Professor Ross Garnaut’s Interim Report on Climate Change restated a universally acknowledged truth: that climate change is a global phenomenon that requires a global response. However in a report welcomed by the Clean Energy Council, Professor Garnaut said that Australia can take a leading role with strong and ambitious action and targets to mitigate the effects of climate change.

According to the report – released on 21 February – Australia’s interest in adopting “a strong and effective position on climate change mitigation” lies in its position as a nation that can do exceptionally well in a world of comprehensive global mitigation efforts whilst being extremely sensitive to the effects of unmitigated climate change.

Professor Garnaut urged Australia’s Federal, state and territory governments to promote strong global action on climate change, including committing to emissions reduction targets of up to 90 per cent on 2000 levels and to be prepared to match the commitments of other developed nations.

“Contrary to the conventional wisdom which has dominated Australian debate over the past decade, comprehensive global efforts to reduce emissions will play to Australia’s strengths,” said Professor Garnaut.

He said Australia has many resources and skills that will allow it to convert strong global action into an economic opportunity.

“We have a first-rate skills base in areas related to innovation, management and financial services. We have rich renewable energy resources. We are among the world’s largest exporters of uranium and natural gas which can benefit from the low-emissions’ efforts of other nations. And our agricultural sector emits less than other developed countries,” he said.

However, Professor Garnaut warned that Australia would also be a big loser – possibly the biggest loser among developed nations – from unmitigated climate change.

The report also emphasised the role of research and development in clean energy technologies, which it said will play a substantial role in the mitigation of and adaptation to climate change. Clean coal technologies such as carbon capture and storage need to be developed so that coal-mining and coal-based power-generating firms in Australia are not negatively affected by a national emissions trading scheme.

Action now, not later

Professor Garnaut said that due to a sustained period of high economic growth, led by China and India, the world was moving towards high risks of dangerous climate change more rapidly than had been previously understood.

“Faster emissions growth makes mitigation more urgent and more costly. The challenge is to end the linkage between economic growth and emissions of greenhouse gases,” he said.

The Interim Report states that Australia should make firm commitments this year to both 2020 and 2050 targets that reflect similar commitments by other developed countries.

“Australia should be ready to go beyond its stated 60 per cent reduction target by 2050 in an effective global agreement that includes developing nations,” said Professor Garnaut.

A global response involves regional commitments

The report also supports the development of bilateral and regional agreements to accelerate domestic and international action, emphasising Australia’s opportunity to develop regional agreements with Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.

Indonesia is the world’s third largest emitter in absolute terms because of deforestation, and Papua New Guinea has per capita emissions potentially similar to or higher than Australia. Given the right policy settings and political background, the report states that an agreement between Australia and Papua New Guinea could see a substantial reduction in emissions relatively quickly as well as the opportunity to expand output of renewable energy, which the report says could be developed to mutual advantage.

While the combination of unilateral and regional efforts might make for a “messy” process, the report says that it is a process which has the highest chance of success.

Garnaut’s measures sound and affordable

The Clean Energy Council has urged Australia to support Professor Garnaut’s serious assessment of the climate crisis, adding that clean energy technology is mature, ready and affordable.

The Council has said that significant carbon reduction is achievable and affordable but that transitioning the energy sector needs to start immediately. The Council said that Professor Garnaut clearly recognises that Australia’s economic security is at risk from climate change and that inaction today will cost all more later.

According to the Clean Energy Council, studies show that complementary policies, including clean energy and energy efficiency targets called for by Professor Garnaut, will cushion the energy sector’s transition to a low carbon economy. Such a suite of measures, including the promised increase to 20 per cent by 2020 of the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET), together with energy efficiency targets, will stabilise emissions from the energy sector and cost as little as 45 cents per person per week – less than a postage stamp.

Stationary energy is responsible for 50 per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions so any significant greenhouse gas reduction strategy must target the energy sector directly; and renewable energy targets have proved successful and affordable around the world, the Council said.

The Council, along with many Australians, has applauded Professor Garnaut’s recognition of the science and the urgent need to address climate change with bold measures – both here and in partnership with our developing and developed neighbours.

Australia has an important role to play in setting the global agenda on climate change and it is not too late to avert a climate crisis. The Australian clean energy industry is ready right now with the knowledge and technology to deliver clean energy to start dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions.