UN climate chief calls on Labor to aim for more ambitious climate targets as Chris Bowen unveils massive investment in renewables subsidies
During the first parliamentary sitting week net zero and the government's climate targets have generated considerable tension and debate with numerous members of the Coalition and crossbench vehemently arguing against Labor's 'all renewables' approach.
Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce alongside a handful of colleagues tabled his own private member's bill that sought to completely overhaul net zero, while One Nation leader Pauline Hanson tabled an urgency motion in the Senate aimed at dumping all climate related measures.
The government brushed away criticisms of its energy policy with Energy Minister Chris Bowen saying in Question Time on Monday that 'appointing Senator Canavan to review net zero is like putting Coldplay in control of kiss cam. It doesn't necessarily lead to a happy marriage.'
However the United Nation's climate change executive secretary Simon Stiell piled on pressure on the Albanese government and insisted that Australia should 'not settle for what's easy' when determining its 2035 emission reduction targets.
Mr Stiell declared at an event hosted by the Smart Energy Council on Monday in Sydney that Australia was allowing the planet to 'overheat' and that fruits would be a 'once-a-year treat' if the government did not pass ambitious climate targets moving forward.
'Mega-droughts (will make) fresh fruit and veg a once-a-year treat. In total, the country could face a $6.8 trillion GDP loss by 2050,' Mr Stiell warned.
The climate boss, who is set to hold a face-to-face meeting with Mr Bowen on Tuesday also reiterated that lacklustre climate targets would result in a stark drop in Australia's 'high living standards.'
'Australia has a strong economy and among the highest living standards in the world. If you want to keep them, doubling down on clean energy is an economic no-brainer. Bog standard is beneath you. The question is: how far are you willing to go?
The federal government will be required in the coming month to legislate its 2035 emission reduction targets, which will be finalised once the Climate Change Authority chaired by former NSW Liberal Premier Matt Kean hands down its advice.
The CCA is expected to provide the government with its analysis in early September in concurrence with the commencement of the international summit season with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hoping to tout the figure to secure hosting rights for the COP31 conference in 2026.
Numerous business and industry groups including the Australian chamber of Commerce have railed against the imposition of a 2035 target larger than 65 per cent.
The CCA previously indicated it was eyeing a figure between 65 and 75 per cent.
Mr Bowen also announced on Monday that Labor would be seeking to bolster its investment in the Capacity Investment Scheme by 25 per cent in a bid to fast track the roll out of renewables projects nationwide.
The Capacity Investment Scheme is the government's primary financial initiative aimed at accelerating private investment in renewable energy generation and clean dispatchable capacity by providing revenue guarantees for companies.
The major funding boost comes despite a raft of clean energy developments falling over in recent months, as supply chain woes, planning interruptions, labour shortages and inflation continues to delay and stymie the government's clean energy agenda.
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