Experts have cautioned that weakening Australia’s 2030 emissions target would violate the Paris climate agreement. A senior US official has urged Australia and other nations to uphold their commitments for 2030 climate goals, emphasizing that “we all share a collective responsibility for our planet.”
This stance from Australia’s key security ally contrasts sharply with statements from opposition leader Peter Dutton, who accused the Labor government of appeasing international climate advocates and claimed their stance was influenced by global climate activism.
Despite warnings from experts about the consequences of lowering the target, Dutton has declined to promise to uphold Australia’s pledge to reduce emissions by 43% by the end of the decade if he wins the next federal election.
A senior official from the US Department of State, speaking to Guardian Australia, stressed the importance of maintaining viable 2030 targets. They emphasized that forward-thinking leaders would be recognized for “doing the right thing,” although they avoided direct intervention in Australian domestic politics.
Nevertheless, these remarks carry weight in Canberra, reflecting a clear stance from Australia’s top security ally on maintaining positive momentum in addressing the climate crisis.
The unnamed US official stressed the global imperative for all nations, including Americans, Australians, and Chinese, to uphold the temperature goals outlined in the Paris agreement. They underscored the economic and moral arguments against delaying climate action, asserting that countries advancing swiftly on the transition to clean energy stand to benefit most economically.
The official acknowledged the rapid progress in deploying clean technologies and emphasized the commercial incentives for maintaining ambitious climate targets. They emphasized that every country must hold itself to the highest standards despite domestic political dynamics.
In response to queries about Australia’s commitment to its 2030 targets, the official emphasized collective responsibility for planetary health and the need for nations to continually improve their climate pledges under the Paris agreement.
While Dutton has raised concerns about the achievability of Australia’s existing legislative targets, the US official underscored the critical role of international collaboration and reducing dependence on single sources for critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies.
