Trump Election Will Not Derail Australia’s Climate Plans: Minister

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen speaks to guests at the APAC Hydrogen Summit in Brisbane, Australia on Sept. 13, 2024. AAP Image/Jono Searle

Labor Energy Minister Chris Bowen has reaffirmed the Australian government’s commitment to climate action amid the uncertainty posed by Donald Trump’s re-election to the White House.

The president elect plans to halt offshore wind projects, withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement, and dismantle the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provided billions in grants to renewable energy projects.

Other Countries Could Lead Net Zero Transition: Bowen

In the wake of the election, the Albanese government is considering possible 2035 targets as part of the updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for the Paris Agreement.

It already has a 2050 target, and a 2030 target to reform the electricity grid so that it is 82 percent powered by renewables.

In response to inquiries, Bowen’s office directed The Epoch Times to a previous interview on the matter.

“The election of a new president doesn’t change some fundamentals, regardless of what approach he takes,” Bowen told ABC Radio.

He pointed to fundamental areas the government will focus on: the ongoing impact of global warming, the economic strength of renewable energy, and the need for middle powers like Australia to lead in climate action despite potential shifts in U.S. policy.

“The United States is responsible for just a bit more than 10 percent of the world’s emissions. So, does that mean the rest of the 90 percent of us don’t bother anymore, even if the U.S. does withdraw action? No, it doesn’t,” Bowen said.

Bowen stated it would also allow countries like Australia, Germany, Canada, and the UK to take the lead.

Minister Bowen pointed to the importance of the Pacific region in Australia’s climate diplomacy, especially if China emerges as a global leader in emissions reductions.

“China will be putting forward a 2035 target at some time in the next few months. They are the world’s largest emitter, with a bit more than a third of emissions. They will be having an internal discussion about whether to take a strong role, a leadership role in emissions reduction or not. We'll see how that plays out in the coming months.”

He stressed the close collaboration between Australia and its Pacific ministerial counterparts, many of whom are scheduled to meet with Bowen in the coming week.

The minister also said hosting COP31 could position Australia as a central voice in global climate policy.

Last week, the Climate Change Authority told Senate Estimates that there would be a delay on advice regarding Australia’s 2035 target, citing “geopolitical factors” and the U.S. election.

Senator Says Australian Industries At Risk

Meanwhile, former Liberal Senator Gerard Rennick, now-founder of People’s First Party, said the withdrawal of the United States would render the Paris Agreement ineffective.

“That will take the countries that are not in the global agreement to over 50 percent of carbon emissions [including China, India, and Indonesia],” he wrote on Facebook.

“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?

“All that staying in Paris does is push up the price of electricity—and everything—for Australians.”