TIME TO STRENGTHEN OUR CLIMATE GOALS, NOT REST ON OUR LAURELS

WWF-Australia today welcomed reports that Environment Minister Greg Hunt is confident Australia is on track to meet our 2020 pollution reduction target, and urged the Government to strengthen the target rather than rest on our laurels.

According to Minister Hunt, soon to be released Government data will suggest that Australia is set to achieve the lower end of its 2020 target by cutting carbon pollution by 5% of 2000 levels. This presents the Australian Government with the opportunity to revisit its previously stated target range of 5-25%, and strengthen it to 25%.

Modelling done by ClimateWorks Australia shows that Australia can easily achieve a 25% pollution reduction target by 2020, through energy efficiency measures and renewable energy.

“Australia is perfectly positioned to lift its 2020 pollution reduction target and protect the people and places we love while creating a more sustainable future for our kids,” said Kellie Caught, WWF National Manager - Climate Change.

“Meeting the 5% pollution reduction target is a start, but it is still well behind what is needed to avoid dangerous levels of global warming."

“The underwater heatwave currently threatening coral reefs in the Pacific and making its way to our Great Barrier Reef is a sign of what could be a regular occurrence if climate change is allowed to spiral out of control. We should be doing all we can to protect our unique places and wildlife."

“We can’t expect the world to act to protect our reef if Australia isn’t doing our bit."

“The forthcoming climate negotiations in Paris are a great opportunity for Prime Minister Turnbull to show Australians and the world that Australia is willing to do its fair share and join other leading countries to drive progress on climate change and avoid dangerous levels of warming”, Ms Caught said.

WWF-Australia will next week release a new report in partnership with ClimateWorks in the lead-up to the Paris summit showing that strong action on climate change before 2030 is both possible and affordable.

WWF-Australia Media Contact:

Daniel Rockett, National Media Manager