Australia Sets Ambitious Emissions Targets for 2035

Thu Sep 18 2025 11:11:54 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces a plan to cut carbon emissions by at least 62% by 2035, responding to climate change challenges and international commitments.

In a bid to tackle climate change, Australia has raised its emissions reduction target to at least 62% by 2035 compared to 2005 levels. This ambitious goal comes as global criticism mounts over the country's reliance on fossil fuels and its previous lower targets. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the new commitment aligns with scientific recommendations and the Paris Climate Agreement, aiming to mitigate escalating climate risks. However, the move has sparked political debates, with opposition parties expressing dissent over its feasibility.

Australia, one of the world's largest per capita carbon polluters, announced a new target to reduce its carbon emissions by at least 62% compared to 2005 levels over the next decade. The country had previously committed to a reduction of 43% by 2030, but faced ongoing international criticism for its historical reliance on fossil fuels.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated, This is a responsible target supported by science and a practical plan to get there, built on proven technology, while unveiling the updated goal.

A government-commissioned risk assessment this week warned that Australia is increasingly susceptible to extreme weather events due to climate change, further intensifying the need for aggressive action.

The new target fulfills Australia's obligations under the Paris Climate Agreement and aligns with recommendations from the Climate Change Authority, which suggested reductions of between 62% and 70%.

Albanese is expected to reaffirm this commitment at the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting in New York.

The 2015 Paris Climate Agreement aimed to prevent global temperatures from rising more than 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to late 19th-century levels, crucial for mitigating severe climate impacts.

Australia has recently experienced a surge in climate-driven weather extremes, including devastating bushfires, severe droughts, and unprecedented flooding.

Warmer oceans have resulted in widespread coral bleaching in iconic locations like the Great Barrier Reef. A significant report indicated Australian warming has surpassed the 1.5 degrees Celsius benchmark, presenting serious risks to multiple communities.

Failure to act decisively could lead to increased heat-related fatalities and substantial economic repercussions, including a projected A$611 billion drop in property values due to such threats.

Despite these alarming warnings, Australia's climate agenda remains a contentious issue. Opposition leader Sussan Ley criticized the new target as lacking in both credibility and cost-effectiveness.

The Albanese government, which came into power in 2022 with elevated climate targets, aims to transition towards becoming a global leader in renewable energy while still approving fossil fuel projects, resulting in conflicting public sentiment.

The recent approval for Woodside's North West Shelf gas project, allowing operations to continue until 2070, drew severe backlash for perceived inconsistencies in the government's climate policy.

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