From The Australian:
Carbon emissions cuts of between 15 and 25 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030 are under calculation as the Abbott government formulates its target for the Paris climate change conference.
…The statements were seen as a clear signal that the most pessimistic assessments — that Australia would not sweeten its current target of a cut of 13 per cent below 2005 levels to 2020 — were wrong. The Australian understands that some business groups are pushing the government to match Japan’s proposed cut of 25 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. Deliberations on the final shape of Australia’s target are not finalised.
Climate change experts predict Australia will take a “middle of the pack’’ position to the Paris conference. Canada is promising a 30 per cent cut below 2005 levels by 2030. Japan’s target of 25 per cent is seen by some as more realistic. A target of about 25 per cent or below would incur the ire of climate change advocates who would point to the fact that the US has promised a target of 26 to 28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2025.
The Government had no choice on this but the real question is how is it going to achieve the reductions? For Direct Action to deliver those kinds of commitments the Budget will be obliterated. We shall see.
