The Australian Academy of Science has recommended that Australia aim to reduce its carbon emissions significantly over the next 15 years as part of a global effort to prevent the worst effects of global warming.
In response to the Government’s consultation on Australia’s post-2020 carbon emissions target, the Academy has advised that based on the best available evidence, Australia should commit to a target of 30 to 40% below 2000 levels. This would be consistent with the longer term goal of approaching zero carbon emissions by 2050.
President of the Australian Academy of Science, Professor Andrew Holmes said Australia needs to aim for this level of emissions reduction to match global targets and avoid the more serious impacts of human-induced climate change.
“Australia is at great risk from the worst impacts of climate change, including costs to the economy, the health and wellbeing of Australians, and extreme weather events,” Professor Holmes said.
“At the climate talks in Paris this year, we have a real opportunity to demonstrate a long-term commitment to global action.”
Professor Matthew England, Academy Fellow and climate expert, said the evidence on climate change was clear.
“We have a choice ahead of us: we can act on the evidence or we can ignore the facts and face massive costs from climate change down the track. To stabilise the climate, we need to transition toward a decarbonised economy by mid-century. It’s in our national interest to do this—even though we only contribute 1% of global emissions, we are vulnerable to 100% of the impacts of climate change,” Professor England said.
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
