Latest news with #ClimateCouncil
The Advertiser
23-07-2025
- Climate
- The Advertiser
Climate warning turns up heat on efforts to net zero
Capital cities across Australia could face scorching temperatures exceeding 50C alongside a surge in extreme fire days unless the nation urgently slashes climate pollution and adopts a strong 2035 emissions target, the Climate Council warns. The independent climate science organisation finds climate change is accelerating faster than previously predicted, and global efforts to combat it are falling dangerously short. The Climate Council's Stronger Target, Safer Future report published on Wednesday calls for Australia to cut climate pollution by 75 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and reach net zero by 2035. Chief executive Amanda McKenzie told AAP the federal government needed to step up and tackle the crisis when delivering its 2035 targets in the coming months. A weak climate target was not a passive choice, she said. "We found the weaker the target, the more risk of damage and disaster. We wanted to emphasise that if you're advocating for weak targets, that is an active commitment to greater global disruption and damage," Ms McKenzie said. "Those who advocate for weak targets must articulate clearly their costed plans to support, relocate or protect the Australian community through unprecedented social and economic breakdown." The report revealed that Australia has already warmed by an average of 1.51C since national records began in 1910. If global temperatures rise by 3C, the country would become unrecognisable after suffering catastrophic impacts. Days reaching 50C could be common in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne and the number of extreme fire days could double. A one-metre rise in sea levels, which is possible by the end of the century could put 160,000 to 250,000 properties at risk of coastal flooding. "The combination of rising sea levels and increasingly intense low-pressure systems and cyclones greatly increases the damage from storm surges, inundation and coastal erosion," the report says. "Extreme heat, bushfires and severe storms put mounting pressure on urban infrastructure and dwellings, rendering many properties and businesses uninsurable." The report reveals strong targets are essential to protect Australians from worsening climate harm, open economic opportunities in clean industries, and enhance security relationships in the region. It noted any target set lower than this raises the level of risk for families, community, economy and national security. Australia also faces a staggering $4.2 trillion economic hit over the next 50 years if climate continues unchecked, the report found. The federal government will set an "ambitious and achievable" 2035 emissions reduction target and commit to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with its Net Zero Plan due in late-2025. The pledge aligns with the Paris agreement, which Australia and 195 other parties adopted in 2015, which aims to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C and less than 2C. Capital cities across Australia could face scorching temperatures exceeding 50C alongside a surge in extreme fire days unless the nation urgently slashes climate pollution and adopts a strong 2035 emissions target, the Climate Council warns. The independent climate science organisation finds climate change is accelerating faster than previously predicted, and global efforts to combat it are falling dangerously short. The Climate Council's Stronger Target, Safer Future report published on Wednesday calls for Australia to cut climate pollution by 75 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and reach net zero by 2035. Chief executive Amanda McKenzie told AAP the federal government needed to step up and tackle the crisis when delivering its 2035 targets in the coming months. A weak climate target was not a passive choice, she said. "We found the weaker the target, the more risk of damage and disaster. We wanted to emphasise that if you're advocating for weak targets, that is an active commitment to greater global disruption and damage," Ms McKenzie said. "Those who advocate for weak targets must articulate clearly their costed plans to support, relocate or protect the Australian community through unprecedented social and economic breakdown." The report revealed that Australia has already warmed by an average of 1.51C since national records began in 1910. If global temperatures rise by 3C, the country would become unrecognisable after suffering catastrophic impacts. Days reaching 50C could be common in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne and the number of extreme fire days could double. A one-metre rise in sea levels, which is possible by the end of the century could put 160,000 to 250,000 properties at risk of coastal flooding. "The combination of rising sea levels and increasingly intense low-pressure systems and cyclones greatly increases the damage from storm surges, inundation and coastal erosion," the report says. "Extreme heat, bushfires and severe storms put mounting pressure on urban infrastructure and dwellings, rendering many properties and businesses uninsurable." The report reveals strong targets are essential to protect Australians from worsening climate harm, open economic opportunities in clean industries, and enhance security relationships in the region. It noted any target set lower than this raises the level of risk for families, community, economy and national security. Australia also faces a staggering $4.2 trillion economic hit over the next 50 years if climate continues unchecked, the report found. The federal government will set an "ambitious and achievable" 2035 emissions reduction target and commit to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with its Net Zero Plan due in late-2025. The pledge aligns with the Paris agreement, which Australia and 195 other parties adopted in 2015, which aims