Protect The Places You Love
Australia is home to some of the most breathtaking natural places on Earth—snow-capped mountains, biodiverse coral reefs, ancient rainforests, and world-class beaches. But these special places are under threat from the worsening impacts of climate change and nature destruction.
Protect the Places You Love calls on all Australians to protect the places they love by voting for strong climate and nature leadership. Whether you ski in the Snowy Mountains, dive the Great Barrier Reef, hike in Tasmania’s forests, or surf the wild southern coast—these experiences are at risk if we don’t act.
your voice and your vote matters, and can protect the places you love
The solutions are already here. What we need now is the political will to act. This election is the true climate election. We have a pivotal chance to elect a parliament in Australia that will truly take action to protect our winters, our reefs, our forests and all our communities and livelihoods that depend on them. In this second-last election of this critical decade for climate action, whether you hike, dive, surf, camp, ski, or just love nature — your voice and your vote matters, and can protect the places you love. Learn more about the key issues, how the major parties stack up on them and how we can secure a safe, thriving future for the places we hold dear below.
Top image – Mt Feathertop at Sunrise by Mike Edmondson. Gallery images by Mike Edmondson, Nadia Chiesi, Shaun Mittwollen & Daygin Prescott.
Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels are the leading driver of climate change in Australia and globally. Burning coal, oil, and gas releases greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, warming the planet and disrupting weather systems.
- Fossil fuels are responsible for over 75% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, making them the number one cause of climate change.
- The combustion of fossil fuels is already shortening Australia’s snow seasons and increasing the intensity of bushfires, floods, and heatwaves.
- The Australian snowpack is now at a 2,000-year low, and snow cover has declined by 30% since the 1950s.
- Australia is the world’s third-largest fossil fuel exporter, contributing to 4.5% of global fossil fuel emissions—most of which come from exports.
- In 2023, fossil fuel subsidies in Australia exceeded $14 billion, money that could be redirected toward renewable energy and community adaptation.
- Coal, oil and gas industries in Australia contributes little to our economy, paying little in taxes and royalties, employing only 133,000 of our workforce and being over 85% foreign owned. In comparison, tourism employs over 700,000 people in Australia.
- Without strong emissions cuts, ski seasons will be 55 days shorter by 2050 under high-emissions scenarios, devastating alpine tourism and regional communities.
Australia is the world’s third largest fossil fuel exporter, punching well above our weight in global emissions
The continued expansion and subsidisation of fossil fuels is fuelling the climate crisis and pushing Australia’s winters and alpine economy toward collapse.
Nuclear
Nuclear energy is often promoted as a climate solution, but in reality it’s too costly, too slow, and too risky to play a meaningful role in Australia’s energy future.
- Nuclear reactors would take at least 15 years to build in Australia, far too late to help in this critical climate decade.
- It is the most expensive form of new energy, costing 2–10 times more than renewables.
- Australia has no nuclear energy infrastructure, meaning new reactors would require entirely new systems, staff training, and waste management.
- The environmental and cultural risks of radioactive waste are too high, especially in sensitive ecosystems.
- Delays caused by nuclear debates divert resources from real solutions, like wind, solar, and battery storage.
- Choosing nuclear over renewables could mean the difference between losing or preserving the remaining reliable snow seasons in the Alps, where average ski seasons may shrink by over 50% by 2050 under high-emissions scenarios.
Nuclear is a costly distraction—we don’t have time to wait when proven solutions like renewables are already working.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is not just clean—it’s also the cheapest and fastest-growing source of power in Australia. It’s already transforming our grid and creating thousands of jobs.
- Renewable energy is the cheapest form of new power generation in Australia, even with battery or pumped hydro storage included.
- As of 2024, over 45% of Australia’s electricity comes from renewable sources, and this is growing year by year.
- Large-scale solar and wind projects created over 26,000 jobs up to 2019, with many more to come as investment grows.
- Australia has world-leading solar and wind potential, positioning us as a renewable superpower.
- First Nations-led energy projects are growing across the country, supporting energy justice and community resilience.
- Alpine resorts can reduce their climate impact and energy costs by switching to renewables for snowmaking and year-round operations.
Renewables are already delivering jobs, cheaper energy, and emissions cuts—and they’re essential to protecting Australia’s winters and way of life.
Environment Laws
Australia is facing an extinction crisis, with weak environmental laws failing to protect our most precious species and ecosystems.
- Australia leads the world in mammal extinctions, and has lost over 100 endemic species to extinction since colonisation.
- Logging and land clearing continue in threatened ecosystems, including native forests in NSW, VIC, and Tasmania.
- Federal environment laws have failed to stop fossil fuel and high-impact developments, even when threatened species are at stake.
- The 2020 review of the EPBC Act recommended stronger laws and an independent watchdog, yet these reforms remain unfinished.
- Stronger nature laws are essential to preserving biodiversity and natural carbon sinks.
