Australia's Climate Progress and Stalled Environment Laws: A Call for Action in 2025
Key Ideas
- The Climate Council acknowledges the progress made by the Albanese Government in supporting clean energy initiatives, such as the Future Made in Australia program incentivizing green hydrogen and critical minerals.
- Despite the positive steps, there is disappointment over the shelving of promised changes to federal environment laws, highlighting the need for stronger legislation to protect nature and combat climate change.
- The Council urges all political parties to prioritize cutting climate pollution and addressing the shortcomings in environmental laws to safeguard Australia's landscapes and wildlife from the impacts of climate change.
- There is a call for accelerated action in 2025 to build on existing momentum and implement robust national environment laws that ensure long-term protection against climate-related disasters.
The Climate Council has commended the Albanese Government for its efforts in advancing clean energy and industry through initiatives like the Future Made in Australia program, which offers tax incentives for green hydrogen and critical minerals. While progress has been noted in reducing climate pollution from the energy sector, there is concern over the government's failure to deliver promised changes to federal environment laws. Climate Councillor Greg Bourne emphasized the importance of enacting robust legislation that safeguards nature and addresses the escalating climate crisis. Despite the lack of immediate action, there is a call for a strong national environment law to be established by 2025 to protect the environment from current and future climate threats. The Council underscores the critical need for all political parties to prioritize combating climate change and enhancing nature protections to ensure the well-being of Australia's ecosystems and wildlife.