Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a new 2035 emissions target of 62 to 70% for Australia.
“Our government knows that climate change is real and we want to continue to seize the economic opportunity that the energy transition offers our nation,” Albanese said.
“We act in the national interest of Australia and that is why we are acting on the advice of the climate change authority and today I am announcing, based on their advice, a 2035 emissions target be 62 to 70%.
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“This is a responsible target, backed by science, backed by a practical plan to get there and built on proven technology.
“Setting a 2035 target is a compulsory part of Australia’s commitment to the Paris agreement to keep temperatures from rising to dangerous levels.”
The target will be submitted at a United Nations meeting next week, where other world leaders will also file updated targets.
The figure comes as a disappointment to environmental and climate groups, who say a target of at least 70% is Australia’s only chance of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Business groups, however, warned the government against a target over 70, saying it would threaten hundreds of billions of dollars in exports.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific branded the new 2035 climate target as weak and dangerous.
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Greenpeace Australia Pacific head Shiva Gounden said, “The Albanese government’s new climate plan is an affront to communities across the Pacific and Australia facing the escalating impacts of dangerous climate change.
“As one of the world’s largest fossil fuel exporters, Australia has a responsibility to submit a science-backed and world-leading plan that will keep communities safe.
“Today the government has chosen coal and gas profits over the safety of Pacific and Australian communities. Australia wants to co-host COP31 in genuine partnership with the Pacific. Then show it with actions, not words. And these actions of real climate leadership need to happen now.”
