Going backwards

Australia has been criticized for its lack of commitment to curbing carbon emissions. According to a study released on Monday, November 10, the country's investment in renewable energy has fallen by 70 percent.

The report, published by the independent Australia-based Climate Council and titled "Lagging Behind: Australia and the Global Response to Climate Change," found that Canberra had gone from "leader to laggard" in combating climate challenges. "The future of Australia's renewable energy industry remains highly uncertain due to a lack of clear federal government renewable energy policy," said the report.

Since coming to power last year, Australian Premier Tony Abbott's conservative government has abolished a tax on carbon emissions and forcefully defended the use of coal to generate energy. The new study comes as China and the United States unveiled an agreement to new greenhouse emissions targets on Wednesday, November 12.

Ahead of the G20 Summit in Brisbane next week, environmental groups and activists are calling on world leaders to take stronger action to tackle climate change and its looming consequences.

Amanda McKenzie, the CEO of the Climate Council, says in a DW interview that Australia is clearly missing the chance of tackling climate change despite being rich in renewable energy sources. It is a pity that the country's position on climate change has gone backwards, compared to other major polluters such as China and the US, she adds.

DW: The world's two largest polluters, the United States and China, recently announced what some regard as a groundbreaking agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. What signal does this send to Canberra?

Amanda McKenzie: This is a historic agreement to reduce carbon emissions. This deal, which will cover 50 percent of global pollution, demonstrates that the world is moving to reduce its impact and Australia must be a lifter in this effort and not a leaner.

Canberra is a major climate change player. Per person, we are the highest emitter, more than the Europeans or Chinese. This means that the country has a responsibility to play its part and that our actions have a global influence. Australia must immediately look at its emissions reduction targets and the policies it is pursuing.

In your organization's report you claim that Australia has moved from a "leader to a laggard" in the fight against climate change. What do you base this on?

Unfortunately, Australia's position on climate change has gone backwards, compared to other major polluters like China and the US. We have either scrapped or dismantled a large number of policies which were designed to reduce emissions. Our emission reduction target of 5 percent is far too low and out of step with our allies and trading partners. Renewable energy investment is in substantial decline due to government threats to weaken the renewable energy target.

What has happened to investments in renewable energy in the country?

Earlier this year, the government announced it would review the renewable energy target charging a climate denier and a fossil fuel lobbyist with the review. Since that review the government has indicated its intention to substantially weaken the target. As a consequence of all of this uncertainty, renewable energy investment has dropped and is now under threat.

Where are the big international companies investing instead?

The renewable energy industry is booming, and investment is simply going overseas. It is really disappointing, as it has the potential to not only reduce the emissions but benefit Australians. We are the sunniest country in the world and one of the windiest. There are huge opportunities for Australia to exploit natural, renewable resources.

What are other countries doing differently?

China consolidated its position as the world's renewable energy powerhouse in the past year with 2.6 million people employed in the renewable energy sector, which is also providing nearly one-fifth of the nation's annual electricity generation.

The US is rapidly exploiting the global shift to renewable energy, coming second only to China for installed renewable energy due to a range of state based renewable energy targets, incentives and initiatives.

The latest agreement between the US and China was a game changer. Both countries are turning down their pollution and moving towards renewable energy. China stated that they are creating an "energy revolution." China's efforts will drive the cost of renewable energy further and further down and drive global momentum in tackling climate change.

Do you mean to say that Canberra is missing the chance of tackling climate change?

Australia is now significantly lagging behind the rest of the world on climate change. It's certainly a concern because the country is highly vulnerable to climate change and we are already seeing the impacts - hotter, longer heat waves, and worsening bushfire conditions. We have a lot to do, and the clock is ticking. We need a credible plan to cut emissions by a lot more than we have now, and we need policies that provide certainty for the alternative energy sector.

What are the short and long term implications of the government's current climate policy?

In the short term, Australia is missing huge opportunities available to increase renewable sources of energy. In the longer term, we face the risk of stranded assets, as Australia appears to be attempting to put too many eggs in the mining basket and failing to read the winds of change.

Amanda McKenzie is the CEO of the Climate Council. She has been instrumental in setting up the new Australian Climate Council as an independent replacement to the Climate Commission, funded through crowd sourcing public donations.