The Liberal Party's decision to abandon the commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 puts people, communities and the environment at risk. This threat is most acute for people and communities experiencing disadvantage, who have least capacity to prepare, adapt and recover from extreme weather events, ACOSS says.
"This withdrawal from the emissions commitment, as the global community is gathered at COP, shows indifference to our climate emergency and threatens further harm to people already experiencing the sharpest impacts of climate change," ACOSS Acting CEO Edwina MacDonald said.
"Communities experiencing disadvantage across Australia face escalating threats from intensifying natural disasters. They're suffering through more extreme heatwaves, destructive storms, catastrophic floods and bushfires.
"We see the consequences of climate change everyday. It has major impacts on mental and physical health and people are being pushed further into housing insecurity.
"Backing down from a net zero commitment leaves these people exposed to escalating risks. All political parties should be strengthening their climate commitments and working together to protect communities and reduce inequality.
"Renewable, clean energy is our most affordable option going forward," Ms MacDonald said.
"Cutting energy costs requires ambitious action. If we want to bring household bills down, we must rapidly expand energy efficiency programs, electrification and solar, especially for those on lowest incomes who are cut off from these benefits.
"ACOSS calls on all parliamentarians to recommit to a fair and fast transition to net zero so we ensure a safe future for our community."
