carbon tax

Australia‘s 2035 Climate Target Draws Fire⁢ for sidestepping Urgent Action

CANBERRA ⁢- Australia’s newly⁣ announced 2035 ‌climate target – aiming⁤ for a reduction ‌that officials describe as⁢ “ambitious ‍and achievable” – ‌is facing criticism for ​diverting attention from ‌the⁣ immediate need ‍for stronger emissions reductions, according to ⁤analysis published today. The target, ⁤unveiled last ⁤week, has been labelled by some as a political⁤ maneuver, allowing current leaders to avoid challenging decisions on‍ present-day climate⁤ policy.

The debate over the distant goal, set for 2035, echoes ⁣a pattern of political forecasting, where politicians issue pledges for future restraint to sidestep challenging choices in the short term,​ experts say.‍ Tax ⁢collection forecasts relying on long-term assumptions further contribute⁣ to this cycle of deferred accountability.

“The result? ⁤Ongoing deficits and borrowing⁢ from future generations by‌ leaders who ⁢will be⁢ long gone when the time comes to reconcile the target with reality,” ⁤the analysis notes.

While business groups reportedly sought a more modest target, overt criticism has been⁢ limited, potentially due to ‌a recognition that the ‍2035 goal is more aspirational than concrete policy. Conversely, climate groups expressed ‍disappointment that the target wasn’t more aggressive, inadvertently positioning Labor’s ‌proposal as‌ a⁤ compromise.

Richard​ Denniss, from ⁣the‌ Australia Institute, argues the focus on the 2035 target has effectively shielded current inaction from scrutiny. ⁢”The brief argument about the⁢ distant target has ‘ensured that there is little scrutiny of Australia’s⁢ lack of climate action in⁣ the present’,” he stated.

Denniss‌ highlighted readily available measures with immediate impact,such as phasing out subsidies for large luxury utes and SUVs,as examples largely overlooked in ⁤the current debate. ⁣”They have been almost entirely overlooked in recent climate policy debate as all sides engaged in‍ the game of per ⁢cents,” he said.

The analysis draws a parallel to a national debate over a⁤ future holiday while neglecting the immediate decision of what to have for dinner, illustrating a pattern of prioritizing long-term ​goals over pressing needs.

The piece, authored by Jacob Greber, political editor of ABC’s 7.30 programme, ⁢underscores a growing concern that Australia’s ‍climate discourse is becoming⁣ detached from ‌the urgency of the climate crisis and​ the need⁢ for tangible action now.