Australia Announces Public Consultation On Post-2020 Carbon Emissions Reduction Target

Australia has announced that it will be seeking the public’s opinion regarding the country’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction target after 2020. The Australian government is expected to announce the goal within the year.

Australian Environment Minister Greg Hunt said the government is inviting the public to join the discussion on what the country’s targets should be. He added that Australia had already reached its first emissions target set in Kyoto, Japan. Hunt announced that Australia was on track to meet its 2020 target.

Hunt said the government was able to meet international obligations and reduced emissions without the need for a carbon tax, reports SMH. As nations prepare for the UN climate change meeting in Paris later on in the year, the Australian government said it was ready to reduce emissions but not through the carbon tax introduced by the previous Labour government.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott said in a statement with Hunt that countries had agreed to introduce in advance their post-2020 emissions target. The climate talks in Paris are expected to push the goal of the United Nations to reduce the global warming temperature by two degrees Celsius.

Hunt added that unlike Australia, which was able to meet its emissions reduction target, several nations had posted an increase. The Australian government is planning to achieve its next emissions target and consider factors like projected economic growth and mineral resources in coming up with the post-2020 target.

Conservation group World Wildlife Fund Australia said it welcomed the government’s move to seek a public consultation. However, the group believes Australia’s emissions reduction target should be based on “what the science is telling us is needed.” Climate action advocate Kellie Caught said the new goal should remain consistent with the international target of maintaining global warming below two degrees Celsius.

Climate Institute Chief executive John Connor approved the release of the Australian government’s emissions reduction target issues paper but said it revealed that the government was willing to risk failing on climate credibility, reports AAP. In a statement, Connor declared that Australia’s post-2020 target would reflect the country’s commitment to reach the international goal.

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