Industry groups and climate change experts are calling on the government to use the economic recovery effort after the disruption from the global coronavirus pandemic to generate jobs and economic growth by rolling out low-emissions technologies.
On Wednesday the UK government announced it had postponed the United Nations climate change conference which it was set to host in Glasgow in November. It is expected to be reconvened some time next year.
Emissions reduction action like solar panel installation could help recover from the economic downturn of the coronavirus.Credit:Bradley Kanaris
Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor said the federal government remains "committed to the Paris Agreement" and the Morrison government has previously promised to release a long-term emission reduction strategy ahead of the UN talks, backed with an "investment roadmap" to guide government expenditure on emissions reduction technologies.
Anna Skarbek, chief executive of the ClimateWorks policy advisory body with Monash University, said the actions needed to achieve our climate commitments are compatible with economic stimulus to recover from the pandemic.
"Basically a lot of the action for meeting climate goals involves upgrading equipment to emissions-free versions, and bringing forward investment in infrastructure that enables more use of renewable electricity and other zero emissions solutions, and reduces energy waste," Ms Skarbek said.
There are "shovel-ready" solutions to be deployed in waste management, energy efficiency and power generation to be deployed across industries that could generate new installation and manufacturing jobs, she said, which would deliver a "double win" for the economy.
Anna Skarbek, Executive Director of ClimateWorks.Credit:Simon Schluter
"Let's do that in a way that locks in zero-emissions buildings and infrastructure and supply chains, and importantly doesn't lock out the chance to halve emissions in the next decade."
Top climate scientists agree that for Australia to meet its Paris Commitment, which is to act consistently with limiting global warming to under 2 degrees, the country must achieve net zero global emissions before 2050.
Chief executive of employer association the Australian Industry Group Innes Willox said "technology adoption and policy action" could be deployed to achieve "both a strong recovery and a lower emissions trajectory for the economy".
"This could involve technology adoption and policy action. We have raised this potential with federal and state governments and will continue to do so. " Mr Willox said.
On Tuesday Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told a meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bankers that fellow rich nations must find a way to lead global recovery from the health crisis.
"It must coordinate the lifting of travel, transport and production restrictions, and commit to fiscal actions that will stimulate a rebound in business activity and get people back to work," he said.
Minerals Council of Australia chief executive Tania Constable said she supported "continued action on climate change, Australia's participation in the Paris Agreement and a transformation to a low emissions global economy".
Mr Taylor said the federal government would continue to pursue its "practical and responsible" emissions reduction policies.
"Our commitment is achievable, balanced and responsible, and is part of coordinated global action to deliver a healthy environment for future generations while keeping our economy strong," he said.
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