Australia faces a critical moment in its climate policy journey as new research reveals a troubling shift in public opinion. Despite clear evidence showing renewable energy offers the cheapest power solution, approximately one third of Australians now advocate abandoning net zero targets, mistakenly believing this would reduce living costs.
The Political Battle Over Climate Targets
Former independent MP Zoe Daniel has sounded the alarm about what she describes as a dangerous misinformation campaign gaining traction across the country. Having previously negotiated amendments to the Climate Change Act to lock in carbon emissions targets as a minimum standard, Daniel expresses deep concern about recent political developments.
The Coalition appears to be walking back from its net zero by 2050 commitment, with National Party figures openly questioning the economic benefits of renewable energy. What makes this situation particularly remarkable is that the Nationals, who received less than 4% of the vote in the last federal election, are successfully driving this policy reversal.
Evidence Versus Political Rhetoric
Contrary to the political narrative gaining momentum, official data presents a very different picture. According to the Climate Council's comprehensive analysis, renewable energy costs significantly less than traditional power sources. The report shows that in 2024-25, wholesale prices for renewable power average $74 per megawatt-hour, compared to $135 for coal and gas generated electricity.
Despite this clear economic advantage, Deputy Liberal Leader Sussan Ley has repeatedly claimed that power costs have increased by 40% since Labor took government due to net zero policies. Energy experts and fact-checkers have consistently labelled these assertions as completely unfounded.
The Real Drivers of Energy Costs
Analysis from multiple authoritative sources, including the Australian Energy Market Operator, CSIRO and the Australian Energy Market Commission, identifies the actual factors behind recent energy price increases. International gas prices and the withdrawal of coal-fired power stations from the system have been the primary drivers, not the transition to renewable energy.
Energy analysts suggest that if the Coalition had not actively obstructed renewable energy development between 2013 and 2022, Australia's transition would be both faster and cheaper. The current situation represents a missed opportunity that continues to cost consumers.
Regional Communities Bear the Brunt
The political debate carries particular significance for regional Australians, who face the greatest impacts from climate change while simultaneously holding the most to gain from climate action. These communities stand to benefit enormously from investments in renewable infrastructure and climate resilience measures that can mitigate the effects of fire, flood, storm and drought.
Yet the current political discourse threatens to undermine these opportunities, with misinformation spreading largely unchallenged across the country. The renewable energy sector has struggled to effectively counter the well-resourced campaigns run by fossil fuel interests.
The situation has become so concerning that even former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has accused his former party of running a Trumpian campaign against renewables, highlighting how far the political conversation has shifted from evidence-based policy making.
As the debate intensifies, the risk grows that continued doubt-seeding could undermine public support for essential climate action. With approximately 33% of Australians already questioning whether net zero targets should be abandoned, the need for clear, factual communication about the economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy has never been more urgent.
