The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

Barnaby Joyce wants Australia to abandon net zero – but his 5 central claims don’t stack up

  • Written by Ella Vines, Post-doctoral researcher, Green Lab, Monash University

One-time Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce sought to dominate the first sitting week of the current federal parliament by proposing a divisive plan[1] to reverse Australia’s net zero emissions target.

The campaign, backed by fellow former Nationals leader Michael McCormack[2], aims to repeal what Joyce calls Australia’s “lunatic crusade” of net zero by 2050. It comes as Opposition Leader Sussan Ley convenes a working group[3] to set a way forward on climate and energy policy following the Coalition’s historic election defeat.

Meanwhile, the Albanese government is considering Australia’s next round of emissions reduction targets[4]. And scientists warn just three years[5] remain for the world to keep global warming below the vital 1.5°C threshold.

If Australia is to take meaningful climate action, federal parliament must engage with the facts honestly and without distortion. So let’s take a closer look at whether Joyce and McCormack’s latest claims withstand scrutiny.

steam billows from coal-fired power station.
Joyce calls Australia’s net zero target a ‘lunatic crusade’. DIEGO FEDELE/AAP

Claim 1: Australia’s net zero policy will not address climate change

Joyce describes as[6] “perverse” the notion that Australia’s net zero goal can meaningfully help address global climate change.

This claim is not backed by science[7].

Every tonne of greenhouse gas emissions adds to global warming. What’s more, Joyce’s claim ignores the near-universal agreement of nations signed up to the Paris Agreement[8] – including Australia – to pursue efforts (including domestic measures) to limit the average global temperature rise to 1.5°C.

It’s true that collective national efforts to curb warming have so far been insufficient[9]. But that doesn’t mean they should be abandoned.

steam billows from coal-fired power station.
Every tonne of greenhouse gas emissions adds to global warming. DIEGO FEDELE/AAP

Claim 2: Global support for net zero is waning

McCormack claims there is a growing global shift[10] against net zero, and Joyce describes it as “a peculiar minority position[11]”.

This statement is not backed by evidence.

In fact, the number of countries, cities, businesses and other institutions pledging to get to net-zero is growing[12].

In the United States, President Donald Trump has dismantled climate policy[13], damaging that nation’s progress towards net zero. But many US states have retained the target[14], and global climate action will continue regardless[15] of Trump’s actions.

A landmark court ruling this week is likely to further strengthen global pressure for nations to ramp up emissions reduction. The advisory opinion[16] by the International Court of Justice observed countries are legally obliged to prevent harms caused by climate change – including by regulating the fossil fuel industry.

As others have noted[17], Australia must now reconsider its stance on approving new fossil fuel projects – including those geared to export markets.

People gather behind a banner reading 'courts have spoken – governments must act now'
the International Court of Justice said countries are legally obliged to prevent harms caused by climate change. JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images

Claims 3: the net zero goal is a security threat

Joyce claims a net zero policy agenda is “treacherous” for Australia’s security and will “inflame our incapacity” to contend with geopolitical threats.

But evidence[18] suggests the opposite is true. There is a significant link between climate change and certain types of military conflicts.

Research[19] predicts the Australian Defence Force will become involved in more wars as the climate crisis escalates, and respond to more frequent climate-related disasters inside our borders.

soldiers load items onto a truck
Australia’s military will increasingly be called on to help after domestic climate-fuelled disasters. Pictured: soldiers help clear a street in Chinderah, New South Wales, after a 2022 flood. WO2 MAX BREE/Department of Defence

Claim 4: net zero is bad for regional Australia

Both Joyce and McCormack say the net zero target and associated renewable energy rollout is devastating regional Australia[20]. The Institute of Public Affairs, a prominent right-wing think tank, this week launched a documentary[21] making similar claims.

Joyce cited division in rural communities over renewable energy. In reality, there is significant support in regional Australia for such technology. A poll last year[22] by Farmers for Climate Action found 70% of regional Australians in renewable energy zones[23] support the development of renewable energy projects on local farmland.

Joyce also pointed to “the removal of agricultural land from production” to support his stance. However, analysis shows very little farmland[24] is required for the clean energy transition.

What’s more, the cost of inaction is high. Climate change is disproportionately affecting[25] cost of living for regional households – for example, due to higher insurance premiums.

Joyce also appears deaf to the myriad regional voices calling for stronger climate action.

The Mackay Conservation Group, for example, is challenging Whitehaven’s Winchester South coal mine in Queensland’s Land Court[26]. Similarly, an environment group based in the NSW Hunter Valley this week successfully appealed[27] the expansion of MACH Energy’s Mount Pleasant coal mine.

sheep graze near solar panels
Support for renewable energy in the regions is high. Mick Tsikas/AAP

Only facts can stop a new wave of climate wars

Clearly, the efforts of Joyce and McCormack to undermine Australia’s net zero goal are not backed by evidence.

