Net zero modelling to be released in the next fortnight, Scott Morrison says
Climate modelling underpinning Australia’s path to net-zero emissions by 2050 will be released before parliament resumes later in the month, according to the prime minister.
Scott Morrison said the long-awaited modelling would be unveiled before MPs return to Canberra for the next sitting session, which begins on 22 November.
“(The modelling will be released) before we get back to parliament. We will see it soon,” he told the Nine Network on Thursday.
The prime minister has been under pressure to release the modelling and had not previously committed to a timeframe.
It comes as Australia became one of a handful of countries trying to water down a draft decision made at the COP26 Glasgow climate summit urging nations to strengthen 2030 emissions reduction targets.
The draft had asked countries to revisit their 2030 targets by the end of next year.
Meanwhile, the US and China made a surprise announcement at COP26 to work together to reduce emissions and accelerate the phasing out of coal.
Trade Minister Dan Tehan said the announcement was welcome news, despite China being one of Australia’s largest markets for coal.
“It’s great to see both of them committing to his action and we will look forward to seeing the detail around what it proposes,” Mr Tehan told ABC Radio.
“We understand the world is moving and transitioning.”
While the draft communique out of the climate summit was urging stronger action on 2030 targets, Energy Minister Angus Taylor said Australia was on track to reduce emissions.
“Australia is an active and constructive participant in the negotiations to ensure a positive outcome for COP26,” Mr Taylor said in a statement.
“Australia is projected to reduce emissions by 35 per cent by 2030 on 2005 levels, or up to 38 per cent point-in-time reduction in 2030.”
The prime minister on Wednesday unveiled plans for a $1 billion fund to back low emissions technology.
The fund, partly backed by private investment, would aim to back technology such as carbon capture and storage.
However, legislation to set up the fund needs the support of crossbenchers to pass parliament, with some government MPs indicating they will cross the floor on the matter.
“It’s important that we do it and Labor should support it,” Mr Morrison said on Thursday.
“This is an important technology …. these are the technologies that will get you to net-zero by 2050.”
Source: sbs.com.au
