Morrison is right to emphasise role of technology

Anthony Albanese’s 2050 net zero CO2 emissions goal is an attempt to gain populist appeal by jumping on a bandwagon. It is grossly irresponsible, and will send shivers throughout the industry, agriculture and transport sectors. It also detracts from the focus of how such targets can be met without jeopardising the economy.

Most countries will not meet their Paris 2030 targets for the very reason that they are not prepared to jeopardise their economies and living standards. Pushing out the target to 2050 is an attempt to buy time to develop low-carbon technologies that work without disruption of the economy.

This confirms the correctness of Scott Morrison’s balanced position of prioritising the economy while developing technology. There is no issue with wanting affordable, reliable and environmentally friendly energy. But the focus should be on the technological pathways that get you there.

Ron Hobba, Camberwell, Vic

I wonder why Labor is so obsessed with Australia’s contribution to global carbon emissions, because our population of 25 million pales compared with the world population of 7.8 billion. Any draconian measures forced on us that lowers our standard of living and employment opportunities will have zero effect on the climate.

Rex Womersley, Cairns, Qld

Unfortunately, we have zero information on how Labor’s target will be achieved, except that we will export coal to pay for the cost of renewables.

This reminds me of the plight of Icarus who when he got closer to the sun found that the wax holding his wings on, melted and he plummeted to the ground.

Blade Johnstone, Victoria Point, Qld

There is some degree of misunderstanding about the meaning and significance of Labor’s policy of net zero emissions by 2050 (“ALP target a ‘business bodyblow’ ”, 24/2). It means the level of greenhouse gas emissions (mostly carbon dioxide and methane) offset by the amount of CO2 and methane broken down and/or re-absorbed.

CO2 emissions can be re-absorbed by planting trees; phasing out fossil-fuelled cars in favour of electric vehicles; continuing to make aircraft more fuel efficient; and reducing the use of cement and concrete — the third-largest source of CO2 emissions.

Net zero emissions does not mean the end of the mining, export or domestic use of coal. It will take several decades to phase out coal-fired power. Thermal coal exports are set to continue for many decades, and the use of metallurgical coal for steel making will continue.

Douglas Mackenzie, Deakin, ACT

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese is pledging zero net emissions under a Labor government by 2050. That means no power from coal or gas. Australia is the only G20 country without nuclear power, so where will the base-load power come from for industry, businesses, hospitals and homes?

If we can’t afford electric cars, we will have to ride bicycles or walk. This pledge means no planes will fly in Australia in 2050, no trains will run in 2050. Trucks run on carbon emitting fuels, so no trucks will deliver goods in Australia in 2050. Ships are powered by carbon dioxide-emitting fuel so ships in 2050 will have to be moved by wind and sail.

Albanese’s pledge will effectively return Australia to the 18th century. Has he given any thought to how absurd his pledge is?

James Bowen, Glen Waverley, Vic

The error of Labor’s climate policy is what Friedrich Hayek called fatal conceit. It is the conceit of politicians, bureaucrats and technocrats that they can run an economy. Fatal conceit produces winners and losers, destruction of markets, capital consumption, stupid outcomes, folly and widespread unhappiness.

Victor Diskordia, McKellar, ACT

Claims of the impending death of agriculture with a zero emissions target are shortsighted. There is huge potential for adopting farming practices that are more sustainable and have net negative emissions.

By replacing intensive cropping systems with more conservative ley farming, rotations using legumes can result in sequestration of tens of millions of CO2 equivalent carbon as organic matter in soil while building productivity and soil nutrient status, thereby reversing negative trends in all of those parameters.

Andrew Lake, Edwardstown, SA