In today's society, climate change has become a significant issue and many countries, for instance, Norway, Iceland and Brazil, have adopted strong climate targets for renewable energy. However, the Australian Government has done little to combat climate change, having set poor renewable energy targets, and even encouraging projects that bring detrimental environmental effects. They seem to be conflicted between the revenues that flow from fossil fuels and adopting a strong stance on climate change. 

The consequences of these actions - or lack of - have never been so apparent. In recent years, abnormal climate events have occurred, with higher frequency and extremity. These include higher average temperatures, fires, floods and droughts that have had harmful impacts on Australian ecology and human life. The outcome has been the destruction of homes and wildlife habitats, air pollution, loss of livestock, coral bleaching and much more.

In response, the current Labor Government has publicly announced their underwhelming legislation of reducing Australia's emissions by 43 per cent (of 2005 levels) by 2030. They also promise Australia's transition to ‘net zero’ by 2050. However, recent science suggests that this is not enough. For instance, The Climate Council recommends that Australia cut its emissions by 75 per cent (based on 2005 levels) by 2030 and aim to reach net zero by 2035.

Setting stronger renewable energy targets, aligned with the suggestions of current science, would bring positive effects to Australia. For instance, it would lower air pollution, in turn increasing community health. It would also increase energy supply diversity and decrease reliance on imported fuels. Furthermore, it would stimulate economic growth, with WWF Australia determining moving away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy alternatives by 2040 may result in the creation of nearly 400,000 jobs and grow Australia’s economy by $89 billion.

For these reasons, the Australian Federal Government should adopt a stronger renewable energy target.