The Coalition must heed the facts – not backbench pressure – as it weighs its climate and energy policy. Only then can Australia avoid reigniting the divisive climate wars[28] that stalled progress and positioned Australia as a global laggard.

Likewise, the Albanese government must not be distracted from the climate action task. Australia’s next round of climate targets should be based on the best available science, and make a meaningful, credible contribution to the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

References

  1. ^ divisive plan (www.theguardian.com)
  2. ^ backed by fellow former Nationals leader Michael McCormack (www.theguardian.com)
  3. ^ convenes a working group (www.abc.net.au)
  4. ^ next round of emissions reduction targets (www.climatechangeauthority.gov.au)
  5. ^ warn just three years (www.bbc.com)
  6. ^ describes as (barnabyjoyce.com.au)
  7. ^ science (www.ipcc.ch)
  8. ^ Paris Agreement (unfccc.int)
  9. ^ insufficient (unfccc.int)
  10. ^ claims there is a growing global shift (www.theaustralian.com.au)
  11. ^ a peculiar minority position (www.facebook.com)
  12. ^ is growing (www.un.org)
  13. ^ dismantled climate policy (www.carbonbrief.org)
  14. ^ retained the target (www.esgtoday.com)
  15. ^ will continue regardless (theconversation.com)
  16. ^ advisory opinion (www.icj-cij.org)
  17. ^ others have noted (theconversation.com)
  18. ^ evidence (www.sciencedirect.com)
  19. ^ Research (researchcentre.army.gov.au)
  20. ^ devastating regional Australia (www.theaustralian.com.au)
  21. ^ launched a documentary (www.youtube.com)
  22. ^ poll last year (www.theguardian.com)
  23. ^ renewable energy zones (www.energyco.nsw.gov.au)
  24. ^ very little farmland (theconversation.com)
  25. ^ disproportionately affecting (australiainstitute.org.au)
  26. ^ Queensland’s Land Court (www.edo.org.au)
  27. ^ successfully appealed (www.caselaw.nsw.gov.au)
  28. ^ climate wars (wires.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/barnaby-joyce-wants-australia-to-abandon-net-zero-but-his-5-central-claims-dont-stack-up-261837

Times Magazine

DIY Is In: How Aussie Parents Are Redefining Birthday Parties

When planning his daughter’s birthday, Rich opted for a DIY approach, inspired by her love for drawing maps and giving clues. Their weekend tradition of hiding treats at home sparked the idea, and with a pirate ship playground already chosen as t...

When Touchscreens Turn Temperamental: What to Do Before You Panic

When your touchscreen starts acting up, ignoring taps, registering phantom touches, or freezing entirely, it can feel like your entire setup is falling apart. Before you rush to replace the device, it’s worth taking a deep breath and exploring what c...

Why Social Media Marketing Matters for Businesses in Australia

Today social media is a big part of daily life. All over Australia people use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok , LinkedIn and Twitter to stay connected, share updates and find new ideas. For businesses this means a great chance to reach new customers and...

Building an AI-First Culture in Your Company

AI isn't just something to think about anymore - it's becoming part of how we live and work, whether we like it or not. At the office, it definitely helps us move faster. But here's the thing: just using tools like ChatGPT or plugging AI into your wo...

Data Management Isn't Just About Tech—Here’s Why It’s a Human Problem Too

Photo by Kevin Kuby Manuel O. Diaz Jr.We live in a world drowning in data. Every click, swipe, medical scan, and financial transaction generates information, so much that managing it all has become one of the biggest challenges of our digital age. Bu...

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Times Features

What Makes Certain Rings or Earrings Timeless Versus Trendy?

Timeless rings and earrings are defined by designs that withstand the test of time, quality craftsmanship, and versatility. Trendy pieces, on the other hand, often stand testimony ...

Italian Street Kitchen: A Nation’s Favourite with Expansion News on Horizon

Successful chef brothers, Enrico and Giulio Marchese, weigh in on their day-to-day at Australian foodie favourite, Italian Street Kitchen - with plans for ‘ambitious expansion’ to ...

What to Expect During a Professional Termite Inspection

Keeping a home safe from termites isn't just about peace of mind—it’s a vital investment in the structure of your property. A professional termite inspection is your first line o...

Booty and the Beasts - The Podcast

Cult TV Show Back with Bite as a Riotous New Podcast  The show that scandalised, shocked and entertained audiences across the country, ‘Beauty and the Beast’, has returned in ...

A Guide to Determining the Right Time for a Switchboard Replacement

At the centre of every property’s electrical system is the switchboard – a component that doesn’t get much attention until problems arise. This essential unit directs electrici...

Après Skrew: Peanut Butter Whiskey Turns Australia’s Winter Parties Upside Down

This August, winter in Australia is about to get a lot nuttier. Skrewball Whiskey, the cult U.S. peanut butter whiskey that’s taken the world by storm, is bringing its bold brand o...