Canberra struggles with emissions targets

Significance

The report comes as Prime Minister Scott Morrison lobbies his National Party partners in the governing coalition to back a target of net zero emissions by 2050 prior to next month’s COP26 climate conference in Glasgow.

Impacts

• Much-needed investment in the renewables sector may not materialise without a more positive government approach to the sector.
• Australian businesses may face trade sanctions as a result of the government’s failure to adopt binding emission targets.
• Public subsidies for investment in coal and gas could lead to higher power bills for consumers.