- Alpine ecosystems are among the most vulnerable, with 31 endemic plant species and endangered animals like the Mountain Pygmy Possum at risk of extinction due to warming and habitat loss.
Australia is facing an extinction crisis with over 100 species lost already
Without urgent reform, Australia’s weak environment laws will continue to fail nature—including the fragile ecosystems of the Alps.
2035 Targets
Strong emissions reduction targets for 2035 are essential to meet the Paris Agreement and avoid catastrophic warming. Delaying action increases the risk and the cost.
- Australia must cut emissions by at least 75% by 2035 and bring forward net zero to 2040 to stay within safe climate limits.
- Current targets and policies are not aligned with the 1.5°C Paris goal, risking 2.5–3°C of warming and severe climate consequences.
- The earlier we act, the cheaper and more effective the transition will be, saving money and lives.
- Other countries are already acting—Australia must catch up or risk being left behind economically and environmentally.
- Science-based, legislated targets give certainty to business and community, allowing proper planning and investment.
- Under strong mitigation scenarios, viable ski seasons in high-altitude resorts could still be preserved, supporting jobs and regional tourism.
Strong climate targets backed up with ambitious action are our best shot at saving Australia’s snow seasons and staying within safe climate limits.
Climate Adaptation
Some climate change impacts are already here, and we need to prepare for a future with more extreme weather. Adaptation is about protecting people, places, and ecosystems from harm. Australia is already facing intensifying bushfires, floods, droughts, and coastal erosion.
- Remote and regional communities are especially vulnerable, with fewer resources and less government support.
- Restoring nature—like wetlands, reefs, and forests—helps buffer against extreme weather, while supporting biodiversity.
- Infrastructure must be upgraded to withstand climate shocks, from fire-resistant housing to flood-resistant roads.
- Adaptation must be inclusive and equitable, prioritising the voices and needs of First Nations, rural communities, and young people.
- Alpine regions face direct threats, including resort closures, loss of water supply, and mental health impacts from environmental and economic loss. Coordinated adaptation can protect these communities and their way of life.
Restoring nature like our wetlands, reefs and forests helps buffer against extreme weather
We must prepare for the changes we can’t avoid—especially in vulnerable regions like the Alps—while working to prevent the worst-case scenarios.
Climate Impacts on the Australian Alps
The Australian Alps are among the most climate-vulnerable regions in the country. They are home to rare ecosystems, beloved outdoor experiences, and thriving regional economies. Without bold action, we risk losing them.
- The Australian snowpack is at its lowest level in 2,000 years, with snow cover already reduced by 30% since the 1950s.
- By 2050, ski seasons are projected to be 27–55 days shorter, depending widely on the emissions pathway—putting many resorts at risk of closure. A low emissions pathway gives our alpine areas the best chance at thriving.
- Snow reliability will disappear across all ski resorts by 2050 under high-emissions scenarios, ending snow tourism as we know it.
- 31 endemic alpine plant species and endangered species like the Mountain Pygmy Possum and Southern Corroboree Frog face extinction due to habitat loss.
- Alpine resorts contributed over $3.3 billion to our economy in 2019, and are a key employer for regional Australia.
- Alpine communities face mental health pressures, infrastructure loss, and regional decline if ambitious action is not taken to protect these areas.
- Climate change threatens not just snow sports, but water supply to farmers, carbon storage and biodiversity, and the cultural heritage of First Nations peoples with deep ties to these landscapes.
If we lose the snow in our Alps to climate change, we lose biodiversity, clean water, seasonal jobs, beloved traditions, and a crucial part of Australia’s natural identity.
Policy Comparison: How the Major Parties Stack Up
When it comes to protecting nature and acting on climate, not all political choices are equal. This table outlines how the major parties compare across key environmental and climate issues.
It’s also important to note that many community independents—particularly those supported by Climate 200—are strong champions for climate action and political integrity. While independents each have their own priorities, many are committed to ending fossil fuel expansion, accelerating the transition to renewables, and strengthening nature protection. In electorates where they are running, independents can be powerful voices for the environment—and help shift Parliament in the right direction.
Use this guide to help understand how different candidates and parties measure up when it comes to protecting the places we love.
