Toxic emissions: how net zero became a ‘poisoned’ policy for the Coalition

The Guardian
The Guardian
2h ago 2 views
Moderate Liberals are outraged as Nationals leader David Littleproud influences Sussan Ley to abandon net zero emissions, jeopardizing the Coalition's climate commitments. This shift could alienate moderate voters and damage the party's urban appeal.
Toxic emissions: how net zero became a ‘poisoned’ policy for the Coalition
A What happened
The Liberal Party is facing significant internal conflict over its climate policy, particularly regarding the net zero emissions target. Following pressure from Nationals leader David Littleproud, Sussan Ley's leadership team appears poised to abandon the commitment made under previous leadership. This decision has incited anger among moderate Liberals, who worry that it will further alienate urban voters and damage the party's reputation. As the party prepares for crucial meetings to formalize its stance, there is a growing concern that the Coalition's alignment with the Nationals could lead to a more conservative approach to climate action, potentially jeopardizing the party's future electoral success. The moderates are advocating for some level of commitment to emissions reduction, fearing that a complete withdrawal from net zero could be politically disastrous.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Moderate Liberals' Frustration

    Moderate members are upset over the loss of climate policy influence.

  • 2

    Potential Electoral Consequences

    Abandoning net zero could harm the party's appeal in urban areas.

  • 3

    Coalition Dynamics

    The Nationals' influence is reshaping the Coalition's climate strategy.

Takeaways

The Liberal Party's potential abandonment of the net zero emissions target reflects deep internal divisions and could have lasting implications for its electoral viability, particularly among urban voters who prioritize climate action.

Topics

Policy & Regulation Climate Change