financial alternative for our nation. I actually do consider that, however I additionally consider it must be managed fastidiously and calibrated fastidiously, the largest financial transition in our nation’s historical past does have to be dealt with fastidiously … And my job is to ship.”
Energy and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen.Credit: Dominic Lorrimer
Bowen additionally stated electrical energy costs could be increased if the transition to scrub power was delayed.
“The modelling was undertaken to assist the federal government decide within the nationwide curiosity. The goal we set out yesterday is the perfect financial mannequin for the nation, and costs might be increased if we delay the transition or fake it’s not taking place,” he stated on ABC News Breakfast.
Responding to criticisms that the 2035 goal was not bold sufficient in combatting the projected impacts of local weather change, Bowen instructed Radio National: “A goal increased than 70 [per cent] would contain unacceptable environmental, social and financial prices for our nation.”
Asked whether or not he thinks yesterday’s announcement would have an effect on Australia’s bid to host COP31 – the UN’s subsequent annual local weather summit – he stated: “The Pacific is strongly backing our bid … And the state of affairs stays that the overwhelming majority of the constituency helps our bid.”
The ultimate determination on who will host the summit is predicted to be made this month.
