ROOT
90 groups ink letter to PM urging immediate climate action
An urgent open letter has been addressed to PM Scott Morrison, calling on him to halve carbon emissions this decisive decade.
90 groups ink letter to PM urging immediate climate action
An urgent open letter has been addressed to PM Scott Morrison, calling on him to halve carbon emissions this decisive decade.
An alliance of over 90 groups, organisations and individuals across the economy, including the chiefs of Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and industry super fund HESTA, has inked a letter to Scott Morrison, urging him to halve emissions by 2030.
The unprecedented intervention comes hot on the heels of the Better Future Forum, where former UN chief Ban Ki-moon directly critiqued Australia for lagging on climate change.
“Australia’s current goal of a 26 to 28 per cent reduction on 2005 levels by 2030, and the absence of a national zero emissions target, is out of step with its states, its trading partners, and other comparable nations,” Mr Ban said in a video address to the forum.
The open letter is the first time groups from every sector – finance, health, resources, faith, First Nations and more – have come together to make an urgent policy call on the government.
According to the signatories, the urgency is real.
“The shift from fossil fuels is inevitable, and the momentum unstoppable. Without further ambition on its part, Australia will face increasing isolation and diminishing markets for its resources. Carbon border adjustments will harm Australia’s economy, as other nations race ahead, realising the opportunities for investment in the zero-carbon age,” the signatories argued.
“To meet the obligations in the Paris Agreement – and protect the wellbeing of the Australian people, our magnificent ecosystems, and our economic security – Australia must establish a clear pathway to transition our economy to a zero emissions future.”
The groups also drew attention to Australia’s “incredible opportunities” to create sustainable jobs, attract investment, regenerate industries and communities, and make Australia a renewable energy superpower.
“The most important step is what we do in this decisive decade. Australian commitments must, at the very least, match those by our allies in the US, the EU and the UK,” they said.
As things currently stand, Australia lags well behind its western allies, with the US said to halve its emissions by 2030, while the EU looks to make a 55 per cent cut on 1990 levels in the same period, and the UK chases a 78 per cent reduction by 2035.
“The course of history, and the legacy we leave our children, is in your hands, Prime Minister. We are moving ahead, and we need your support. The time to act is now,” the signatories concluded.
RELATED ARTICLES
About the author
About the author
Earn
Long-term welfare dependency declines despite rise in JobSeeker recipients
New research from e61 Institute has revealed that, contrary to popular belief, the number of people reliant on the benefit system in Australia has declined over the past two decades, despite an ...Read more
Earn
Best property investment strategies in Australia for 2024: An expert's perspective
As the Australian property market continues to evolve, investors are keenly looking for strategies that will yield the best returns in 2024. Read more
Earn
Innovative tax saving techniques for individuals and families
Tax time can be daunting for many Australians, but with some innovative planning and smart strategies, individuals and families can maximise their tax savings. Read more
Earn
Top firm says five factors are fuelling the Great Resignation
According to PwC, the Great Resignation is showing no signs of slowing down. Read more
Earn
Most voters believe JobSeeker rate should be lifted
Nearly half of Aussies said they would likely vote for a candidate who promised to lift the JobSeeker payment above the poverty line. Read more
Earn
Should Australia’s minimum wage be lifted?
With the cost of living being a central focus of this election campaign, both major parties are in disagreement over wage increases. Read more
Earn
New research claims over 300,000 Australian households have 'no financial safety net'
New research has been released. Read more
Earn
Are property investors pushing prices higher?
The average price for investment properties was found to be nearly $170,000 below the mean national property price. Read more
Earn
Long-term welfare dependency declines despite rise in JobSeeker recipients
New research from e61 Institute has revealed that, contrary to popular belief, the number of people reliant on the benefit system in Australia has declined over the past two decades, despite an ...Read more
Earn
Best property investment strategies in Australia for 2024: An expert's perspective
As the Australian property market continues to evolve, investors are keenly looking for strategies that will yield the best returns in 2024. Read more
Earn
Innovative tax saving techniques for individuals and families
Tax time can be daunting for many Australians, but with some innovative planning and smart strategies, individuals and families can maximise their tax savings. Read more
Earn
Top firm says five factors are fuelling the Great Resignation
According to PwC, the Great Resignation is showing no signs of slowing down. Read more
Earn
Most voters believe JobSeeker rate should be lifted
Nearly half of Aussies said they would likely vote for a candidate who promised to lift the JobSeeker payment above the poverty line. Read more
Earn
Should Australia’s minimum wage be lifted?
With the cost of living being a central focus of this election campaign, both major parties are in disagreement over wage increases. Read more
Earn
New research claims over 300,000 Australian households have 'no financial safety net'
New research has been released. Read more
Earn
Are property investors pushing prices higher?
The average price for investment properties was found to be nearly $170,000 below the mean national property price. Read more
