SYDNEY, Wednesday 16 October 2024 – Greenpeace Australia Pacific has called on the Australian government to heed the International Energy Agency’s warning that today’s emission reduction efforts are too slow, and will lead to global average temperature rise of 2.4°C by the end of the century—an existential threat to Pacific nations.
“The IEA’s 2024 World Energy Outlook shows that Australia and other major polluters aren’t doing enough to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy at the speed and scale needed to secure a future that is dignified for many communities, including our Pacific neighbours,” David Ritter, CEO, Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said.
“Pacific Nations have not contributed to climate change but are the worst affected by impacts such as sea level rise. They are leading the global push to phase out fossil fuels from the frontlines of climate change, which threatens their very future.
“Australia has also weathered climate-supercharged bushfires and floods and coral bleaching in recent years with devastating and costly consequences that will only worsen as global temperatures rise.
“The survival of people and nature are not up for negotiation. Governments have a duty to prioritise our collective safety over the profit motives of a few coal, oil, and gas corporations.
“Australia is the world’s third largest fossil fuel exporter, with a shameful track record of multibillion-dollar subsidies for the fossil fuel industry; the Albanese government has also approved more than 20 new coal and gas projects since 2022.
“We cannot be a good family member to the Pacific while supporting fossil fuel expansion. The Australian government must heed the IEA’s warning and ban new fossil fuel projects, starting with Woodside’s Burrup Hub. The Burrup Hub is Australia’s biggest climate threat, and if built, could emit 6.1 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas over its proposed 50-year lifetime.
“Australia is one of the sunniest, windiest countries on earth. We should rapidly transition to an efficient, renewables-powered energy system that is aligned with the global 1.5°C goal, and by doing so, unlocking new economic opportunities and being a responsible member of our Pacific family,” said Mr Ritter.
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For more information please contact Vai Shah on 0452 290 082 / vaidehi.shah@greenpeace.org.
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