The United Nations’ climate chief, Simon Stiell, has called on Australia to take more ambitious climate target, emphasizing that the country can reap “colossal” economic rewards by aiming higher. Stiell’s comments come as Australia debates its emissions reduction targets in parliament, with a new bill introduced by former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce seeking to overturn the nation’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
Speaking at a summit in Sydney, Stiell urged Australia not to settle for “bog standard” climate targets, instead encouraging the country to “go for what’s smart by going big”. He emphasized that setting ambitious targets is crucial, as it can help prevent the world from overheating and protect regional stability and living standards. “Consider the alternative: missing the opportunity and letting the world overheat,” Stiell warned.
Australia has pledged to reduce emissions by 43% by 2030, but remains one of the world’s biggest polluters per capita. The country is currently considering a new reduction target for the next decade, 2035, which Stiell described as a “defining moment” for Australia. The UN climate chief’s comments align with the Paris Climate Agreement, which aims to keep global temperatures from rising 1.5C above those of the late 19th Century.
The debate over Australia’s climate goals comes as the country grapples with successive natural disasters, and climate experts warn that Australia faces a future full of similar crises unless dramatic cuts to emissions are achieved. While Joyce’s bill is likely to fail, given the Labor government’s large majority in the House of Representatives, it may increase pressure on the coalition as they reassess their climate and energy policies.
Stiell’s call to action is consistent with the UN’s broader efforts to address the climate crisis. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has described the fight against climate change as the top priority for the 21st Century, emphasizing the need for immediate and drastic action to prevent irreversible damage.
As Australia seeks to co-host the UN’s COP31 climate summit with the Pacific next year, the country’s climate action will be under scrutiny. The UN’s climate chief is urging countries to submit their new national climate change plans for the period up to 2035, highlighting the importance of ambitious targets in addressing the global climate crisis.