In 2014, the 2030 climate and energy policy framework was adopted with more ambitious targets for the period 2021-2030. With these targets, the EU commits to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030 compared to 1990. However, the Australian government believes Australia will achieve its 2030 target “through a policy that builds on its proven direct action approach”. These measures include the Emissions Reduction Fund and its associated protection mechanism, as well as a number of other measures to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy productivity. Figure 1 below shows the main relevant strategies and the extent of emission reductions that the Government believes can be achieved in relation to Australia`s 2030 target. At the same time, the government is also reviewing Australia`s climate change policy to “take stock of Australia`s progress in reducing emissions and to ensure that the government`s policy remains effective in meeting Australia`s 2030 target and the commitments of the Paris Agreement”. The review will also address a potential long-term emission reduction target after 2030. A discussion paper has been published for public commentation and the review will be completed by the end of 2017. Although COP 26, the 2020 UN climate change conference, which includes the Paris Agreement, has been postponed, a summit of climate goals was held in December on the occasion of the agreement`s fifth anniversary. Prior to the summit, more than 25 countries and the European Union had adopted net-zero targets, most of which are expected to be achieved by 2050; Net zero means achieving a balance between human-induced greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere and greenhouse gas emissions eliminated by carbon reduction strategies. Nearly a hundred other countries had announced their intention to do the same and another 10 countries followed at the summit.
Biden promised that the U.S. would achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. Together, these countries account for 63% of global emissions; If they reach net-zero emissions, it may be enough to limit global warming to less than 2°C by 2100, but it is still not enough to limit it to 1.5°C. The Ministry of Agriculture would provide credits to farmers and forest owners to promote the use of emission reduction strategies. The Ministry of Education would fund more programs to improve understanding of climate change, as well as electric buses and green schools. The Ministry of Transport could set up more charging stations for electric vehicles and invest more in public transport. The Justice Department will defend Biden`s policies, but it will also have a special department for environmental and climate justice and implement enforcement against large polluting corporations.