The stark economic impact of COVID-19 hasn't reduced the appetite of business leaders for federal government action on climate action, including a 2050 net-zero emissions target, a survey shows.
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The annual climate policy poll found 76 per cent of respondents, who were surveyed over October and November, believe the Morrison government isn't doing enough to integrate climate targets into its economic recovery plans.
Notably, support is rising for an iron-clad commitment to net-zero emissions by the middle of this century, with 88 per cent of those surveyed wanting Australia to set a target, up from 83 per cent last year.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has declined to follow the lead of China, Japan, Britain and South Korea by signing up to a target, saying last month he was "more interested in the doing".
John Connor of the Carbon Market Institute, which conducted the survey before this week's Australasian Emissions Reduction Summit, said the 234 respondents included some of Australia's biggest emitters along with investors, carbon project developers and carbon market experts.
"This survey shows that even during a pandemic and a recession, corporate and investor concerns over climate action are undimmed, as a realisation of the many opportunities for Australia in a low-carbon economy brighten," the CMI chief executive said in a statement on Monday.
There was also a marginal uptick of concern amongst business about Australia using Kyoto carryover credits to meet its 2030 Paris Agreement obligation, rising to 79 per cent from 76 per cent in 2019.
In fact, 78 per cent of business leaders surveyed suggested the nation's 2030 emissions reduction goal of a 26 to 28 per cent emissions reduction was inadequate.
Mr Connor said it was clear respondents wanted the federal government to "assist with targets and policies, not just technology development support".
"Australian business leaders are aware of significant opportunities in a transition to net-zero emissions as well as the spiralling costs of climate inaction," he said.
"While recent additional support for technology development is welcome, Australian business leaders are seeking targets, stronger policies and transition planning to manage risks and maximise opportunities."
Other key survey findings show 79 per cent of respondents are concerned about carbon tariffs (up nine per cent), 84 per cent supported mandatory carbon risk reporting and 88 per cent expected the nation to have an implicit carbon price of more than $20 by 2030.
Australian Associated Press