The 2035 Targets: What Now

In September, the federal Government made an announcement that sent shockwaves through the community of climate activists and advocates: a 2035 climate target range of 62 to 70 % below 2005 levels. The lead-up to the announcement saw hundreds of groups calling for an ambitious target, many advocating for net-zero. Now they’re left reeling.  Today, I bring you interviews with two leaders in the climate advocacy space: David Morris, CEO of Frontrunners and former CEO of the Environmental Defenders Office; and Karin Stark, Director at Farm Renewables Consulting and Founder of the National Renewables in Agriculture conference. Their unique perspectives  - drawing on work with sportspeople and farmers respectively – highlight the disappointment and frustration many are feeling in the wake of these new targets – and how they’re forging onwards with the work for a safer future.David Morris joined Frontrunners as CEO after over a decade with the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO). Frontrunners has helped support the formation of player-led climate movements like Footy for Climate, Cricket for Climate and the Sport for 75 open letter to the Federal Government.  Karin Stark is the director of Farm Renewables Consulting and founder of the National Renewables in Agriculture conference – an event bringing together farmers, agriculture and energy consultants, peak bodies and Government representatives to share stories of on-farm renewables, their business case and discuss what’s driving the transformation of energy use in agriculture. She co-authored ‘Farm-Powered’, a report on renewable energy and agriculture commissioned by Farmers for Climate Action. Earth Matters #1527 was produced by Mia Audrey in narrm (Melbourne).