In response to the Liberal Party's announcement that it will abandon the target to reach net zero emissions by 2050, but will remain in the Paris Agreement, ACF's national climate policy adviser Annika Reynolds (they/them) said:
"Abandoning net zero by 2050 undermines the rollout of low-cost renewables and will do nothing to help Aussie families cut their power bills.
"The practical effect of this announcement will be to stifle the growth of reliable renewable energy. Blocking the renewables transition will increase power prices.
"The Liberals back the most expensive forms of energy – coal, gas and nuclear.
"The Paris Agreement is not about complicated carbon accounting in the second half of the century, but about action now to keep global temperatures below 2°C to avoid the worst predicted climate impacts.
"The Liberal Party cannot use international agreements to which Australia is a signatory as a smokescreen for inaction on the climate crisis.
"It appears the Liberals have learned nothing from the message the Australian people sent the party at the last two federal elections.
"Australians understand climate change is increasing hazards in our lives – from worsening fires and floods to longer, more severe heatwaves.
"Taking action to tackle the climate crisis is a basic first step of responsible government.
"With this announcement the federal Liberals have effectively put up the white flag, given up on climate action, caved to global fossil fuel giants and condemned Australians to longer droughts, worse bushfires and more freak weather events.
"For Australia to be a positive force for climate action, we need all sides of politics to take the problem seriously."
