"Morrison's net zero announcement shows public pressure for climate action is working, but we need critical action this decade - not in thirty years time," said Alex Fuller, Australia Youth Climate Coalition National Director.
"We have all the solutions we need to reach net zero emissions by 2035 that could help ensure a more just and fair future. Instead the Morrison government is handing out billions of dollars to gas corporations while setting a net zero emissions target - it simply doesn't add up," she said.
"Any plan that puts public money into the hands of big coal and gas polluters is just another Coalition delay strategy," she added.
"The Morrison Government is promising net zero emissions targets at the same time they are giving public money to gas corporations such as Empire Energy to frack the Northern Territory without proper consent from Traditional Owners," she said.
"The best technological solutions we have are solar and wind renewable energy. And the best way to stop climate pollution is to commit to no new coal, oil and gas. Any plan that doesn't focus on these two key areas is not good enough." Alex added.
"Communities across Australia have shown incredible resilience in the face of droughts, bushfires and floods all made worse by climate change. We need political leaders who have a clear plan to support communities through a rapid change to renewable energy," said Holly Farnan, Australian Youth Climate Coalition Cairns local action group leader.
"We need to see critical action this decade that supports regions like North Queensland. The government must ensure regional communities are supported with training opportunities into zero emissions jobs with fair pay and long term security. This means supporting workers and communities, not fossil fuel executives," she said.
"Australia is one of the sunniest and windiest continents in the world, we have the potential to be a renewable energy super power, exporting liquid sunshine to the world - but the Morrison Government needs to stop giving public handouts and tax breaks to big coal and gas polluters,"' she added.
"We need a government with a clear plan for net zero emissions by 2035. Waiting any longer will have serious consequences, places will become unlivable - heatwaves, bushfires, floods, and rising sea levels will become more common and extreme."
"Our political leaders have a huge opportunity to tackle this crisis today, and if they listen to communities like Cairns who are already facing the impacts of climate change, if they listen to Traditional Owners who have looked after this land and waters for thousands of years - we could build stronger, safer and more connected communities ready to face the impacts that are already here," Holly said.
