“Net zero emissions ‘needed by 2050”
This article by Mike Foley, Climate Correspondent, appeared on the front page of The Age on Tuesday 25 February. The story was also run by the Sydney Morning Herald and The Guardian.
According to Australian National University Emeritus Professor Will Steffen “In 2015, the Climate Change Authority found that to meet the Paris Agreement, According to Australian National University Emeritus Professor Will Steffen “In 2015, the Climate Change Authority found that to meet the Paris Agreement, Australia would need to reduce emissions by 40 to 65 per cent by 2030, with no carryover credits,” ,”
The Morrison Government has committed to achieve an interim target under the Paris Agreement to reduce the country’s emissions by 26 to 28 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030. It will likely use “carryover credits” gained by exceeding the Kyoto climate agreement to meet about half the emissions reduction required under Paris.
Professor Will Steffen said the 28 per cent emissions reduction target was “too little, too late” in light of what the science said was required to limit warming to under two degrees.
Top scientists say for Australia to honour the Paris Agreement and limit global warming to two degrees, the country must reach net zero emissions before 2050.
On the same day, also on the front page, The Age also ran an article about prominent doctors demanding their superannuation fund (HESTA) divest from fossil fuels stating that is is “unconscionable for the fund to invest in fossil fuels”. Further adding that “All fossil fuels, when burned, contribute to climate change, which has been identified as the greatest global health threat of our time.”
Again on the same day, Page 9, was an article outlining how major financial institutions and insurers are being required to outline their plans to manage the risks associated with a changing climate.
Compelling evidence supporting the case for zero net emissions by 2050 along with a rapid reduction approach based on the science.
Felicity Maher
Sustainability Officer
