Anthony Albanese, Australia’s current prime minister, revealed on Thursday that he has written to the United Nations (UN) to request that the country’s 2030 emissions reduction target be increased to 43 percent.
Albanese described the new aim, which represents an increase from the country’s previous 26 to 28 percent decrease, as a sound economic decision that provided the “investment certainty” needed by businesses.
The more ambitious target “sets Australia up for a prosperous future, a future powered by cleaner, cheaper energy,” he said.
Albanese said he wanted Australia to “seize the opportunity that is there from acting on climate change”.
In Australia, where fossil fuels still command much of the economy and the national energy market, climate change action has been politically problematic.
Australia has been called a climate loser internationally, in part due to its refusal to phase out coal by 2030, after more than a decade of political fighting known locally as the “climate wars.”
Albanese promised to “end the climate wars” and join worldwide efforts to combat global warming during his election campaign.
He stated on Thursday that since assuming office, “they have all welcomed Australia´s changed position” on climate action.
To read our blog on “US has launched a $3.5 bn program for the development of advanced carbon removal tech,” click here.