The Federal Government's independent climate policy adviser has declared Australia's emissions reduction target inadequate and not credible.
In a draft report on emissions reduction targets, the Climate Change Authority says Australia's commitment to cutting emissions by 5 per cent from 2000 levels by 2020 would leave Australia lagging behind other comparable countries like the United States.
It has not recommended a final, tougher target, but has canvassed two options for emissions reductions targets.
It says there could be a 15 per cent reduction by 2020, with a trajectory range of 35 to 50 per cent by 2030.
Alternatively, there could be a 25 per cent reduction in emissions by 2020, with a trajectory range of 40 to 50 per cent by 2030.
The report says a weaker 2020 target would require faster reductions later, if Australia is to play its fair role in contributing to the international goal of limiting global warming by 2 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels.
The Climate Change Authority will accept submissions on the draft report until November 29, with the final report due to be handed to the Government by the end of February. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-10-30/climate-change-authority-emissions-trading-scheme/5057258 The Coalition intends to introduce legislation in the first sitting of Parliament to abolish the authority, which is led by former Reserve Bank governor Bernie Fraser.
The authority was set up by the former Labor government to provide expert advice on carbon pricing and climate policy.
The Opposition's Environment spokesman Mark Butler has warned against shutting the authority down, and says he hopes the Government takes the report seriously.
"The United States is working to a reduction target of 17 per cent by 2020," he said.
"Europe other countries have similar targets.
"This is a debate we need to have and I'd like to see the independent voices maintained in the debate rather than shut down."
Australia will be expected to confirm its emissions reduction plans in the next few years in international climate talks.
Preliminary discussions are set to begin in Warsaw next month.
