Earth and Habitat (Commonwealth Union) _ The 2022 federal election marked a shift towards progressive politics in Australia, but doubts remain whether the political deadlock on climate policy has been resolved. Despite some progress, the government’s actions fall short of addressing the urgent climate crisis. Greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, and large fossil fuel projects are still being approved. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) identifies coal, oil, and gas burning as the primary cause of climate change, yet Australia’s approach to tackling this issue remains inadequate.
Australian taxpayers subsidize the fossil fuel industry significantly. The Australia Institute reports that the government collects more revenue from the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) than from the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT). In 2022/23, nearly $2.3 billion was collected from the PRRT, less than half the $4.9 billion from student loan repayments. Richard Denniss, Executive Director of the Australia Institute, highlighted this disparity, comparing Australia’s approach to Norway’s: Norway taxes the fossil fuel industry to provide free university education, while Australia subsidizes the industry and charges students high fees. In 2020/21, nurses paid over three times more in income tax than the gas industry paid in both income tax and PRRT combined.
Global warming will persist until carbon emissions cease and atmospheric carbon is reduced. Relying on carbon capture technology to justify continued fossil fuel use is risky. The question is whether the climate wars are over or if a new era of greenwashing has begun.
Australia is unprepared for the impacts of climate change, even with the current 1.2°C warming. The United Nations Environment Program predicts a 90% chance that current policies will lead to 2.3°C to 4.5°C of global warming by the end of the century, with a best estimate of 3.5°C, far exceeding the Paris Agreement targets. The lower limit of 1.5°C is expected to be breached in the early 2030s, with 2°C reached in the 2040s.
The effects of such warming on Australia’s lifestyle, national security, health, and ecosystems are severe. We are the last generation to experience the world as it is today. A 2023 Griffith University study showed a disconnect between the scientific reality of climate change and public perception. While three-quarters of Australians accept climate change as real, only 15% see it as an “extremely serious” issue now. A quarter of Australians either do not understand or deny climate science.
This disconnect leads to modest climate policies with broad electoral appeal. Many Australians are willing to install solar panels to save on power bills but avoid tougher discussions about shutting down the fossil fuel industry. Most prefer to let the government delay decisive action, unaware of the crisis’s urgency.
For climate change communicators, it feels repetitive. The IPCC has consistently stated that drastic carbon emission reductions are necessary to halt global warming. Politicians need the courage to implement necessary policies, and Australians must prioritize the planet’s future in their voting decisions.
The upcoming federal election is crucial. As the world’s third-largest fossil fuel exporter, Australia’s actions in the next five years are vital for climate stabilization. We can still influence climate impacts by genuinely reducing emissions. Immediate investment in renewable energy and phasing out fossil fuels is essential. Australia has the expertise to succeed if there is the political will.Top of Form
