13. International Hard or Feature News

Australia Pledges ‘Net Zero’ Emissions by 2050. Its Plan Makes That Hard to Believe.


On Tuesday, October 26th, the Australian government announced its plan to back an investment in low emissions technologies. In summary, it promised to reach "net-zero" emissions by 2050. This plan promises new jobs and no new taxes or mandates. Although scientists have said we need to reach net-zero emissions by 2030, the plan did not tighten up the emissions enough for that. Australia indicated that it would not move away from it dependency on gas and coal, regardless of the international pressure.


The use of coal and gas acts as an essential tool in Australia's subsidized exports. Prime Minister Scott Morrison described the new plan as "uniquely Australian." This made critics believe that he will report to the climate conference in Scotland with an obsolete view on the reliance on fossil fuels. 

The climate and energy director, Richie Merzian, at the Australian Institute, a progressive research organization, had this to say about the government's plan, "This is an update on the marketing materials used by the federal government to claim it's doing something when it's really doing nothing new. It's kind of ridiculous."

Even though Australia emits less than 2% of global greenhouse gas, it still has a substantial influence on climate change because it is the world's third-largest exporter of fossil fuels. The country has also been one of the most affected by global warming. In the past century, Australia's surface temperature has increased by 1.4 degrees Celsius, exceeding the global average. As often seen on the news, droughts, fires, and cyclones have become more common.


If the Australian government doesn't do something now with genuine intentions of slowing climate change, the country will see a large-scale loss in ecosystems, an increase in the price of food, and thousands of acres of coastal properties flooded.

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