Just days after Scott Morrisons arrogant stance on climate change hurt Australias closest regional relationships at the Pacific Islands Forum, our oldest friend the UK has called on the Morrison Government to get its act together on climate.
It has been revealed Boris Johnsons UK Government has asked the Morrison Government to develop more ambitious climate policies.
The request was reportedly made by UK High Commissioner to Australia Vicki Treadell during private meetings with embattled Minister for Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor and Foreign Minister Marise Payne.
It was reported in The Guardian today that the UK High Commissioner stated:
The UK government believes we have a moral duty to leave this world in better condition than that which we inherited, which is why we have set ourselves a target of net zero emissions by 2050.
The UKs legislated commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 is the target developed countries must meet to fulfil the Paris Agreement, according to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The commitment brings the UK in line with Spain, France, Norway, Sweden, along with sub-nationals California, New York, London and even Liberal-governed NSW.
Yet the Morrison Government refuses to budge on its 26 percent by 2030 target, which is undermined by its Kyoto carryover accounting tricks. The Governments own emission projections show Australia failing to meet the target by 19 percent.
The Morrison Government continues to isolate Australia on climate change, hurting our economy and reputation.
Authorised by Paul Erickson, ALP, Canberra.