Travel

Climate change

The Australian Government views climate change as the challenge of our generation. That is why the first act of the new Government was to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. As with many other countries, Australia’s economy and environment are highly susceptible to the impact of climate change. Australia recognises its responsibility as a developed nation to play a leadership role internationally in responding to this challenge.

Australia’s approach to climate change is based on three pillars – reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions; adapting to the climate change that we cannot avoid; and helping to shape a global solution.

Australia is moving to a new cleaner economy – one that is sustainable, competitive, able to withstand the challenges of climate change, and well-positioned to thrive within an increasingly carbon-constrained world. The new Australian Government has ratified the Kyoto protocol and is committed to meeting Australia’s Kyoto target of limiting its greenhouse gas emissions to 108 per cent of 1990 emissions for the years 2008-2012.

Australia has also committed to reducing its emissions by 60 per cent of 2000 levels by the year 2050. To help achieve this target Australia is introducing a national emissions trading scheme in 2010 and will set a mid-term emission reduction goal. Additionally, the Australian Government has set a Renewable Energy Target – legislating a requirement for 20 per cent of Australia’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2020 – and is partnering with Australian industry to develop renewable energy and clean coal technologies through its clean energy plan.

Australia is working closely with the international community to help develop a future global response to climate change through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. In support of this work, Australia is engaging with the world’s major economies through forums such as the Major Economies Meeting on Energy Security and Climate Change, the Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate, and through a range of bilateral partnerships. 

Australia is providing practical support to developing countries to assist them in responding to climate change. This includes work under the International Forest Carbon Initiative which aims to demonstrate that reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation can be part of an equitable and effective international agreement on climate change. Australia is committed to working with its neighbours to adapt to climate change and is also helping develop low-emission energy technologies, and sharing our technical expertise in the area of measuring and reporting greenhouse emissions.

Climate change is a global challenge that affects all nations. Australia is committed to playing an active and constructive role in helping to shape a truly global solution.  

Online