Morrison has been under international pressure, having long refused to join other national leaders in pledging to reach net-zero emissions by the 2050 deadline ahead of COP26 in accordance with the aims of the Paris Agreement. Australia is one of the world’s biggest CO2 emitters on a per capita basis.
Morrison has been in a quandary over climate policy, reluctant to upset rural voters opposing the phase-out of polluting industries ahead of next year’s election. The Australian Liberal Party also faces resistance within government; its coalition partner, the National Party, has a core voter base centred on agriculture and mining.
In announcing the target, Morrison downplayed the potential for economic disruption and job losses: “Australians want action on climate change,” he told media in Canberra. “They’re taking action on climate change, but they also want to protect their jobs and their livelihoods. They also want to keep the costs of living down.
“I...