to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C and less than 2C. Capital cities across Australia could face scorching temperatures exceeding 50C alongside a surge in extreme fire days unless the nation urgently slashes climate pollution and adopts a strong 2035 emissions target, the Climate Council warns. The independent climate science organisation finds climate change is accelerating faster than previously predicted, and global efforts to combat it are falling dangerously short. The Climate Council's Stronger Target, Safer Future report published on Wednesday calls for Australia to cut climate pollution by 75 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and reach net zero by 2035. Chief executive Amanda McKenzie told AAP the federal government needed to step up and tackle the crisis when delivering its 2035 targets in the coming months. A weak climate target was not a passive choice, she said. "We found the weaker the target, the more risk of damage and disaster. We wanted to emphasise that if you're advocating for weak targets, that is an active commitment to greater global disruption and damage," Ms McKenzie said. "Those who advocate for weak targets must articulate clearly their costed plans to support, relocate or protect the Australian community through unprecedented social and economic breakdown." The report revealed that Australia has already warmed by an average of 1.51C since national records began in 1910. If global temperatures rise by 3C, the country would become unrecognisable after suffering catastrophic impacts. Days reaching 50C could be common in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne and the number of extreme fire days could double. A one-metre rise in sea levels, which is possible by the end of the century could put 160,000 to 250,000 properties at risk of coastal flooding. "The combination of rising sea levels and increasingly intense low-pressure systems and cyclones greatly increases the damage from storm surges, inundation and coastal erosion," the report says. "Extreme heat, bushfires and severe storms put mounting pressure on urban infrastructure and dwellings, rendering many properties and businesses uninsurable." The report reveals strong targets are essential to protect Australians from worsening climate harm, open economic opportunities in clean industries, and enhance security relationships in the region. It noted any target set lower than this raises the level of risk for families, community, economy and national security. Australia also faces a staggering $4.2 trillion economic hit over the next 50 years if climate continues unchecked, the report found. The federal government will set an "ambitious and achievable" 2035 emissions reduction target and commit to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with its Net Zero Plan due in late-2025. The pledge aligns with the Paris agreement, which Australia and 195 other parties adopted in 2015, which aims to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C and less than 2C. Capital cities across Australia could face scorching temperatures exceeding 50C alongside a surge in extreme fire days unless the nation urgently slashes climate pollution and adopts a strong 2035 emissions target, the Climate Council warns. The independent climate science organisation finds climate change is accelerating faster than previously predicted, and global efforts to combat it are falling dangerously short. The Climate Council's Stronger Target, Safer Future report published on Wednesday calls for Australia to cut climate pollution by 75 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and reach net zero by 2035. Chief executive Amanda McKenzie told AAP the federal government needed to step up and tackle the crisis when delivering its 2035 targets in the coming months. A weak climate target was not a passive choice, she said. "We found the weaker the target, the more risk of damage and disaster. We wanted to emphasise that if you're advocating for weak targets, that is an active commitment to greater global disruption and damage," Ms McKenzie said. "Those who advocate for weak targets must articulate clearly their costed plans to support, relocate or protect the Australian community through unprecedented social and economic breakdown." The report revealed that Australia has already warmed by an average of 1.51C since national records began in 1910. If global temperatures rise by 3C, the country would become unrecognisable after suffering catastrophic impacts. Days reaching 50C could be common in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne and the number of extreme fire days could double. A one-metre rise in sea levels, which is possible by the end of the century could put 160,000 to 250,000 properties at risk of coastal flooding. "The combination of rising sea levels and increasingly intense low-pressure systems and cyclones greatly increases the damage from storm surges, inundation and coastal erosion," the report says. "Extreme heat, bushfires and severe storms put mounting pressure on urban infrastructure and dwellings, rendering many properties and businesses uninsurable." The report reveals strong targets are essential to protect Australians from worsening climate harm, open economic opportunities in clean industries, and enhance security relationships in the region. It noted any target set lower than this raises the level of risk for families, community, economy and national security. Australia also faces a staggering $4.2 trillion economic hit over the next 50 years if climate continues unchecked, the report found. The federal government will set an "ambitious and achievable" 2035 emissions reduction target and commit to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with its Net Zero Plan due in late-2025. The pledge aligns with the Paris agreement, which Australia and 195 other parties adopted in 2015, which aims to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C and less than 2C.
