Queensland cannot afford to be left behind in a net zero world

Queensland and Australia cannot afford to be left behind as the rest of the globe inevitably and inextricably moves towards a net zero economy, writes Chris Jones.

For too long the climate change debate has been dominated by ideology and extremism on both sides, with the disagreement never so much about truth as about dogma.

One truth is there will be myriad opportunities if we successfully adapt ahead of new technologies becoming mainstream. Our goal should of course be to become a global renewables superpower.

But just as we should always listen to the science over the scientists when researching climate change, we should also be honest about the costs of taking action.

And another truth – an inconvenient one, you might say – is that the promise of a new lithium ion battery industry in Townsville will not help pay the mortgage held by a coal miner from Moranbah.

The Courier Mail Editor Chris Jones.

Over the next two weeks we will lead a conversation about how Australia can best confront this significant challenge.

There is a growing global consensus that action must be taken on climate change.

Queensland, and Australia, cannot afford to be left behind as the rest of the globe inevitably and inextricably moves towards a net zero economy.

And so as world leaders prepare to gather in Glasgow for their historic climate summit, the time is right to take a clear-eyed look at why we need to achieve net zero by

2050 – and how we can ensure our state and nation are not losers in that new economy.

We have enlisted some of the world’s best minds to help, and these experts are convinced that our state and nation can continue to prosper in this new global era.

They also say we can ensure both that no worker is left behind, and that no family is worse off.

It won’t be easy, but for Queensland in particular there is nothing more critical.

It is a challenge we call Mission Zero.

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For more on this series go to: www.missionzero2050.com.au

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