Australia’s 2035 emission target was announced by the country on Thursday. It aims to reduce emissions from 2005 by 62%-70%.
According to a Reuters article, this figure was less than expected and drew the ire of environmental groups.
The United Nations has asked countries to submit their national climate plans (also known as Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs) by September 30.
The deadline is to allow for the assessment of their work before COP30, which will be held in November Brazil.
Australia is one of the highest polluters per capita in the world, due to its resource-intensive industry that involves significant coal and gas extraction.
The Targets
Climate Change Authority (an independent advisory group) initially proposed a range between 65%-75%. The actual goal of the country is below this range and also lower than the Treasury Department’s projected projections.
Chris Bowen said at a press conference on Thursday that a reduced target is a goal more achievable.
A target that is ambitious but also achievable must be set. Unrealistic is a target above 70%. This advice is very clear. The advice is clear.
Environmentalists have criticized the reduction in target as being unambitious, and prioritising the industry above vulnerable communities facing climate change.
In a Reuters article, Shiva Gounden was quoted as saying: “The Albanese Government’s New Climate Plan is an affront for communities in Australia and the Pacific who are facing the escalating effects of dangerous climate changes.”
The government today has chosen profits from coal and gas over safety for Pacific and Australian communities.
Dermot O’Gorman CEO WWF-Australia said that the “target” falls dangerously short of what science requires.
Green energy
The centre-left Labor Government demonstrated on Thursday its commitment to the environment by allocating additional billions in funding for clean energy.
Canberra, in collaboration with Pacific Nations is aspiring to be the host of COP31 Summit 2026.
Its recent decision to extend the life of a major natural gas project led to friction between several Pacific Island Nations. Climate change is a major concern for these countries.
Stephanie Bashir is the CEO of Nexa Advisory. The firm assists businesses with their transition to cleaner energy. According to Stephanie Bashir’s analysis, Australia’s reluctance in phasing-out its aging coal plants, slows down renewables adoption.
In the report, she stated that “certainty about coal closures” will send much-needed market signals to renewable development.
The market is roiled by talk of extending the ageing coal-powered power plants.
The United Kingdom has the most ambitious climate target, with a goal of reducing emissions by 81% from 1990.
Norway is next with its pledge to reduce emissions by 70-75%. Note that the majority of these targets, like Australia’s use different base years.
Alignment to EU
Anthony Albanese is Australia’s Premier. He stated that Australia’s reduction proposal aligns with allies such as the European Union which still hasn’t finalized its targets.
The government has announced funding of A$5 billion (3.32 billion dollars) to help decarbonize industrial plants.
Additional A$2 billion has been allocated to Clean Energy Finance Corporation in order to continue to lower electricity prices.
Albanese said that although Australia may not be the biggest polluter, or have the most developed economy in terms of pollution and economics, it is still committed to combating climate change.
Our neighbours care about us, our economy matters and our country matters.
The post Australia announces its 2035 emission target and draws environmental criticism could be updated as new information becomes available.
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