West Australian
22-07-2025
- Climate
- West Australian
Climate warning turns up heat on efforts to net zero
Capital cities across Australia could face scorching temperatures exceeding 50C alongside a surge in extreme fire days unless the nation urgently slashes climate pollution and adopts a strong 2035 emissions target, the Climate Council warns. The independent climate science organisation finds climate change is accelerating faster than previously predicted, and global efforts to combat it are falling dangerously short. The Climate Council's Stronger Target, Safer Future report published on Wednesday calls for Australia to cut climate pollution by 75 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and reach net zero by 2035. Chief executive Amanda McKenzie told AAP the federal government needed to step up and tackle the crisis when delivering its 2035 targets in the coming months. A weak climate target was not a passive choice, she said. "We found the weaker the target, the more risk of damage and disaster. We wanted to emphasise that if you're advocating for weak targets, that is an active commitment to greater global disruption and damage," Ms McKenzie said. "Those who advocate for weak targets must articulate clearly their costed plans to support, relocate or protect the Australian community through unprecedented social and economic breakdown." The report revealed that Australia has already warmed by an average of 1.51C since national records began in 1910. If global temperatures rise by 3C, the country would become unrecognisable after suffering catastrophic impacts. Days reaching 50C could be common in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne and the number of extreme fire days could double. A one-metre rise in sea levels, which is possible by the end of the century could put 160,000 to 250,000 properties at risk of coastal flooding. "The combination of rising sea levels and increasingly intense low-pressure systems and cyclones greatly increases the damage from storm surges, inundation and coastal erosion," the report says. "Extreme heat, bushfires and severe storms put mounting pressure on urban infrastructure and dwellings, rendering many properties and businesses uninsurable." The report reveals strong targets are essential to protect Australians from worsening climate harm, open economic opportunities in clean industries, and enhance security relationships in the region. It noted any target set lower than this raises the level of risk for families, community, economy and national security. Australia also faces a staggering $4.2 trillion economic hit over the next 50 years if climate continues unchecked, the report found. The federal government will set an "ambitious and achievable" 2035 emissions reduction target and commit to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with its Net Zero Plan due in late-2025. The pledge aligns with the Paris agreement, which Australia and 195 other parties adopted in 2015, which aims to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C and less than 2C.
