Australia is on track to meet its emissions targets, but climate campaigners are urging the government to take further action, calling for an ambitious 2035 target.
Key Findings
- The government’s annual emissions projections suggest that Australia is improving its position over the past year.
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The forecast includes the impact of an underwriting scheme for new large-scale renewable energy and batteries, and vehicle efficiency standards that require auto companies to start selling more zero and low-emissions cars.
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If the land sector were not included, emissions would be down by less than 2% since 2005.
Campaigners’ Response
Climate campaigners have responded to the government’s announcement, saying that Australia could actually be doing much more by 2030. They have called on the government to set an ambitious 2035 target, following the lead of the UK, which announced at the Cop29 UN climate summit that it would aim for an 81% cut below 1990 levels.
2035 Target
An initial assessment by the Climate Change Authority found that a target of up to 75% “would be ambitious and could be achievable if additional action is taken”. The 2035 goal is due next year, and campaigners are urging the government to take more action to reduce emissions.
Quotes
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“The climate crisis hits people experiencing disadvantage first, worse and longest,” said Cassandra Goldie, chief executive of Acoss. “Their futures and wellbeing are squarely in the government’s hands and having an ambitious, science-based 2035 target is crucial.”
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“We’re seeing first-hand the toll climate change is taking on people’s lives, mental and physical health, cost of living, housing, and quality of life,” said Goldie.
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