Poll shows Australians want stronger emissions reduction targets and 60% want phase out of coal

PRESS RELEASE

Emissions have increased now for three years in a row, since the repeal of the carbon price. Energy emissions are now at record highs, as revealed by the National Energy Emissions Audit.

National polling released today by the Australia Institute’s Climate & Energy program shows only 25% of Australians believe the country is on track to meet its international commitment.

A majority (58%) of respondents believed that Australia should increase its ambition on cutting emissions and 60% support Australia phasing out coal power by 2030.

• 60% supported Australia joining other nations in committing to phasing out coal power by 2030. Only 22% opposed.
• 58% said Australia should increase its ambition on cutting emissions. 25% said Australia should not increase its ambition.
• 44% said Australia is not on track to meet its 2030 emissions target, while only 25% said it is on track. 31% said they don’t know.

“This polling shows that Australian’s think our emissions targets are too low, and they don’t believe we’re going to reach even our low targets,” Deputy Director of The Australia Institute, Ebony Bennett said.

“The strong majority support for phasing out coal power shows how far the community is ahead of the government on climate change.

“The government’s weak targets and coal addiction risks making Australia a climate pariah, as well as missing out on the jobs and investment that the global renewables boom. And this runs directly against what the Australian public wants.” Ms Bennett said.

In the Paris Agreement on climate change, countries agreed to review their targets and consider increasing ambition. Do you think Australia should increase its ambition on cutting emissions?

Countries like Canada, France, the UK, Italy and New Zealand have joined an international alliance pledging to phase out coal power in their countries by 2030. Should Australia join this alliance?