Perth Now
22-07-2025
- Climate
- Perth Now
Climate warning turns up heat on efforts to net zero
Capital cities across Australia could face scorching temperatures exceeding 50C alongside a surge in extreme fire days unless the nation urgently slashes climate pollution and adopts a strong 2035 emissions target, the Climate Council warns. The independent climate science organisation finds climate change is accelerating faster than previously predicted, and global efforts to combat it are falling dangerously short. The Climate Council's Stronger Target, Safer Future report published on Wednesday calls for Australia to cut climate pollution by 75 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and reach net zero by 2035. Chief executive Amanda McKenzie told AAP the federal government needed to step up and tackle the crisis when delivering its 2035 targets in the coming months. A weak climate target was not a passive choice, she said. "We found the weaker the target, the more risk of damage and disaster. We wanted to emphasise that if you're advocating for weak targets, that is an active commitment to greater global disruption and damage," Ms McKenzie said. "Those who advocate for weak targets must articulate clearly their costed plans to support, relocate or protect the Australian community through unprecedented social and economic breakdown." The report revealed that Australia has already warmed by an average of 1.51C since national records began in 1910. If global temperatures rise by 3C, the country would become unrecognisable after suffering catastrophic impacts. Days reaching 50C could be common in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne and the number of extreme fire days could double. A one-metre rise in sea levels, which is possible by the end of the century could put 160,000 to 250,000 properties at risk of coastal flooding. "The combination of rising sea levels and increasingly intense low-pressure systems and cyclones greatly increases the damage from storm surges, inundation and coastal erosion," the report says. "Extreme heat, bushfires and severe storms put mounting pressure on urban infrastructure and dwellings, rendering many properties and businesses uninsurable." The report reveals strong targets are essential to protect Australians from worsening climate harm, open economic opportunities in clean industries, and enhance security relationships in the region. It noted any target set lower than this raises the level of risk for families, community, economy and national security. Australia also faces a staggering $4.2 trillion economic hit over the next 50 years if climate continues unchecked, the report found. The federal government will set an "ambitious and achievable" 2035 emissions reduction target and commit to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with its Net Zero Plan due in late-2025. The pledge aligns with the Paris agreement, which Australia and 195 other parties adopted in 2015, which aims to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C and less than 2C.
The Advertiser
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Pacific voices needed as Australia seeks climate summit
Australia needs the moral leadership of the Pacific as it pushes a bid to co-host one of its biggest events since the Sydney Olympics. Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen is set to visit the region for talks with leaders in Tuvalu, Palau, Samoa and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. He is trying to progress talks on Australia and the Pacific's joint bid to host the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP31. The discussions are expected to look at ways to amplify the voices of Pacific nations, which are highly exposed to the impacts of climate change. "Pacific island countries have been global leaders in the fight on climate change for decades," Climate Council fellow and former Oxfam Pacific policy advisor Wesley Morgan told AAP. "Right now, we need that moral leadership. "We need to hear the Pacific's voice on the global stage explaining the urgency of shifting away from fossil fuels to ensure the survival of Pacific island nations." The joint bid is facing a challenge from Turkey to host the summit. But Australia and the Pacific had more support from countries in their UN grouping, Dr Morgan said, and were likely to strike a deal with Turkey some time before the UN General Assembly in September. This could include offering support for Turkey's bids for other diplomatic positions in the UN or offering it a role in the COP talks. "Australia and the Pacific are in the box seat to host the UN climate talks," Dr Morgan said. "Australia has a really positive story to tell. We are a world leader in terms of the transition away from coal, oil and gas ... the Pacific have led the global discussion for a generation. "We can sell a message together to the world as a region that is shifting to clean energy." However, tensions remained over Australia's climate action, Dr Morgan said. While the federal government is transitioning towards more renewable sources, Australia remains a significant exporter of fossil fuels. It is facing pressure from Pacific Island nations to end the approval of new coal and gas projects . Hosting COP31 could give Australia the opportunity it needs to export clean commodities such as green iron and hydrogen as the event can attract investment. Mr Bowen will also use his trip to visit energy infrastructure projects such as Palau's 15MW solar farm and meet with industry leaders. "I look forward to deepening our co-operation with Pacific neighbours; not only to build a fairer, cleaner energy future, but to bring COP31 home for our region in 2026," he said. Australia needs the moral leadership of the Pacific as it pushes a bid to co-host one of its biggest events since the Sydney Olympics. Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen is set to visit the region for talks with leaders in Tuvalu, Palau, Samoa and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. He is trying to progress talks on Australia and the Pacific's joint bid to host the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP31. The discussions are expected to look at ways to amplify the voices of Pacific nations, which are highly exposed to the impacts of climate change. "Pacific island countries have been global leaders in the fight on climate change for decades," Climate Council fellow and former Oxfam Pacific policy advisor Wesley Morgan told AAP. "Right now, we need that moral leadership. "We need to hear the Pacific's voice on the global stage explaining the urgency of shifting away from fossil fuels to ensure the survival of Pacific island nations." The joint bid is facing a challenge from Turkey to host the summit. But Australia and the Pacific had more support from countries in their UN grouping, Dr Morgan said, and were likely to strike a deal with Turkey some time before the UN General Assembly in September. This could include offering support for Turkey's bids for other diplomatic positions in the UN or offering it a role in the COP talks. "Australia and the Pacific are in the box seat to host the UN climate talks," Dr Morgan said. "Australia has a really positive story to tell. We are a world leader in terms of the transition away from coal, oil and gas ... the Pacific have led the global discussion for a generation. "We can sell a message together to the world as a region that is shifting to clean energy." However, tensions remained over Australia's climate action, Dr Morgan said. While the federal government is transitioning towards more renewable sources, Australia remains a significant exporter of fossil fuels. It is facing pressure from Pacific Island nations to end the approval of new coal and gas projects . Hosting COP31 could give Australia the opportunity it needs to export clean commodities such as green iron and hydrogen as the event can attract investment. Mr Bowen will also use his trip to visit energy infrastructure projects such as Palau's 15MW solar farm and meet with industry leaders. "I look forward to deepening our co-operation with Pacific neighbours; not only to build a fairer, cleaner energy future, but to bring COP31 home for our region in 2026," he said. Australia needs the moral leadership of the Pacific as it pushes a bid to co-host one of its biggest events since the Sydney Olympics. Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen is set to visit the region for talks with leaders in Tuvalu, Palau, Samoa and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. He is trying to progress talks on Australia and the Pacific's joint bid to host the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP31. The discussions are expected to look at ways to amplify the voices of Pacific nations, which are highly exposed to the impacts of climate change. "Pacific island countries have been global leaders in the fight on climate change for decades," Climate Council fellow and former Oxfam Pacific policy advisor Wesley Morgan told AAP. "Right now, we need that moral leadership. "We need to hear the Pacific's voice on the global stage explaining the urgency of shifting away from fossil fuels to ensure the survival of Pacific island nations." The joint bid is facing a challenge from Turkey to host the summit. But Australia and the Pacific had more support from countries in their UN grouping, Dr Morgan said, and were likely to strike a deal with Turkey some time before the UN General Assembly in September. This could include offering support for Turkey's bids for other diplomatic positions in the UN or offering it a role in the COP talks. "Australia and the Pacific are in the box seat to host the UN climate talks," Dr Morgan said. "Australia has a really positive story to tell. We are a world leader in terms of the transition away from coal, oil and gas ... the Pacific have led the global discussion for a generation. "We can sell a message together to the world as a region that is shifting to clean energy." However, tensions remained over Australia's climate action, Dr Morgan said. While the federal government is transitioning towards more renewable sources, Australia remains a significant exporter of fossil fuels. It is facing pressure from Pacific Island nations to end the approval of new coal and gas projects . Hosting COP31 could give Australia the opportunity it needs to export clean commodities such as green iron and hydrogen as the event can attract investment. Mr Bowen will also use his trip to visit energy infrastructure projects such as Palau's 15MW solar farm and meet with industry leaders. "I look forward to deepening our co-operation with Pacific neighbours; not only to build a fairer, cleaner energy future, but to bring COP31 home for our region in 2026," he said. Australia needs the moral leadership of the Pacific as it pushes a bid to co-host one of its biggest events since the Sydney Olympics. Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen is set to visit the region for talks with leaders in Tuvalu, Palau, Samoa and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. He is trying to progress talks on Australia and the Pacific's joint bid to host the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP31. The discussions are expected to look at ways to amplify the voices of Pacific nations, which are highly exposed to the impacts of climate change. "Pacific island countries have been global leaders in the fight on climate change for decades," Climate Council fellow and former Oxfam Pacific policy advisor Wesley Morgan told AAP. "Right now, we need that moral leadership. "We need to hear the Pacific's voice on the global stage explaining the urgency of shifting away from fossil fuels to ensure the survival of Pacific island nations." The joint bid is facing a challenge from Turkey to host the summit. But Australia and the Pacific had more support from countries in their UN grouping, Dr Morgan said, and were likely to strike a deal with Turkey some time before the UN General Assembly in September. This could include offering support for Turkey's bids for other diplomatic positions in the UN or offering it a role in the COP talks. "Australia and the Pacific are in the box seat to host the UN climate talks," Dr Morgan said. "Australia has a really positive story to tell. We are a world leader in terms of the transition away from coal, oil and gas ... the Pacific have led the global discussion for a generation. "We can sell a message together to the world as a region that is shifting to clean energy." However, tensions remained over Australia's climate action, Dr Morgan said. While the federal government is transitioning towards more renewable sources, Australia remains a significant exporter of fossil fuels. It is facing pressure from Pacific Island nations to end the approval of new coal and gas projects . Hosting COP31 could give Australia the opportunity it needs to export clean commodities such as green iron and hydrogen as the event can attract investment. Mr Bowen will also use his trip to visit energy infrastructure projects such as Palau's 15MW solar farm and meet with industry leaders. "I look forward to deepening our co-operation with Pacific neighbours; not only to build a fairer, cleaner energy future, but to bring COP31 home for our region in 2026," he said.
Perth Now
07-07-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Pacific voices needed as Australia seeks climate summit
Australia needs the moral leadership of the Pacific as it pushes a bid to co-host one of its biggest events since the Sydney Olympics. Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen is set to visit the region for talks with leaders in Tuvalu, Palau, Samoa and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. He is trying to progress talks on Australia and the Pacific's joint bid to host the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP31. The discussions are expected to look at ways to amplify the voices of Pacific nations, which are highly exposed to the impacts of climate change. "Pacific island countries have been global leaders in the fight on climate change for decades," Climate Council fellow and former Oxfam Pacific policy advisor Wesley Morgan told AAP. "Right now, we need that moral leadership. "We need to hear the Pacific's voice on the global stage explaining the urgency of shifting away from fossil fuels to ensure the survival of Pacific island nations." The joint bid is facing a challenge from Turkey to host the summit. But Australia and the Pacific had more support from countries in their UN grouping, Dr Morgan said, and were likely to strike a deal with Turkey some time before the UN General Assembly in September. This could include offering support for Turkey's bids for other diplomatic positions in the UN or offering it a role in the COP talks. "Australia and the Pacific are in the box seat to host the UN climate talks," Dr Morgan said. "Australia has a really positive story to tell. We are a world leader in terms of the transition away from coal, oil and gas ... the Pacific have led the global discussion for a generation. "We can sell a message together to the world as a region that is shifting to clean energy." However, tensions remained over Australia's climate action, Dr Morgan said. While the federal government is transitioning towards more renewable sources, Australia remains a significant exporter of fossil fuels. It is facing pressure from Pacific Island nations to end the approval of new coal and gas projects . Hosting COP31 could give Australia the opportunity it needs to export clean commodities such as green iron and hydrogen as the event can attract investment. Mr Bowen will also use his trip to visit energy infrastructure projects such as Palau's 15MW solar farm and meet with industry leaders. "I look forward to deepening our co-operation with Pacific neighbours; not only to build a fairer, cleaner energy future, but to bring COP31 home for our region in 2026," he said.
