Australia’s push for ambitious climate goals may hit a snag, according to Environment Minister Murray Watt. He argues that without a major makeover of environmental laws, meeting the 2030 targets will be hard. Watt is reaching out to various groups, including the Coalition, businesses, and conservationists, to support these changes.
One major shift involves dropping the term “nature positive,” previously used in environmental reforms led by former minister Tanya Plibersek. Watt noted this label didn’t sit well with many and that a new name is in the works for the reform agenda, set to be introduced in Parliament by year-end.
Watt also emphasized that coal mine approvals would not be treated differently from other projects during his tenure. He suggested a potential new model where the minister could decide on project approvals independently, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mainly offering advice or enforcing compliance instead of having a direct role in approvals.
Expectations are high, as Labor plans to set a 2035 target for a 65% emissions reduction. Without passing new legislation to reform the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, Watt warns Australia risks falling short of international climate commitments.
Labor’s plan includes a goal to reduce carbon emissions by 43% from 2005 levels by 2030. Central to this aim is a target for 82% of energy to come from renewables. However, experts are concerned that current delays in renewable project approvals are putting these targets at risk. Watt stated, “To meet our emissions and renewables goals, we need changes to our environmental laws. It’s about simplifying and speeding up how we decide on projects, not about letting them harm the environment.”
He also mentioned that reforms to the EPBC Act will be crucial if the government hopes to meet its other goal of building 1.2 million homes by 2029. Recent surveys indicate that the public is increasingly concerned about the climate crisis, with 75% of Australians supporting more substantial actions on climate change. This growing awareness highlights the urgency for effective policies and reforms.
For more details on Murray Watt’s perspective and the government’s plans, read the full article here.
