An alliance representing over seven million Australians has called for tougher national climate targets so the nation can take a leading role internationally.
In a letter sent to Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen on Monday, they call for a new national target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, not 2050.
Net zero by 2035 is a target Australians could take pride in, and a goal that will help secure a safe climate and prosperous future, instead of falling behind, the letter says.
The alliance also wants a more ambitious 75 per cent cut in emissions by 2030, not the legislated 43 per cent.
Families are world leaders in rooftop solar, now government should step up and be more decisive, according to the alliance.
“Our kids are counting on us,” Parents for Climate spokesman Nic Seton said.
“Australia should be leading the world in building clean energy and upgrading polluting industries to build the brightest, safest future.”
Released ahead of the Better Futures Forum that begins in Canberra on Tuesday, the letter warns against compromising environmental integrity and economic resilience, and widening the gap between Australia and global climate leadership.
“We must lead with ambition, not delay, and ensure our policies reflect the urgency of the climate crisis and our responsibility in the global community,” it says.
The deeper cuts are designed to align with the Paris Agreement and the aim to limit global warming to 1.5C.
Paris Agreement architect and economist Laurence Tubiana endorsed the demands, saying countries are at “a critical juncture in the fight against climate change”.
She warned countries were not on track to keep global warming below 1.5C, or even 2C.
“We have a great opportunity to raise collective ambition … Australia can be a climate leader,” she told AAP.
Like other advanced economies with high, historical emissions, she said Australia “has a moral responsibility to take a leading role in putting us on track” by making an ambitious, thorough and credible commitment”.
An upgraded national climate target, known as a Nationally Determined Contribution or NDC, could also position Australia as a credible leader in global climate negotiations, as it jockeys to co-host COP31 climate talks in 2026.
At the last talks, Australia signed up to phasing out fossil fuels and tripling renewable energy capacity.
But targets must be set for nature, food and finance sectors ahead of the upcoming talks in Azerbaijan in November, the alliance warned.
“By endorsing this letter, everyone has a greater voice in shaping what will be debated,” Better Futures Australia director Lisa Cliff said.
Meanwhile mining barons are gathering for the annual Minerals Week bash and a glittering dinner at Parliament House.
