Al Gore praises new Qld Premier Steven Miles as ‘climate champion’

The former US vice president has praised Queensland’s new “climate champion” premier, after Steven Miles made a major announcement this week.

Former United States vice president Al Gore has heaped praise on the new Queensland Premier, after Steven Miles announced an overhaul of the state’s climate ambitions.

Within hours of being officially sworn in to be the 40th premier of the state, just days after Annastacia Palaszczuk announced her surprise retirement, Mr Miles on Friday unveiled a bold new climate target for the state.

In his first press conference as leader, Mr Miles pledged that Queensland would increase its greenhouse gas emissions target to 75 per cent by 2035, ahead of net-zero by 2050.

The state had previously committed to reducing emissions by 30 per cent emissions by 2030 – well below every other state and the federal target.

Mr Miles said lifting Queensland’s ambition on climate action would “strengthen our economy and create jobs”.

Steven Miles used his first press conference as premier to announce the new emissions target. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

He was sworn in by Queensland Governor Jeannette Young earlier on Friday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

“By legislating this target, we will create certainty for industry and for jobs. By legislating this target, we are making a very clear statement to the world that … Queensland is the place to do business if you’re looking to use clean energy to create prosperity,” he said.

Mr Gore – one of the leading proponents for more drastic climate action – took to X to congratulate Mr Miles on his new role, and praised the announcement.

“Queensland, Australia has a new climate champion in charge!” he wrote.

Queensland, Australia has a new climate champion in charge! On day 1 as Premier, @StevenJMiles unveiled a new, ambitious target to cut GHG pollution 75% by 2035. I know there's more to come and hope his leadership inspires others across Australia and around the world!

— Al Gore (@algore) December 15, 2023

“On day one as premier, Steven Miles unveiled a new, ambitious target to cut GHG pollution 75 per cent by 2035.

“I know there’s more to come and hope his leadership inspires others across Australia and around the world.”

Mr Miles is no stranger to Mr Gore, having been a 2007 graduate of the former vice president’s climate leadership program.

Mr Gore’s Climate Reality Project leadership program published a profile of Mr Miles last year, writing that in a conservative state full of coal mines, Mr Miles “is one of the very ministers to hold the line on climate change, and continue to advocate for solutions within the Queensland government”.

Former US vice president Al Gore praised Mr Miles for announcing a more ambitious emissions target for Queensland.

Mr Mile’s announcement on Friday was welcomed by climate groups.

Rachel Lowry, the acting chief executive of World Wildlife Fund for Nature Australia, said Mr Miles had moved Queensland “from the outhouse to the penthouse”.

“Increasing temperatures will challenge Queensland’s way of life and threaten the existence of our amazing natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef,” she said.

“But a strong emissions target will help protect our natural treasures and way of life, lower climate-related costs, and give a fighting chance to efforts to regenerate nature by 2030.”

Originally published as Al Gore praises new Qld Premier Steven Miles as ‘climate champion’