Australia is already living with the consequences of a warming planet. But this election, we’re not just choosing a government, we’re choosing what kind of future we want to live in. If you care about climate change, who you vote for matters.
Let’s start with a simple but urgent question:
Can we trust Peter Dutton to lead Australia through the climate crisis?
Why You Should Care About Climate Change
Climate change isn’t a niche issue. It’s not just about the polar bears or some distant melting ice sheet. It’s about the things we love and rely on here in Australia, clean air, safe communities, healthy ecosystems, and a liveable future.
Here’s what’s already happening:
- Deadly heatwaves are becoming more common and more intense.
- Bushfires are starting earlier, burning longer, and doing more damage.
- Floods are wiping out homes and lives in areas that never used to be at risk.
- The Great Barrier Reef, one of our national treasures, is bleaching year after year.
- Farmers are facing longer droughts and unpredictable growing seasons, threatening our food supply.
And these aren’t just one-off events, they’re part of a larger pattern. A pattern that will keep getting worse unless we act fast to cut emissions and shift to a clean energy future.
Caring about climate change isn’t about being “green” or “woke.” It’s about protecting our communities, our kids, and our country.
TL;DR: Climate change is already hitting Australia hard. Caring about it means caring about people, places, and our shared future.
1. Dutton Casts Doubt on Climate Science
In a recent leaders’ debate, Dutton was asked whether climate change is worsening extreme weather events. His response?
“I think the honest answer for most people is that they don’t know.”
That comment wasn’t just out of touch, it was dangerous. The science is clear: climate change is making extreme weather worse. When a potential Prime Minister shrugs off the science, it sends a signal that he either doesn’t understand the crisis, or doesn’t take it seriously. Neither option is reassuring.
TL;DR: Dutton’s public doubt about climate science should be a red flag for any voter who believes facts should guide policy.
2. No Credible Plan for 2030 or 2035
Australia has committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050 but the journey there matters just as much as the destination. While Labor has legislated interim targets for 2030 (43% reduction) and 2035 (65–75% proposed), the Coalition under Dutton has refused to set clear short-term goals.
Why does this matter? Because 2050 is too far away to wait. If we don’t make steep emissions cuts this decade, we lock in irreversible damage. Climate action delayed is climate action denied.
TL;DR: A net zero by 2050 promise without short-term targets is an empty commitment.
3. A Bet on Nuclear, While Ignoring Renewables
Peter Dutton has made nuclear energy the centrepiece of the Coalition’s climate policy. There’s just one problem: Australia doesn’t have a single commercial nuclear reactor, and building one could take decades.
Meanwhile, renewable energy is cheap, clean, and ready now. But instead of supporting the rollout of solar, wind, and battery storage, Dutton is pushing a fantasy that delays real solutions in favour of unproven tech.
Read: Is Nuclear Energy a Viable Solution for Australia?
TL;DR: Nuclear is a distraction. Renewables are already working, so why wait?
4. Blocking Climate Progress, Again and Again
Dutton and the Coalition have a long track record of blocking climate action:
- Voted against legislating the 43% emissions reduction target
- Opposed Labor’s safeguard mechanism reforms for big polluters
- Mocked the idea of climate change in Parliament (remember the “Pacific islands will be underwater” joke?)
This isn’t just about Dutton’s current platform, it’s about the Coalition’s legacy of climate inaction. If history is any guide, we can’t expect bold leadership from them now.
TL;DR: The Coalition has consistently held back climate progress. Why give them another chance?
5. Climate Leadership Matters and the World Is Watching
Australia has the potential to be a global leader in clean energy. We have the sun, the wind, the technology, and the talent. But leadership starts at the top. Electing someone who downplays science, avoids short-term targets, and props up fossil fuel interests sends a clear message: Australia isn’t serious.
If you want a government that listens to science, invests in renewables, and acts with urgency, Peter Dutton is not your guy.
TL;DR: We need climate leaders, not laggards. Dutton’s platform doesn’t match the moment.
Climate Voters Deserve Better
Voting is one of the most powerful tools we have to influence climate policy. If you care about clean air, a safe future, and protecting the places we love, from the Reef to the rainforests, your vote matters more than ever.
Peter Dutton has made it clear: climate action is not a priority under his leadership. If climate change matters to you, it’s time to vote accordingly.
FAQ for Climate Voters
Is voting really going to change anything?
Yes. Your vote matters, especially if you’re aged 18–35. Younger voters now make up over 40% of the electorate. That’s massive. And in a close election, just a few thousand votes can swing a seat. Politicians notice when we show up at the ballot box.
If not Dutton, then who?
That depends on your values, but if climate action is a priority for you, look at the parties with strong, science-backed climate policies. Labor, the Greens, and climate-focused independents are generally leading the way. Check out sites like Vote Climate or ABC Vote Compass closer to election time for a side-by-side breakdown.
Read: Voting for Climate Action in the Australian Election: What Each Party Stands For
Isn’t nuclear clean energy?
Technically, yes, nuclear doesn’t produce carbon emissions. But it’s super expensive and takes decades to build. Australia doesn’t even have a single commercial nuclear plant. Meanwhile, solar and wind are cheaper, faster, and already powering homes across the country. We don’t have time to wait for nuclear to catch up.
What happens if we don’t act now?
The next 5-10 years are crucial. The more we delay, the more we lock in extreme weather, food insecurity, and ecosystem collapse. But if we cut emissions fast, we can avoid the worst impacts and build a cleaner, safer future. The choice is still ours, just not for much longer.
What else can I do besides voting?
Voting is a big one, but it’s not the only thing:
- Support climate campaigns and local community groups
- Choose a green energy provider if you can
- Talk about climate with your mates, normalising the conversation matters
- Hold your elected reps accountable (email them, attend forums, ask questions)
Every action counts. But voting? That’s one of the most powerful tools you’ve got.