Larissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

Before I start my question I want to, on behalf of the Greens, convey my deep condolences to all of you for your loss. I'm so sorry to hear of Ms Peta Murphy's passing.

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Minister Wong. The world's largest annual climate talks are currently underway in the United Arab Emirates, and this year's president of the climate COP, Sultan Al Jaber, has claimed that there is no science indicating that a phase-out of fossil fuels is needed to restrict global heating to 1½ degrees. This is directly at odds with the position of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who said to COP delegates:

The science is clear:

The 1.5-degree limit is only possible if we ultimately stop burning all fossil fuels.

Not reduce.

Not abate.

Phaseout – with a clear timeframe …

Does the Australian government support the UN Secretary-General and the world's climate scientists in condemning this harmful fossil fuel industry spin?