Only 31% of respondents to the latest Guardian Essential poll believe Australia is likely to reach net zero by 2050.Only 31% of respondents to the latest Guardian Essential poll believe Australia is likely to reach net zero by 2050.Fewer than one in three voters believe Australia is on track to meet the Albanese government’s target of net zero emissions by 2050, according to the Guardian
The poll found 38% of voters say Australia is not doing enough to combat climate change, the lowest proportion in seven years coming off highs of 62% who said the same in January 2020 at the height of black summer bushfires. Majorities said Australia was not doing enough to preserve endangered species , oceans and rivers , and native forests . They were more pleased with the pace of the transition to renewables, with 45% saying Australia is doing enough and 40% calling for more action.
Two-thirds said Australia needs to make the most of its resources and weather conditions to address climate change. Three-fifths said Australia needs to rapidly develop renewables because they are cheaper and will create new jobs.Asked about Australia building nuclear power plants to generate electricity, 23% are strongly in favour, with a further 27% somewhat in favour.