An open letter to all candidates for the 2022 Australian federal election

Dear Candidate,

An open letter to all candidates for the 2022 Australian federal election:?

Atmospheric chemistry does not know about your election cycle. It doesn't care about your lofty commitments to respond to the climate crisis, it's chemistry. Although atmospheric CO2 is nearing 420 parts per million, and likely the highest level seen in 4.1-4.5 million years, it is not the atmosphere that needs 'saving' from the climate crisis. It is humanity.

To credibly address the climate crisis there needs to be a fundamental shift beyond ambiguous technology and offset promissory notes banking on future 'negative emissions'. Technology and offsets alone will not prevent a warming of 1.5°C. To maintain a stable global climate, conservation and regeneration of biodiversity must also be prioritised.

The Australian climate and landscape provide an optimal opportunity to generate renewable energy. Energy to power our local economy and export zero-emission industrial products such as steel, aluminium, copper and other metals. By decarbonising our supply chains, Australia can help the world decarbonise while building the industries of the future.?

To paraphrase energy expert and fellow Australian, Saul Griffith, it is time to stop waiting for decisive action from other countries. It is time to stop succumbing to the distortions of fossil fuel profiteering. This distortion has not only hindered progress on the decarbonisation of our local economy but also concealed Australia’s enormous opportunity to become a renewable energy powerhouse.

It is time for Australia to lead the world in emissions reduction.

The science is clear: If Australia does not begin to substantially reduce its carbon emissions during this federal election cycle, a limit of 1.5°C of warming cannot be achieved.? The next few years are absolutely critical. According to the IPPC's Mitigation of Climate Change report, we are not on yet on track to limit warming to less than 1.5°C, however, we do have the tools and expertise to make emissions cuts.

We ask you as a candidate for the 2022 federal election, to demonstrate leadership to your constituents. We ask you to publicly and clearly state your level of commitment to decarbonise Australia's economy and nominate decisive actions you will take on climate change.?

The Australian public expects better and deserves better than what has been demonstrated by our political leaders to date. It is a government’s job to lead its people into a future that’s better than the present for its citizens. Now is the time for strong political leadership, with the guts and determination to make the policy changes required.?

We look forward to your response.