Climate Council : 50% Renewables By 2030, End Fossil Fuel Subsidies

No Subsidies For You – Climate Council | Image:  CSIRO, CC BY 3.0, Link

The Climate Council’s submission to the Federal Government’s 2017 Climate Policy Review recommends a national transition plan for Australia’s electricity system that will result in at least 50% renewables by 2030.

Australia is the 16th largest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world, generating more emissions than 180 other countries. Our electricity sector remains Australia’s single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions – accounting for 35% last year.

Even with the rollout of renewables such as wind turbines and more recently, solar power systems, our electricity sector emissions still show growth of 46% between 1990 and 2016.

The Climate Council’s submission offers 9 recommendations to remedy this issue and to ensure Australia meets its climate commitment.

In addition to achieving 50% renewable energy by 2030, which would also create more than 28,000 jobs nationally on a net basis, it recommends the total phasing out of fossil fueled based electricity generation by 2040.

Fossil Fuels – No Subsidies For You

It also urges the cessation of fossil fuel subsidies, with the money saved to support a transition to renewable energy. Additionally, the submission advises against any further policy or funding support for any new fossil fuel power plants or supply infrastructure.

Furthermore, the Council advocates a price (or similar constraint) on emissions, increased transparency in climate change related tracking data, plus continued funding for key climate-related research organisations, including CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology.

Other recommendations and the full submission can be viewed here.

“The Federal Government’s climate review is a critical opportunity to turn Australia from a laggard to a leader, putting in place policies to drive down emissions,” said Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie.

“Our submission is a high level roadmap for the Federal Government to finally bring Australia in line with nations who are advancing climate progress.”

Submissions relating to the review of Australia’s climate change policies based on a discussion paper released late in 2016 closed last Friday. The review, led by the Department of the Environment and Energy, will conclude at the end of 2017.

Also released from the Climate Council recently was a report stating gas prices in Australia will increase for the foreseeable future; along with related greenhouse gas pollution.

The Climate Council arose from the ashes of the Climate Commission, a government agency charged with the task of providing the public with information relating to climate change. The Commission was abolished by then-Prime Minister Tony Abbott in 2013.

The Council is currently led by scientist, explorer and conservationist, Professor Tim Flannery.