MEDIA RELEASE: 26 October 2021
Morrison govt fails ‘COP26 litmus test’ by refusing to increase Australia’s 2030 climate target
The Morrison government has announced its commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 just days before the critically important COP26 climate summit, where countries are expected to update their 2030 targets.
Friends of the Earth says the Morrison government has failed the COP26 litmus test by refusing to increase Australia’s ambition for cutting emissions this decade:
"Scientists have long warned that global emissions must halve by 2030 to have any chance of avoiding dangerous climate impacts," said Leigh Ewbank of Friends of the Earth.
"While a net-zero by 2050 commitment is well overdue and welcome, the Morrison government has failed the COP26 litmus test by refusing to increase Australia’s 2030 climate target."
"Prime Minister Scott Morrison has failed on the global stage without even leaving the country."
Friends of the Earth coordinated a community campaign calling for Prime Minister Scott Morrison to match President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s targets for COP26. This outcome would have been a meaningful first step towards aligning Australia’s national targets with the best available science.
The United States’ commitment to halve emissions this decade and the United Kingdom’s pledged 63 percent cut overshadows Australia’s embarrassing 26-28 percent reduction:
"Community members across the country will be disappointed that Prime Minister Scott Morrison will head to COP26 with the same 2030 target that was set by Tony Abbott over half-a-decade ago," said Leigh Ewbank.
"The government’s failure of leadership on climate leaves communities exposed to intensifying bushfires, heatwaves, and extreme weather."
Friends of the Earth will continue its community campaign for deep emissions cuts this decade to create economic opportunities and protect communities from worsening climate impacts:
"There's an emerging global consensus that ramping up efforts to tackle the climate crisis will create thousands of good jobs and new industries," added Ewbank. "It's something all Australian political parties can and must support."
ADDITIONAL COMMENT:
Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth climate spokesperson, 0406 316 176
ACTIONS:
- Register for our online event, Unpacking Scott Morrison's Climate Plan, on Thursday 4 November.
- Join Workers for Climate Action's COP26 Speak Out on Friday 5 November.
- Check out COP26 Global Day of Action on Saturday 6 November.