Elected on Saturday (21) New Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanesepromised significant changes to the country’s climate policy – which has some of the highest emissions rates in rich countries and, at the same time, is experiencing a wave of climate-related tragedies.
Albanese is from the Labor Party (center left), still in opposition. He defeated the Liberal-National Coalition’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison and will be sworn in on Monday (23). But it is not yet clear whether his party will get majority in Parliament or not.
The new ruler said in his victory speech that Australia “Can seize the opportunity to become a renewable energy superpower”. At the same time, pressure is being made on them to take strict steps in view of the high consumption of coal in the country.
Climate change is a major concern for Australian voters, who have experienced three years of record-breaking bushfires and floods, killing hundreds and killing billions of animals.
The problem is exacerbated as it converges with the crisis in housing costs: it is estimated that one in 25 households Australia Will be unable to obtain insurance against fire or flood, as it is in high risk areas.
This combination of problems is expected to increase social inequalities and create a “climate ghetto”: uninsured homes will cost less and vulnerable households will be unable to defend themselves against extreme weather events. .
Meanwhile, among developed countries, Australia It is considered one of the least ambitious in climate policy and one of the highest per capita emissions of greenhouse gases. The country still relies on coal to produce most of its electricity and is an exporter of fossil fuels.
Incumbent Prime Minister Morrison, who failed to win re-election, promised to reduce Australian emissions, but current climate policy is seen as one of the key points that has turned many Australian voters away from the current government. gave. A famous scene in the country happened in 2017, when Morrison took a piece of coal to parliament and praised the importance of fossil fuels to the Australian economy.
Australia has experienced three years of record-breaking bushfires and floods, and is one of the least ambitious rich countries on emissions-cutting targets.
Now, should Labor fail to pass the 76-seat parliament with a majority, independent lawmakers and the Green Party – groups that have campaigned for radical action on climate change – gain more leverage in shaping government policies in the region. can do. ,
This could force the new Albanian premier to pursue a policy of more profound changes, especially on coal – until now, the new ruler has blocked licenses for new coal mines or to abandon the country’s use of this fuel. Call is rejected. ,
In an interview with the BBC shortly after his election victory, Albanese stated that Australia “The country has an opportunity to end climate wars” and promised more ambitious cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.
“Australian companies know that good actions against climate change are good for the economy and[creation]and I want to join the global effort.”
Albanian to lead first Labor government Australia In almost a decade.
This Monday, Albanians will travel to Tokyo (Japan) for a conference of the rulers of Japan, India and the United States, a group known as the Quad.
“This will be an opportunity for us to send a message that there has been a change in government and policies on issues like climate change,” Albanese said.
The new prime minister is well known in Australian politics and served as deputy prime minister in 2013.
