Australia passes climate bill to cut emissions by 43% by 2030

The Australian government has passed its first major climate legislation. The legislation will need royal assent before it officially becomes law. The Labor government’s climate bill cleared the Senate by 37 votes to 30 after accepting minor amendments. It also enshrines net zero emissions by 2050.

The recently passed bill includes the national targets of cutting carbon dioxide emissions by at least 43 per cent by 2030 (compared with 2005) and reaching net zero by 2050.

The country is one of the highest emitters per capita in the world, and the bill brings it in line with other developed countries such as Canada, South Korea, and Japan.

Minister for climate change and energy, Chris Bowen, said the legislation sends a message to the world.”The passage of the climate change legislation sends a message to the world that Australia is serious about driving down emissions and serious about reaping the economic opportunities from affordable renewable energy,” Minister Bowen said, adding that “Legislating these targets gives certainty to investors and participants in the energy market and will help stabilise our energy system.”
“It also strengthens transparency and accountability through the annual climate change statement and will ensure public debate informs government decisions,” he concluded.