Dave Sharma: lock in net zero 2050 emissions before Glasgow

MP Dave Sharma has told of the climate discussions in Canberra this week and urged his colleagues to lock in the 2050 target ahead of the Glasgow summit.

Past Australian ambassador Dave Sharma says it is crucial Australia firms its position on net zero emissions by 2050 prior to the Glasgow summit.

The Wentworth MP has long been vocal about taking action on climate change and the issue has come to a head this week.

Mr Sharma told the Wentworth Courier the issue had dominated the first week back in parliament.

“I think those discussions have gone well. I think generally there’s a bit of a recognition the world is moving in this direction and Australia doesn’t have a big say in that,” Mr Sharma said.

“The train is leaving the station. It’s a matter of whether we get on board or get left behind.”

Dave Sharma outside parliament. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

Mr Sharma said he believed Australia should go to the Glasgow summit with its position on net zero made clear.

“Our big strategic security, trade and economic partners are moving in this direction. Our biggest ally the United States has gone from being outside the Paris agreement to back in with a vengeance under Biden,” Mr Sharma said.

“Countries like Japan and Korea with who we do a lot of trade with, countries like France and other European nations with who we have close relationships – we share values, we share interests.

“It’s important we go with a credible position.”

Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce stated this afternoon (Wednesday) he will report back to the Prime Minister within a day on his party’s stance after earlier claiming to have been “forced into a corner”.

“There’s been a lot of focus this week in parliament and within the coalition on Glasgow. We’ve had a lot of discussions and deliberations internally and also in parliament,” Mr Sharma said.

“There’s no surprise really that there’s no homogenising view which partly reflects our diversity – city, rural, regional, Nationals and Liberals all bring their point of view.

“Some are more concerned about the challenges emissions targets could present to their electorate if for instance they depend on coal mining and the prosperity or livelihood of the town is tied up in fossil fuels.

“But there’s been lots of reassuring talk what this transition means for Australia. There are lots of new opportunities for Australia and lots of direction on how we are preparing to support communities through the transition.”

Climate change is a huge concern for constituents in the beach loving east. Picture: John Appleyard

Mr Sharma said the hydrogen, green steel and green aluminium industries were examples of this potential as was the mining of minerals key to the new economy including lithium and rare earth.

“I am happy to say I’ve had lots of conversations with colleagues with the Prime Minister and treasurer and also with my Nationals colleagues about the importance of net zero,” he said.

“It’s not just important to my community in Wentworth, but it’s important to Australia’s national interest and I think that’s something I am well placed to say given my background.”

2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference kicks off in Glasgow on October 31.