'Radical reset': Environmentalists elated by election result
The effort to combat the climate crisis has received an overwhelming surge of support this election, with environment groups given hope by the election of Anthony Albanese as prime minister and the election of several climate-focused candidates.
Floods, fire, drought and coral bleaching have severely impacted the nation over the last four years, making climate change a key election issue in 2022.
While the Coalition declared it would meet net zero emissions by 2050, its plan was internationally derided as weak, and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s budget intended to cut funding to tackle the issue.
Labor announced a plan to more aggressively reduce emissions. The Greens are set to win two more seats in the House of Representatives.
Greenpeace and Climate Council have celebrated the result with both sharing their elation with Yahoo News Australia on election night.
The CEO of Greenpeace Asia Pacific David Ritter said tonight's election result was a "comprehensive win for the climate".
"What we have seen is a climate sweep," he said.
"We've seen the wholesale rejection of the government's recalcitrance on climate.
"We've seen those candidates who have run on climate and a return to integrity and government rewarded for that stance."
Similar feelings of relief were expressed by the Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie who described the result as a "game changer".
"Right around the country, we're seeing those that have strong climate policies being rewarded by the electorate," she said.
"People have been saying for a long time that they want stronger action, and I think it's come to fruition this election.
"What we're seeing is that Australians have given the new government a mandate for strong action on climate change.
"It's time for a radical reset a time to change course."
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