Australia Unveils Ambitious Climate Change Package

Australia is meeting its climate change targets, improving the environment and supporting an effective international response.

The Paris Agreement is a powerful symbol of countries’ commitment to a low-carbon, climate resilient future. On 10 November 2016, Australia ratified the Paris Agreement and the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol, reinforcing our commitment to action on climate change. In 2017, the Government reviewed its climate policies to ensure they remain effective in achieving Australia’s 2030 target and Paris Agreement commitments. The 2017 review of climate change policies report was released on 19 December 2017.

• Review of Australia’s climate change policies

Australia has a comprehensive suite of policies to reduce domestic emissions, support effective international efforts without compromising economic growth and driving up energy prices.

The Government’s climate change plan includes:

• Reducing emissions by 5 per cent below 2000 levels by 2020.
• Reducing emissions by 26 to 28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.
• Doubling Australia’s renewable energy capacity to be achieved in 2020 which is driving innovation, creating jobs and providing a cleaner future
• Encouraging the uptake of renewables through the Renewable Energy Target to deliver over 23 per cent of Australia’s electricity supply in 2020.
• Helping improve energy productivity by 40 per cent, by 2030.
• Ensuring big business and Australia’s largest emitters do their part and continue to reduce emissions.
• Helping expand and protect our green spaces and iconic places such as the Great Barrier Reef
• Spurring businesses, communities, households and individuals into ongoing action to reduce emissions.
• Investing in innovation and clean technology to help capture the opportunities of a cleaner future.
• Managing climate risks by building resilience in the community, economy and environment.

See original release here.