Ley Says Abandoning Net Zero Emissions Target Still a 'Welcome Outcome'
In a move that has sent shockwaves through climate change advocates, Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley announced on Thursday that her party would formally abandon its legislated commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Despite this decision, Ley maintained that reaching the target would still be considered a "welcome outcome" for Australia.
Ley's statement was met with criticism from Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese, who described the Liberal Party's move as a rejection of the Paris agreement and a sign of "divided rabble" within their ranks. The Prime Minister pointed out that abandoning the net zero target would not only harm the environment but also damage Australia's relationships in the region.
However, Ley and her energy spokesperson Dan Tehan claim that they are committed to reducing emissions and will do so through various means, including supporting nuclear power and backing coal and gas. They argue that their approach is more focused on "doing our fair share" while considering the real performance of comparable countries.
The Liberal Party's decision to scrap its net zero target was made after a majority of MPs in the party room expressed support for ditching the original commitment. The Nationals also backed away from their previous commitment to uphold the target, leaving it uncertain whether Australia will meet its Paris agreement obligations.
While Ley defended her party's approach as "serious and credible," critics argue that abandoning the net zero target is a step back for climate change efforts in Australia. With the debate set to continue on Sunday, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the country's energy policies and its position on the global stage.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through climate change advocates, Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley announced on Thursday that her party would formally abandon its legislated commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Despite this decision, Ley maintained that reaching the target would still be considered a "welcome outcome" for Australia.
Ley's statement was met with criticism from Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese, who described the Liberal Party's move as a rejection of the Paris agreement and a sign of "divided rabble" within their ranks. The Prime Minister pointed out that abandoning the net zero target would not only harm the environment but also damage Australia's relationships in the region.
However, Ley and her energy spokesperson Dan Tehan claim that they are committed to reducing emissions and will do so through various means, including supporting nuclear power and backing coal and gas. They argue that their approach is more focused on "doing our fair share" while considering the real performance of comparable countries.
The Liberal Party's decision to scrap its net zero target was made after a majority of MPs in the party room expressed support for ditching the original commitment. The Nationals also backed away from their previous commitment to uphold the target, leaving it uncertain whether Australia will meet its Paris agreement obligations.
While Ley defended her party's approach as "serious and credible," critics argue that abandoning the net zero target is a step back for climate change efforts in Australia. With the debate set to continue on Sunday, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the country's energy policies and its position on the global stage.