Climate change and energy

Australia's approach to multilateral climate negotiations

Australian concern about climate change has ebbed and flowed over the past decade. In 2020, the majority of Australians (59%) continue to view climate change as a critical threat to Australia’s vital interests in the coming decade. However, some concern about climate change may have been overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic uncertainty. In 2020, 56% of Australians say ‘global warming is a serious and pressing problem. We should begin taking steps now even if this involves significant costs.’ This is five points lower than in 2019, and 12 points below the peak of concern in 2006 when 68% expressed this view. Eight in ten Australians say that the Australian government should focus on renewables, even if we need to invest more in infrastructure to make the system more reliable.

Climate change and energy
Australia's approach to multilateral climate negotiations

Question

In the lead up to the 2015 UN climate change conference in Paris 2015, which one of the following two statements most closely represents your own view of the approach the Australian government should take in international climate negotiations?

This question was asked in 2015.

Should commit to significant emissions reductions to encourage other countries

Should not make significant commitments on emissions reductions ahead of other countries

Don’t know

Makes no difference

Don’t care

Don’t believe in climate change

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