Considering that much of their population lives in poverty, I would say they have done an impressive amount. I can't imagine we would do as much if the shoe was on the other foot. The figures I've seen say they have greater levels of investment in green technologies than any other country (including the US).
But, in any case, if we really wanted to do something about climate change, it wouldn't be difficult. The US is currently negotiating trade deals which would cover about two thirds of the global economy.
All they need to do is include a minimum carbon price, or a requirement to meet the Paris targets, in those deals. You don't need that much of a push for the weight of the global economy to drive forward the alternative technologies. It's not a question of who is going to take the most punishment, it's a question of applying the right pressure so that solar, electric vehicles, etc have the scale to become cheaper than current technologies. And if enough countries undertake that together, they will be leaders in those new industries.
But, in any case, if we really wanted to do something about climate change, it wouldn't be difficult. The US is currently negotiating trade deals which would cover about two thirds of the global economy.
https://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=SUM+GDP+Australia+Brun...
All they need to do is include a minimum carbon price, or a requirement to meet the Paris targets, in those deals. You don't need that much of a push for the weight of the global economy to drive forward the alternative technologies. It's not a question of who is going to take the most punishment, it's a question of applying the right pressure so that solar, electric vehicles, etc have the scale to become cheaper than current technologies. And if enough countries undertake that together, they will be leaders in those new industries.