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https://theconversation.com/peter-duttons-plan-to-cut-the-2030-climate-target-would-be-an-own-goal-for-australias-pacific-ambitions-232699>
"The current visit to Australia by China’s Premier Li Qiang may have taken the
heat out of recent tensions between the two nations. But Australia remains
embroiled with China in a tussle for influence in the Pacific – a fight in
which climate ambition is key.
That’s why, at a diplomatic level, we should be concerned about Opposition
leader Peter Dutton’s suggestion the Coalition would abandon Australia’s 2030
emissions target should it win the next election. Such a move would be damaging
on many levels. Not least, it would undermine Australia’s relations with our
Pacific neighbours – nations that regard climate action as vital to their
survival, and for whom Australia aims to be the security partner of choice.
Winding back Australia’s 2030 target – a 43% reduction in emissions, based on
2005 levels – would go against the spirit of the 2015 Paris Agreement. The deal
requires countries to communicate national targets to cut emissions, and to set
stronger targets every five years. No other country has wound back their
climate targets.
Even if the Coalition wins office, Dutton is unlikely to have the Senate
numbers to scrap the 2030 target. But the potential implications of such a move
for our standing in the Pacific are well worth considering."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
