Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison declined to commit to phasing out fossil fuel. Morrison said his administration is still working on its emissions plans. Australia is the world’s major coal and natural gas exporter. The two fossil fuels account for the bulk of its export revenue. The country has also been under pressure to develop emissions-cutting plans ahead of the COP26 United Nations climate conference in Scotland in November.
Meanwhile, Morrison’s deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce doubled down on opposing targets for net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases. Joyce, a climate change sceptic, said the government would ensure there is not an unreasonable or any loss of regional jobs. He also added that the fossil fuel industry was vital for people in Australia’s rural regions.
