Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said he “understands” and “respects” the commentary of critics and scientists who say the government’s climate targets do not go far enough in tackling climate change, but has doubled down on yesterday’s announcement that Australia aims to cut emissions by 62-70 per cent of 2005 levels by 2035.
“With all due respect to those commentators who say we should be doing more, they don’t need to deliver. The government does, and the government has set out yesterday, not only a target, but a comprehensive plan to help us get there,” he said on Radio National this morning.
“I believe acting on climate change is a huge economic opportunity for our country. I really do believe that, but I also believe it has to be managed carefully and calibrated carefully, the biggest economic transition in our country’s history does need to be handled carefully … And my job is to deliver.”
Energy and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen.Credit: Dominic Lorrimer
Bowen also said electricity prices would be higher if the transition to clean energy was delayed.
“The modelling was undertaken to help the government make a decision in the national interest. The target we set out yesterday is the best economic model for the country, and prices will be higher if we delay the transition or pretend it’s not happening,” he said on ABC News Breakfast.
Responding to criticisms that the 2035 target was not ambitious enough in combatting the projected impacts of climate change, Bowen told Radio National: “A target higher than 70 [per cent] would involve unacceptable environmental, social and economic costs for our country.”
Asked whether he thinks yesterday’s announcement would affect Australia’s bid to host COP31 – the UN’s next annual climate summit – he said: “The Pacific is strongly backing our bid … And the situation remains that the vast majority of the constituency supports our bid.”
The final decision on who will host the summit is expected to be made this month.
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