Thread by @David_Ritter

There's going to be plenty of blah blah blah about Morrison's "2050 target", so it is really important to get a few key things straight: #auspol

1. This is not new. As @simonahac pointed out on @QandA last week, Australia effectively promised net zero when we signed up to the Paris Climate Goals in 2015. The federal government has then spent the six years since then doing bugger all about it:

https://twitter.com/QandA/status/1452122680107302916?s=20

2. Australia has in place no credible mechanism or strategy for achieving net-zero any time soon. A “target” is only a target if you plan to try and hit it.

3. Key Australian federal policies - like fossil fuel subsidies and new fossil fuel extraction plans - remain entirely geared towards the rapid expansion of the coal, oil and gas industries, not climate action.

4. The mining and burning of coal, oil and gas is the largest cause of the climate crisis. Any “plan” that does not very rapidly phase out these sectors is an excuse, not a plan.

5. To do our fair share in combating the climate crisis, Australia must make deep, rapid emissions cuts this decade - around 75% emissions reduction by 2030. But there is no sign of any meaningful 2030 target: theguardian.com/science/2021/o…

6. As was exposed last week, Australian officials are also working behind-the-scenes to actively obstruct and sabotage global climate action:
unearthed.greenpeace.org/2021/10/21/lea…

7. Australians need and deserve better than empty, distant, ‘too-little-too-late’ pretend promises. Now is the time for decisive leadership, to unlock clean energy opportunities - and do our fair share in tackling the global climate crisis for a safer future for all. #auspol