Australia Pledges to Cut Carbon Emissions by 62% Amid Climate Warnings
Australia, one of the world’s highest per-capita polluters, has announced a bold new climate target: cutting carbon emissions by at least 62% by 2035 compared to 2005 levels. The commitment marks a significant step up from the country’s previous pledge to reduce emissions by 43% by 2030.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled the new target on Thursday, calling it “a responsible goal backed by science and driven by practical, proven technology.” The plan will be formally presented at the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York later this month.
Climate Risks Driving Urgency
The announcement comes days after a landmark climate risk assessment warned Australia faces a future of escalating extreme weather events due to man-made climate change. The report highlighted rising threats including:
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More frequent and deadly heatwaves.
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Intensified bushfires and record-breaking floods.
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Rising sea levels putting 1.5 million people at risk.
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Billions in economic losses, including a projected A$611 billion ($406bn; £300bn) hit to property values.
The report also revealed Australia has already surpassed 1.5°C of warming, with no community safe from “cascading and compounding” climate impacts.
In Line With Paris Agreement
Australia’s new target aligns with the Paris Climate Agreement, where global leaders agreed to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels to prevent catastrophic climate damage. The updated goal also matches recommendations from the Climate Change Authority, which advised cuts between 62% and 70% by 2035.
Climate Challenges at Home
In recent years, Australia has faced devastating climate disasters, including severe droughts, unprecedented bushfires, and historic flooding. Warmer seas have also triggered mass coral bleaching at the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef, putting world-renowned ecosystems at risk.
Political Divide Over Climate Policy
Despite international praise, Australia’s climate agenda remains politically divisive. The opposition Liberal-National coalition has questioned whether to continue supporting the 2050 net zero target, with Opposition Leader Sussan Ley dismissing the new 62% goal as lacking both “cost and credibility.”
Meanwhile, independents and Green MPs are pushing for even faster action, criticizing the government’s continued approval of fossil fuel projects. Just last week, the controversial Woodside North West Shelf gas project was cleared to operate until 2070, a decision condemned by climate experts and described by Greens Senator Larissa Waters as a “betrayal” of Australia’s climate commitments.
Balancing Renewables and Fossil Fuels
Since coming to power in 2022, the Albanese government has pledged to transform Australia into a renewable energy superpower. Yet, its simultaneous approval of long-term fossil fuel projects has drawn backlash, raising questions about whether Australia can meet its ambitious climate targets while maintaining reliance on coal and gas.