Boris Johnson stated that Australia’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 was “heroic.” The prime minister of the United Kingdom, who will host the COP26 climate summit, acknowledged Australia’s reliance on coal and natural gas and stated that achieving low emission targets would be “extremely challenging” for Australia and its government.
Scott Morrison, the prime minister of Australia, has stated that his government will “exceed” its carbon emission reduction goals.
The prime minister stated that Australia’s emissions will be reduced by 35 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, and he committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Mr. Morrison stated, about the 2030 goal, “We will meet and exceed it.”
He added, “We’ll beat it with up to 35 percent reductions in emissions, and we may even do better.”
The prime minister, who was born in Sydney, stated that Australia has already reduced its carbon emissions by more than 20 percent since 2005.
Australia will achieve its objective by investing in green technologies and providing incentives for their use. By 2030, the Australian government plans to invest a minimum of 20 billion Australian dollars (approximately £10 billion) in low-emissions technology.
What is the COP26 conference? Where and when will it occur?
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meets annually at the Conference of the Parties (abbreviated as COP) to discuss the world’s climate change progress and how to combat the issue.
COP26 is the twenty-sixth United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties, which will be held in Glasgow from October 31 to November 12.
Australia is among the largest exporters of coal and liquefied natural gas in the world. Morrison stated that his government’s net-zero target would not halt coal or gas production in Australia. He also ruled out the possibility of low emission targets resulting in higher costs for households and businesses.
He stated, “It is not a revolution, but rather a careful evolution to take advantage of market changes.”
According to scientists, global warming increases the risk of wildfires in Australia. According to the World Weather Attribution consortium, global warming increases the risk of hot and dry weather, which can cause wildfires, by 30 percent.
Morrison, who has served as prime minister since 2018, stated that Australians desire action on climate change, but prefer low-emissions policies that do not negatively impact their finances and employment opportunities:
“They are taking action against climate change, but they also wish to safeguard their jobs and livelihoods. “They also want to reduce their living expenses,” he said.
