Australia is serious about climate change. On 8 September the Australian Parliament oversaw the historic passing of new Climate Change Legislation. Australia has made a commitment to listen to our regional partners and to learn from the experiences of others. Australian High Commission recognise that climate change is not an abstract threat, but an existential one.
The Climate Change Legislation is the foundation upon which Australia’s climate policies rest. It will enshrine in law the nation’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 43 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and net zero by 2050. It provides a framework to accelerate investment in renewable energy, transmission, and storage. It provides a platform for transformative domestic policy, from which we can strengthen our leadership.
Passing this legislation is a step forward towards achieving our shared aspirations. Australian High Commission will work together with the region to build a resilient, clean energy sector and unlock green trade and investment opportunities because our partners recognise that climate change is not only a challenge we need to address together, but presents opportunities for us to embrace.
Prosperous future
Australian business is doing its part. For example, Australian company Sun Cable is progressing a project to construct a 4,200 kilometre undersea cable from Darwin to Singapore, to provide renewable electricity generated from what could be the world’s largest solar farm in Australia’s Northern Territory. This is the kind of ambition Australian High Commission will need to face up to the challenge of climate change and set the region up for a more prosperous future powered by cleaner and cheaper energy.
Australia is taking renewed collaborative international action to scale up the clean energy transition in the region, while we work with partners to adapt to the effects of climate change.
Australian High Commission are committed to facing up to the challenge of climate change and are working with our Indo-Pacific partners in the region to transition to greener economies and adapt to climate change through new climate finance and partnerships. Our Climate Change Legislation delivers a simple yet powerful message, at home and abroad. Australia is back.
Australia’s parliament has passed legislation on emissions reduction targets of 43% by 2030 and net zero by 2050
“There is no such thing as a healthy environment or healthy oceans without action on climate change. Ambition is our only option. The new Australian Government understands the urgency of the environmental challenges facing our planet, and we are committed to being a leader in the global fight to solve them. This includes working closely with our Indo-Pacific neighbours to address the impacts of climate change, reduce marine plastic litter, support the blue economy and manage marine protected areas.”
Australian Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek
