coalition retreats from climate commitment
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The Liberal-National Coalition has dramatically backflipped on Australia’s climate commitments, officially scrapping its net-zero emissions by 2050 pledge in November 2025. The Nationals unanimously agreed to ditch the target earlier in the month, with the Liberal Party following suit shortly after. So much for climate leadership.

This stunning reversal flies in the face of the Coalition’s own history. Malcolm Turnbull’s government backed the Paris Agreement in 2015, and Scott Morrison’s government adopted the net-zero target in 2021. Now? That’s all gone. Interim emission-reduction goals? Scrapped. Instead, the Coalition wants “energy abundance” and cheap power. Good luck with that.

The economic fallout could be massive. Business leaders are horrified. The Business Council of Australia, Minerals Council, and National Farmers Federation all support net-zero targets. But hey, who needs global economic standing or investment in renewables? The Coalition’s brilliant plan includes taxpayer subsidies for coal and gas plants. Because nothing says “future-focused” like doubling down on fossil fuels.

Environmental consequences? Catastrophic. Australia’s pollution could increase by 6.3 billion tonnes over 25 years – equivalent to emissions from 3.2 billion cars. Global temperatures could rise above 3°C, triggering more extreme weather, devastating heatwaves, and coastal flooding. By 2050, approximately 1.5 million Australians could be exposed to coastal flooding. Vast areas may become uninsurable. But sure, let’s focus on “affordable energy.”

The political landscape is shifting too. Labor and Climate 200 immediately launched fundraising campaigns. Teal independents are leveraging the move for support. The Liberal Party faces internal fractures, with mass resignations in South Australia and former MP Fiona Martin slamming the decision. Embracing geothermal energy could provide a solution with its 96% capacity factor and minimal environmental impact. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley insists the policy change won’t hurt the party’s popularity in city seats, claiming that power prices are a primary concern for all voters.

Pacific nations expected Australia to do more on climate, not less. Our global reputation? Tanking. The Coalition’s approach aligns with a nightmarish future of runaway climate change.

As the parties negotiate their final climate policy, one thing’s clear: this isn’t just a policy shift. It’s a dangerous gamble with our planet’s future. And we’ll all pay the price.

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