UPDATE: A proposed climate policy by the Liberal Party threatens to breach Australia’s international obligations, risking significant legal repercussions. As Liberal MPs and senators prepare for a crucial meeting on Wednesday, insiders reveal plans to dilute Australia’s climate ambitions while still committing to achieving net zero carbon emissions in the future.
Australia’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, signed in 2015 under former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, aimed to limit greenhouse gas emissions amid the global fight against climate change. Following this, the Morrison government set a target for net zero emissions by 2050. However, the current Labor government has proposed more ambitious goals, targeting a 62 to 70 percent reduction in carbon pollution by 2035.
The debate over the coalition’s climate policy has intensified following Labor’s electoral victory in May, igniting concerns over the leadership of Sussan Ley. The junior coalition partner, the Nationals, has even suggested abandoning formal climate targets in favor of aligning emissions reductions with the average of OECD countries.
Experts are sounding alarms about the potential legal ramifications of such a shift. According to climate law authority Justine Bell-James from the University of Queensland, any attempt to weaken Australia’s targets would violate the Paris Agreement. “Under the Paris agreement, countries have to make these pledges every five years,” she stated. “Each successive one needs to be an increase in ambition.”
Additionally, Julia Dehm from Latrobe University warned that a future government could face lawsuits at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for failing to meet its climate obligations. “There is the potential for states to take Australia to the ICJ alleging that it hasn’t fulfilled its international climate obligations,” she explained. A weaker emissions reduction goal could also tarnish the government’s reputation.
Moderate Liberal senator Andrew Bragg has threatened to resign from his role in the shadow ministry if the party decides to abandon net zero and withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Speculation surrounds whether other Liberals will follow suit should the party pursue this path. However, Bragg believes the Liberals will ultimately respect their commitments. “We are a party of government and not ‘fringe dwellers,'” he asserted.
As the meeting approaches, the implications of the Liberal Party’s decisions could resonate far beyond Australia, affecting international relations and environmental commitments worldwide. Stay tuned for live updates as this urgent story develops.
