Australia's new prime minister Anthony Albanese calls for his new cabinet ministers to take an oath at the Government House in Canberra on May 23, 2022. SAEED KHAN AFP SYDNEY - Environmental and conservation groups in Australia have called for climate action by a new government following Saturday's federal election, which has been dubbed a climate election by many. The trends across the country show that a majority of Australians care deeply for climate action and integrity in politics. It is a huge win for the environment at a time when nature needs us most, said Kelly O'Shanassy, CEO of the Australian Conservation Foundation.
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The Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese is looking to make environmental conservation part of his legacy, and the group said that a new government provides an opportunity for an environmental reset.
Together we can end the climate wars. Albanese said in his election victory speech that he believes Australia can be a renewable energy superpower.
O'Shanassy said that more would need to be done to reduce Australia's dependence on coal and gas, while he welcomed a more ambitious gas emissions reduction target.
Labor's goal to have 82 percent of our electricity generated by renewables by 2030 is a step in the right direction, but the new government must reconsider its position on new coal and gas projects. She said that it was not what Australians want, nor what our environment needs.
Marine conservation group Australian Marine Conservation Society called on the government to revise its emissions targets to reduce emissions by 75 percent by the end of the decade and achieve net-zero by 2035.
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AMCS CEO Darren Kindleysides welcomed 200 million Australian dollars and $142 million in funding pledged for reef recovery projects over the next three years.
The Kindleysides said that they support promises to look after our precious environments by strengthening environment laws and protections for threatened and endangered species.