Asked what Australian citizens can and should do when faced with the knowledge that capital cities will face significant climate risks as noted in the report, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen says there is space for optimism.
I think many Australians also find the report confronting. I would say to people, let’s be clear-eyed, let’s be realistic but also let’s be optimistic about the future.
“If we take action we can avoid the worst and create investment and jobs in Australia. Many of the regions the most at stake are also where we will create a lot of jobs in the pathway to net zero,” Bowen said.
“There is a lot at stake on the upside for getting it right. I can’t think of any country that I would rather face this challenge than in Australia.
Bowen repeated that there would be “headwinds” in tackling climate change as other nations turn their back on climate action.
The minister was asked specifically about US President Donald Trump’s policies, and responded: “The United States is a bit over 10 per cent of the world’s emissions. [It’s a] a lot, but not 90. I’m not going to comment on the particular politics of other countries. I will say that Australia will continue to work closely with other countries.
“I can point to governments and countries around the world that are continuing to make progress and that’s important and good, and we continue to welcome that,” Bowen said.
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