Australia must aim for net zero by 2035: Community Sector
Community Sector
Australia’s community sector has united to call on the Australian Government to aim for net zero emissions by 2035 to reduce the harmful impacts of climate change.
A statement signed by 88 organisations says that to protect people and the planet, we must keep global warming at 1.5C. To do our fair share as a country, the science argues Australia should aim to reduce emissions to net zero by 2035. Waiting until 2050 is too late.
“Our sector is seeing firsthand the severe toll climate change is taking on people’s mental and physical health, quality of life, housing and cost of living,” said ACOSS CEO, Dr Cassandra Goldie AO.
“People and communities experiencing disadvantage are impacted by climate change first, worse, and longest because they have access to fewer resources to cope, adapt and recover.
“While there will be some challenges, going slow on emission reduction will only cost the economy and society more and make poverty and inequality in Australia worse.
“So many of the solutions we need are already here, from large-scale renewables to more energy-efficient and electric homes, workplaces, industry and transport.
“We must accelerate our action and address this crisis more fairly and equitably, prioritising people and communities experiencing disadvantage.
“The future and wellbeing of people in Australia is squarely in the government’s hands. Adopting an ambitious science-based 2035 target and more equitable and inclusive climate change policies is crucial.”
The Australian Government is currently deliberating its 2035 emissions reduction target.
The full statement and list of 88 signatories can be seen here.
ACOSS media contact: Lauren Ferri 0422 581 506
QUOTES FROM SIGNATORIES
Cohealth CEO, Nicole Bartholomeusz, said: “At Cohealth, we know that climate change is a health emergency. It is having alarming impacts on people’s physical and mental health, and those who are already disadvantaged are the most affected.
“In addition to the environmental benefits, acting on climate change will deliver positive health improvements to our communities.
“With immediate action required to slow global warming, Cohealth joins our colleagues in Australia’s community sector in urging the federal government to aim for net zero emissions by 2035.”
Cohealth media contact: Adam Bennett 0424 147 230
Alopi Latukefu, Director, Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education, said: “As the potential host of COP31 with the Pacific next year, Australia has a practical, strategic and moral obligation to be ambitious with its 2035 targets in the interest of not only Australia but our region and the world. Yesterday's advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice only reinforces this.”
Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education media contact: Alopi +61 4 66 028 196
Jesuit Social Services CEO Julie Edwards, said: “As a social change organisation working directly with vulnerable people and communities, we see first-hand the impact of climate change in how it disrupts lives, exacerbates hardship and deepens cycles of disadvantage. We strongly urge the Federal Government to accelerate its plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2035, not 2050, in line with the latest science. Waiting too long to act will have catastrophic consequences on the people and communities that are the least responsible for, but the first and worst hit by climate change.”
JSS media contact: Kathryn Kernohan 0409 901 248
Susanne Legena, CEO of Plan International Australia, said: "Girls in the Pacific are being hit hard by climate change right now. It impacts all aspects of their lives including the food they eat and the water they drink, their access to education and housing. Climate change is affecting every aspect of their health and wellbeing."
"We asked girls in the Pacific what action needs to be taken to respond to climate change and their top priority was dramatically cutting emissions. Climate change is a clear and present threat to Pacific girls' lives and futures. High polluting countries like Australia must listen to the call of girls in the Pacific and act quickly to cut emissions by not approving new coal mines or gas plants that are driving climate change."
Plan International media contact: James Norman 0451291775
Nikita White, Campaigner, Amnesty International Australia, said: "Climate change is one of the greatest human rights challenges of our time and each day of inaction means more suffering for the people and communities, many of whom have contributed the least to the climate crisis. With so many people in Australia already facing the consequences of climate inaction through floods, fires, and rising sea levels, the Australian government must reduce emissions to net zero by 2035 to protect people's human rights."
Amnesty Australia media contact: Rayana 0423 552 208
Nicky Sloan, CEO, Community Industry Group said: “People in regional communities often feel forgotten in the climate debate, but the reality is that many are hit hard by energy-poverty. Energy poverty is driving up rates of homelessness, mental ill-health, and physical ill health as individuals and families on incomes which are typically well below their metropolitan counterparts struggle to meet the rising cost of energy.”
Community Industry Group media contact: Nicky Sloan 0407 933 279
WACOSS CEO Louise Giolitto, said: “People in marginalised communities and those furthest from the levers of power are often those who are hit first and worst by the impacts of climate change. Tackling climate change is critical to ensuring no one is left behind.”
WACOSS media contact: Fraser Beattie 0421 505 557
VCOSS CEO Juanita Pope, said: “The effects of climate change are not felt equally. Climate change is taking a disproportionate toll on the physical, mental and financial health of those who can least afford it. It’s critical that Australia adopts a strong 2035 emissions target to demonstrate the importance of mitigating climate change on the global stage. It’s equally important that we achieve a strong 2035 target without leaving behind those who have the least.”
VCOSS media contact: Andrew Ramadge 0475797471
Alice Salomon, Head of Advocacy, Uniting NSW.ACT, said: "Uniting is working on many fronts to tackle climate change and ensure that the people we serve are not left behind. We know those who can least afford it who are being unfairly impacted the most by the climate and energy crisis.
“We see every day the tough choices people are having to make between putting food on the table or paying an energy bill. We need to drastically curb our emissions if we want to see the harms caused by global heating on the most vulnerable reduced,” Alice said.
Uniting NSW.ACT media contact: Andrew Bradley 0481 064 379
Rev. Faaimata (Mata) Havea Hiliau, Moderator of the Uniting Church Synod of NSW and ACT said: “Climate change affects everyone, but not everyone equally – as always it is the most vulnerable that bear the most weight of harmful climate impacts. Climate change caused by burning fossil fuels – we must change course, urgently.
“We will continue to lobby the government and advocate loudly to seek better, fairer and more equitable climate policy in Australia and play a meaningful part in global efforts to radically curb emissions.”
Uniting Church Synod of NSW and ACT media contact: Andrew Bradley 0481 064 379
Stephanie Holmes, Executive Officer, Association of Alcohol and Other Drug Agencies NT, said: “As the peak body for alcohol and other drug services in the Northern Territory, AADANT has a responsibility to advocate for our members who support some of the most vulnerable people across the NT. Many of these services are already under pressure and are the least equipped to manage the growing impacts of climate change. We must ensure their voices, and the voices of the people they serve, are heard in national climate discussions. That’s why we stand alongside the community sector to call for urgent, inclusive climate action that protects health and wellbeing now and into the future."
Media contact: Stephanie Holmes 0429 901 370
Nirmal Joy, Multicultural Social Justice Coordinator, Sydney Community Forum, said:
“In our daily work alongside vulnerable communities, we consistently hear stories that reveal the deeply layered impacts of climate change on their lives. For those who can only afford the poorest quality housing, with little insulation or protection against extreme weather, the consequences are severe. From worsening health conditions to the constant struggle to make ends meet, climate change is not a distant threat for them; it’s a daily reality.”
Sydney Community Forum media contact: Nirmal Joy 0469 805 078
Dr Harry Randhawa, Uniting Country SA, said: “Australia must aim for net zero by 2035 to meet our climate obligations and to prevent amplifying the hardship experienced by vulnerable communities"
Uniting Country SA media contact: Lisa Cox 0466 577 188