VCE Politics - Unit 1 AOS 2: Case Studies

Albanese Political Power

Albanese government's policy to reach 82% renewable energy by 2030 (May 2025)

Australia Economic Power

 Australia has developed the Clean Energy Finance Cooperation, a government owned bank to invest in clean energy, which has delivered over $17.7bn in investments

USA Cultural Power

With the arrival of Trump, UBS has scaled back their climate targets, and aim to achieve net-zero in 2035, not 2025 (March 2025)

UN Diplomatic Power - COP28

COP28 resulted in governments being called to consider ecosystems for their NDCs. Parties decided to reverse deforestation degradation by 2030, which would eliminate 14% of emissions. (December 2023)

Greenpeace Cultural Power

Greenpeace has protested on Shell vessels against their use of fossil fuels. They boarded the White Marlin ship, north of the Canary Islands in January 2023 for 13 days.

Australia Technological Power

ARENA opened new programs in 2023-24 where they invested $59.1 million across 21 research projects to support development covering renewable hydrogen and lower iron and steel emissions

Shell Economic Power

In April 2024, Shell threatened to leave LSE for NYSE as NYSE was more positive on fossil fuel investment (Shell is worth 180bn pounds)

China Political Power

In Nov 2024, China passed its first energy law, which will promote the development of wind and solar power, with 200 million kilowatts of wind and solar power installed.

USA Diplomatic Power - Statement

Withdrawal from Paris Agreement - Executive Order - “Putting America First” - “The US must grow its economy and maintain jobs” - Donald Trump

Australia Economic Power - Helping others

Australia is contributing at least $350 million in climate infrastructure (renewable energy) through PCIFP, helping communities in the Pacific and Timor-Leste mitigate and adapt to climate change.

(announced July 2022)

Australia Economic Power - Exports

Australia exported $91.4 billion worth of coal in 2023-24

China Economic Power - Climate Financing

China's climate financing to other countries averaged close to $4.5 billion per year between 2013 and 2022.

Australia NDC

In June 2022, Australia submitted an updated version of their NDCs under the Paris Agreement, committing to reducing greenhouse gases to 43% below 2005 levels by 2030.

United Nations - Technological Power

Research from the UN found current policies would result in 3 degree global warming by 2100 (October 2024)

USA Political Power - EPA

In March 2025, head of US Environmental Protection Agency Lee Zeldin, announced the state would repeal 31 environmental laws.

Australia Political Power - Natural Gas

In May 2024, Australian government announced its plan to increase natural gas extraction until 2050 and beyond - Albanese states “needed to shore up domestic energy supply.”

UN Diplomatic Power - COP29

COP29 saw developed nations pledge to mobilize $300bn per year to support mitigation and adaptation in developing nations (Nov 2024)

China Cultural Power

Yale School of Environment article states China is the “world’s leader” in renewable energy growth, as they pledged to reach 1200 gigawatts of renewables by 2023 (March 2024)

China Political Power - CO2 plans

China plans to peak CO2 emissions by 2030 before achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 (December 2020)

Greenpeace Cultural Power - Australia

In December 2022, a Greenpeace article stated, “Australia is falling three percent short of its target to reduce emissions by 2030.”

Greenpeace Cultural Power - Africa

Greenpeace campaigner Sarra Abdallah stated, “we urgently call upon North African Governments” to “collectively work towards cleaner and healthier environments.” (March 2024)

Shell Economic Power - Changed Goals

Shell has weakened its goal to cut total “net carbon intensity” of all carbon products, which was to cut it by 20% by 2030, now only 15-20%. Changes are due to business priorities (March 2024)

Shell Economic Power - Investment

In 2022, Shell invested $8.2bn in low-carbon energy and non-energy products, to reduce emissions.

USA Political Power - Executive Order

April 2025, “Reinvigorating America’s Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Amending Executive Order” – “In order to secure America’s economic prosperity and national security.” – Donald Trump

China Statement - Xi Jinping

“The green transition is the only way to deal with climate change, and a new engine for economic and social development, (April 2025)

Shell Economic Power - Revenue

In 2024, Shell’s revenue was $294bn (underlines amount of fossil fuels sold and burnt. G.I. results more trade and travel, high oil demand)

Shell Political Power

In 2024, Shell spent $7.4 million in lobbying. Pressurize states to do things.

United Nations Diplomatic Power - Signing Paris Agreement

In December 2015, the Paris Agreement was signed by 196 parties, an international treaty to help limit global warming to 1.5 degrees compared to pre-industrial levels.