Prime Minister Scott Morrison
PO Box 6022
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Dear Prime Minister
Climate change is the biggest human rights crisis of our time.
The window of opportunity to limit the increase of global average temperatures to below 1.5°C is rapidly closing and Australia is failing in its duty to be a good global citizen in the climate crisis.
Australia’s announcement to achieve net-zero by 2050 is not only long overdue, it also means little without a clear plan to cut carbon emissions this decade.
At COP26, Australia must take bold measures to meet their human rights obligations and to protect the human rights of all, now and in the future.
1. Aim for zero emissions by 2030. Almost all of the world’s advanced economies have now substantially strengthened their 2030 emissions reduction targets. Australia has not. As a first step, Australia must match updated commitments from other wealthy nations and shortly after, submit a NDC required to limit the global average temperature rise to 1.5°C.
2. Progress on climate finance is key to success in Glasgow, but Australia has so far contributed a relatively small amount towards the shared goal of US $100BN per year. We must follow other countries in significantly increasing our contribution. Australia must also recommence contributions to the Green Climate Fund.
3. Support the priorities of our Pacific neighbours when it comes to much-needed progress from COP26 on action to address loss and damage and commit to new and additional funding.
4. Phase out fossil fuels. To keep the goal of limiting warming to 1.5C alive, there is no room for new fossil fuels. A rapid transition to 100% renewable energy is within our grasp. We must join other countries in agreeing to phase out coal and gas by no later than 2030, and commit to ending all public funding for fossil fuels.
5. Ensure the importance of safeguarding human rights in Article 6 of the Paris rulebook during negotiations on carbon markets.
Yours sincerely