| Key Issue | Coalition (Liberal-National) | Labor | Greens | Community Independents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fossil Fuels | Plans to expand gas projects and weaken environmental approval requirements. No plan to phase out fossil fuels. | Some new coal and gas approvals continue. No clear phase-out policy. | No new coal or gas projects. No public funding for fossil fuels. | Check individuals with the ACF scorecard. |
| Renewable Energy | Opposes 82% renewables by 2030. Supports nuclear and fossil fuels. | Target of 82% renewable electricity by 2030. Strong investments in clean energy. | Targeting 100% renewables as soon as possible. Strongest commitment. | Check individuals with the ACF scorecard. |
| Nuclear Energy | Promoting nuclear as a key energy source. No existing infrastructure or workforce. | Not pursuing nuclear. Focus remains on renewables. | Firmly against nuclear energy. Focused on proven, safe renewables. | Check individuals with the ACF scorecard. |
| Environment Laws | History of weakening protections. No support for stronger nature laws. | Committed to reforming nature laws and creating an EPA. Reform timeline unclear. | Supports strong, enforceable nature laws and an independent watchdog. | Check individuals with the ACF scorecard. |
| 2035 Targets | No 2030 or 2035 climate targets. Net zero by 2050 only. | Legislated 43% emissions cut by 2030. Committed to setting a 2035 target. | 75% emissions cut by 2030. Net zero by 2035. Strongest science-based plan. | Check individuals with the ACF scorecard. |
| Climate Adaptation | No resilience or adaptation policies. No plan to manage growing disaster risks. | Committed to a National Adaptation Plan and disaster funding. | Supports insurance reform, climate risk mapping, and funding adaptation led by communities. | Check individuals with the ACF scorecard. |
| Protecting the Australian Alps | No specific protections or snow-related climate plans. Supports fossil fuel expansion that worsens winter conditions. | Investment in renewables may benefit alpine regions indirectly. No specific policies for snow or alpine tourism. | Calls for climate action to save ecosystems like the Alps. Opposes fossil fuel expansion and supports local adaptation. | Check individuals with the ACF scorecard. |
| Key Issue | Coalition (Liberal-National) |
|---|---|
| Fossil Fuels | Plans to expand gas projects and weaken environmental approval requirements. No plan to phase out fossil fuels. |
| Renewable Energy | Opposes 82% renewables by 2030. Supports nuclear and fossil fuels. |
| Nuclear Energy | Promoting nuclear as a key energy source. No existing infrastructure or workforce. |
| Environment Laws | History of weakening protections. No support for stronger nature laws. |
| 2035 Targets | No 2030 or 2035 climate targets. Net zero by 2050 only. |
| Climate Adaptation | No resilience or adaptation policies. No plan to manage growing disaster risks. |
| Protecting the Australian Alps | No specific protections or snow-related climate plans. Supports fossil fuel expansion that worsens winter conditions. |
| Key Issue | Labor |
|---|---|
| Fossil Fuels | Some new coal and gas approvals continue. No clear phase-out policy. |
| Renewable Energy | Target of 82% renewable electricity by 2030. Strong investments in clean energy. |
| Nuclear Energy | Not pursuing nuclear. Focus remains on renewables. |
| Environment Laws | Committed to reforming nature laws and creating an EPA. Reform timeline unclear. |
| 2035 Targets | Legislated 43% emissions cut by 2030. Committed to setting a 2035 target. |
| Climate Adaptation | Committed to a National Adaptation Plan and disaster funding. |
| Protecting the Australian Alps | Investment in renewables may benefit alpine regions indirectly. No specific policies for snow or alpine tourism. |
| Key Issue | Greens |
|---|---|
| Fossil Fuels | No new coal or gas projects. No public funding for fossil fuels. |
| Renewable Energy | Targeting 100% renewables as soon as possible. Strongest commitment. |
| Nuclear Energy | Firmly against nuclear energy. Focused on proven, safe renewables. |
| Environment Laws | Supports strong, enforceable nature laws and an independent watchdog. |
| 2035 Targets | 75% emissions cut by 2030. Net zero by 2035. Strongest science-based plan. |
| Climate Adaptation | Supports insurance reform, climate risk mapping, and funding adaptation led by communities. |
| Protecting the Australian Alps | Calls for climate action to save ecosystems like the Alps. Opposes fossil fuel expansion and supports local adaptation. |
| Key Issue | Community Independents |
|---|---|
| Fossil Fuels | Check individuals with the ACF scorecard. |
| Renewable Energy | Check individuals with the ACF scorecard. |
| Nuclear Energy | Check individuals with the ACF scorecard. |
| Environment Laws | Check individuals with the ACF scorecard. |
| 2035 Targets | Check individuals with the ACF scorecard. |
| Climate Adaptation | Check individuals with the ACF scorecard. |
| Protecting the Australian Alps | Check individuals with the ACF scorecard. |
Source: Climate Council Election Policy Scorecard, 2024 | ACF Federal Election Scorecard 2025
Call to Action: Vote for Climate and Nature
This election could decide the fate of our most loved natural places—from the alpine snowfields and coral reefs to rainforests, rivers, and coastlines. It’s not just about the environment—it’s about protecting jobs, communities, cultural sites, and the way of life we treasure.
- Vote for bold climate action
- Vote to end fossil fuel expansion
- Vote for stronger nature protection laws
- Vote to save Australian winters and the places you love
Your vote has power. Use it to protect what matters most.
To get ready for election day learn more about candidates in your electorate and how they align with the issues you care about with the Build A Ballot tool.
Let’s elect a parliament that listens to science, leads with courage, and takes real action on climate and nature.