Way to go, New South Wales!
The Australian Conservation Foundation has welcomed the NSW Liberal and National parties’ commitment to cut emissions in half by 2030.
This strengthened climate ambition over the next decade sends a strong message to the Morrison government.
“All eyes now turn to the Prime Minister, not just for his formal commitment to reach net zero by 2050, but for his plan to get us there, especially with cuts to emissions in this critical decade,” said ACF Chief Executive Officer Kelly O’Shanassy.
“As the NSW government has just demonstrated, cutting climate pollution this decade is what counts.”
Today’s announcement by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Environment Minister Matt Kean shows a strong 2030 target is good policy for jobs and manufacturing.
It’s also what Australians want.
The country’s biggest climate change poll found six-out-of-10 Australians support action to cut climate pollution by at least half by 2030.
It is essential our leaders support the practical solutions to help cut emissions like the rapid rollout of electric vehicles and prioritising renewable energy over coal and gas.
“Harnessing these solutions is good for our climate, our economy, our jobs and our communities,” Ms O’Shanassy said.
“Failing to act on climate change, or acting too slowly, will cost us dearly.
“A switched-on federal government would see this and know Australians want it.”
The NSW 2030 target brings the state up to speed with Victoria and South Australia.
While cutting emissions in half by 2030 is a positive step, it is the bare minimum according to the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
