As countries begin announcing their proposed 2035 emission reduction targets at COP29 in Baku, Australia's social service sector released a statement calling on the Australian government to aim for net zero emissions by 2035.
Signed by 41 organisations, the statement argues that to keep global warming at 1.5 degrees and do our fair share, the science says Australia should aim to reduce emissions to net zero by 2035. 2050 is too late.
ACOSS CEO, Dr Cassandra Goldie said: "People experiencing disadvantage, including First Nations communities, are impacted by climate change first, worse, and longest because they have access to fewer resources to cope, adapt and recover.
"We're seeing firsthand the toll climate change is taking on people's lives, mental and physical health, cost of living, housing, and quality of life. Their futures and wellbeing are squarely in the government's hands, and having an ambitious science-based 2035 target is crucial."
Speaking from COP29 in Baku:
ACOSS Program Director, Climate and Energy, Kellie Caught, said: "While there will be 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. We must accelerate our action and address this crisis more fairly and equitably, prioritising people and communities experiencing disadvantage."
Julie-Anne Richards, Oxfam Australia Climate Policy and Advocacy Lead, said: "Climate change is already affecting communities here in Australia with catastrophic floods, heatwaves and bushfires.
"In the Pacific, the impacts of climate change like worsening cyclones are being felt even more acutely, with a 700% increase in the number of people impacted by climate disasters this decade, compared to the previous decade.
"Australia has the opportunity and the responsibility to step up our climate ambition at home by setting a target of net zero by 2035, and to increase support to Pacific Islands facing worsening climate disasters.
"If we make big coal, oil and gas corporations pay for the climate damage they have caused we can do both."
Reverend Faiimata (Mata) Havea Hiliau, Uniting Church in Australia said:
"Climate impacts on our social services and congregations are rapidly escalating. Climate change affects everyone, but not everyone equally. The disadvantaged, Pasifika people and First Nations peoples are being hit earlier and harder.
"Australia must stop digging up new fossil fuel reserves that we know we can't in good conscience ever burn and it must lift its own ambition in reducing emissions."
The full statement and list of 41 signatories can be seen here.
