THE LIBERAL-NATIONAL COALITION’S reported plan to abandon Australia’s net zero target is a dangerous retreat from reality that would unleash more climate pollution and higher power bills if ever put into practice, says the Climate Council.
Walking away from net zero aligns with more than 3°C of global heating and would spell disaster for Australia’s climate, economy and household bills:
- Australian Government spending on disaster recovery would increase seven-fold by 2090.
- Productivity would take a $135-423 billion hit by 2063, with workers hampered by extreme heat.
- Deaths caused by heatwaves would increase by 440% in Sydney and 260% in Melbourne.
- Policy uncertainty would disrupt confidence and clarity for business, costing the economy $2 trillion in lost investment, weaker exports and lower growth over the next 24 years.
- A prolonged reliance on gas and coal could see $449 higher household power bills by 2030, compared to Australia’s current plan to build more renewables backed by storage.
- In contrast, the renewables already in Australia’s grid reduced power bills by over $150 per household last year.
Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie said: “This is a plan to let climate change rip. It’s deadly negligence that would leave Australians facing more fires, floods and heatwaves, while hiking up power bills for Aussie families.
“What the Coalition is really advocating for is a more dangerous future for all Australians. More floods in Taree and Grafton, more fire seasons like Black Summer, and the demise of the Great Barrier Reef. They’ve gone from “I don’t hold a hose, mate” to “let’s put fuel on the fire”.
“After a decade of denial, distraction and delay, the Coalition still doesn’t get it: You can’t win elections by ignoring voters who want meaningful climate action. If the Coalition keeps undermining the environment and the economy, they’re heading for net zero seats.”
Climate Councilor and energy expert Professor Joel Gilmore said: “Renewable power is already the lowest-cost form of new energy. Four million Australian households with rooftop solar know that. Switching to renewable power backed by storage will get power prices under control by reducing the need for expensive gas and unreliable coal. The alternative – propping up old, unreliable coal – is a recipe for higher costs, more climate pollution and greater risk of blackouts.”
“Every time the Coalition delays the clean energy shift, Aussies pay the price. Power bills go up and families are left exposed to the volatility of global coal and gas markets.
“Australia has some of the best wind and solar resources on the planet. Harnessing them is our ticket to cheaper power, cleaner air and stronger exports. Pumping the brakes on clean energy would torch Australia’s economic advantages and shut us out of the industries of the future – from green metals to clean manufacturing. It’s reckless and self-defeating, squandering the jobs, investment and prosperity that should be ours.”
ENDS
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