This week, the National Liberal Coalition seems to be moving backward, reminiscent of 2013 when Tony Abbott’s government dismantled the Climate Commission. That decision was more than political; it ignored crucial facts about how pollution from coal, oil, and gas harms our planet.
For ten years, climate denial shifted from outright denial of global warming to claims that we could address it later. Meanwhile, the Albanese government is trying to update Australia’s key environmental law, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. It’s crucial that these changes don’t cater to the same climate deniers who previously undermined Australia’s climate efforts.
The current Liberal National Coalition has shown resistance to renewable energy, clinging to polluting coal and gas. They’ve even abandoned the commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, effectively saying that they’re okay with severe climate disasters impacting future generations. This reversion comes after a decade wasted where Australia could have been investing in jobs related to renewable energy, electric vehicle batteries, and green steel production.
Experts unanimously agree that there’s no sound reason to reject the net-zero target. According to a global survey by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 90% of climate scientists recognize the urgency of reducing emissions. The majority of Australians support these goals, as do many businesses and advocacy groups, emphasizing that denial is not the solution.
A troubling pattern has emerged: in the past few months, the government has approved 32 new or expanded coal and gas projects, contributing an estimated 12.8 million tonnes of emissions. This will hinder Australia’s ability to meet its own climate targets and significantly affect global pollution levels. With 42 more projects waiting for approval, many will potentially extend well into the latter half of this century, worsening the climate crisis.
The indisputable threat of climate pollution endangers our reefs, forests, and wildlife. Effective environmental laws must confront this issue directly rather than offering vague future solutions. The proposed Safeguard Mechanism, which only acts after project approval, does little to mitigate risk—like allowing an arsonist to ignite a fire, then hoping firefighters can contain it afterward.
We need action now. The impact of each new tonne of pollution adds to the warming crisis, making recovery that much harder. It’s essential that we establish laws to prevent high-pollution projects from advancing unchecked.
The path forward is clear. The government can pursue stronger protections for both nature and climate by ensuring that all projects disclose their emissions fully, with independent assessments factored into decision-making. This aligns with practices in Canada, the EU, and the UK, where laws reflect the significant climate impacts of new projects. In fact, the UK Supreme Court recently ruled that neglecting climate impacts is unlawful.
Reflecting on the actions of 2013, it’s disheartening to see history potentially repeating itself. If the government compromises with those who once dismantled robust climate initiatives, we risk sacrificing truth for political convenience once more.
Australia stands at a crossroads: we can continue to endorse harmful fossil fuel projects that strain our environment, or we can establish laws that prioritize the health of our land, wildlife, and people. The choice is ours.
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