Australia adopts target of net zero emissions by 2050 but won't legislate goal

(Reuters, 26 Oct 2021) Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Australia, one of the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases on a per capita basis, will achieve the target largely through technology development.

Australia, long under fire as one of world's top producers of coal and gas, said it will target net zero carbon emissions by 2050, but added it will not legislate the goal and instead rely on consumers and companies to drive emission reductions.

The adoption of the target will ease international criticism after Australia earlier refused to join countries in pledging to meet the target ahead of the United Nations COP26 climate conference in Glasgow from Oct. 31 to Nov. 12.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia, one of the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases on a per capita basis, will achieve the target largely through technology development, with the government investing A$20 billion ($15 billion).

The investment will reduce the costs of technologies such as clean hydrogen and increase their use, he said.

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Reuters, 26 Oct 2021: Australia adopts target of net zero emissions by 2050 but won't legislate goal