Labor Energy Minister Chris Bowen has reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change, stressing its importance for both global climate action and economic transformation.
His statement comes during his address at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29) in Baku on Nov. 19.
Bowen spoke of the agreement’s crucial role in unlocking new economic opportunities.
“The Paris Agreement is working,” Bowen asserted, pointing to the results of the U.N.’s recent Global Stocktake, which showed a significant shift in global efforts to combat climate change.
The tool says the world is now on track to limit temperature rises to between 2 and 3 degrees Celsius.
“But there is still more work to be done, and we need all nations to work together to accelerate efforts to meet the Paris goals,” Bowen said.
However, with the prospect of Trump’s re-election, there are growing concerns about the United States’ continued commitment to the Paris Agreement.
The Australian minister urged all the participating nations to work closely to make it a success.
“I look forward to working closely with you, in the coming days and into the future, to accelerate our efforts to meet the Paris goals.”
When Trump previously held office, he withdrew the United States from the accord.
Australia’s Pledge to Combat Climate Change
Bowen also announced Australia would contribute $50 million to support countries impacted by the climate crisis, particularly in the Pacific region.“This year I returned to Fiji, to meet with climate ministers from across the Pacific, where the impacts of climate change are existential, not far away abstractions,” Bowen explained.
“We must act now to support those most affected by climate change.”
He also highlighted the country’s $20 billion commitment to renewable energy projects as part of the “Future Made in Australia” plan, a major investment in the country’s advanced manufacturing sector intertwined with renewable energy development.
“From the household budget to the national economy, climate action is an opportunity, not a cost. This year, we’ve committed more than $20 billion to clean energy investments, supporting Australia’s position as a global leader in the transition to net-zero.”
The Pacific Islands are deemed to face potential rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and other climate-related disruptions.
Bowen Urges Nations to Step Up New Targets
Bowen concluded his speech urging all nations to step up their climate commitments ahead of the next Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in 2024.“Next year, when we bring forward our next NDCs, we must all strengthen efforts and deliver our highest possible ambition to keep 1.5 degrees alive,” Bowen stated.
Concerns US Withdrawal from Paris Will Render it Ineffective
Meanwhile, the uncertainty surrounding the impending Trump administration has raised questions on the effectiveness of international agreements.Former Liberal Senator Gerard Rennick, now founder of the People’s First Party, argued that any potential withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement would render it ineffective, particularly given that major emitters like China and India remain outside the accord.
“Why would Australia continue to handicap our own industry when countries that account for over half the world’s emissions are not paying the price?” Rennick wrote on Facebook.
“Staying in Paris only pushes up the price of electricity and everything else for Australians.”
However, others, like Associate Professor Christian Downie from the Australian National University, have called on the Australian government to fully embrace the “Future Made in Australia” agenda.
Downie said Australia had a unique advantage due to its abundant renewable resources.
