Australia's 2035 climate target announced

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced Australia’s 2035 emissions target. He has vowed to reduce the country’s emissions by 62–70% (from the 2005 baseline) in line with independent recommendations by the Climate Change Authority.

To achieve this target, the federal government has released additional spending, including a new $5 billion Net Zero Fund to be established within the National Reconstruction Fund to help industrial facilities decarbonise and scale up more renewables and low-emissions manufacturing.

Further funding includes:

• $2 billion for the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to continue to drive downwards pressure on electricity prices;
• $1.1 billion to encourage more production of clean fuels in Australia;
• $40 million to accelerate the rollout of kerbside and fast EV charging across Australian suburbs and regions;
• $85 million for frameworks and tools to help households and businesses understand and improve their energy performance;
• $50 million for sports clubs that focus on decarbonising and driving climate action.
   

Industry groups such as The Smart Energy Council have welcomed the government’s commitment, saying it will focus on meeting the higher goal of 70%.

“This is a wide-ranging target; however, we will be firmly focused on 70%,” said Chief Executive John Grimes. “In the government’s own words, this must be a floor, and not a ceiling. We continue to believe Australia is well placed to achieve reductions in excess of 70% through investment already underway in renewable energy.

“Alongside the government’s renewable energy target this decision should see Australia increase investment in the cheapest, cleanest form of power we have.”

John Alexander, Managing Director of Large-scale at SMA Australia, said the new climate target is an important step and Australia’s energy future lies in maintaining grid stability and resilience.

“Australia’s 2035 climate target represents an important step in the transition to a decarbonised energy system,” Alexander said. “However, reaching these goals will require more than policy; it also depends on infrastructure that ensures grid reliability as fossil fuel generation is phased out. As Australia moves toward higher shares of renewable energy, the challenge lies in maintaining the stability and resilience of the electricity system.

“Australia’s energy future will be shaped not just by how much renewable capacity is built, but by how intelligently it’s integrated.”

Solar Citizens also welcomed the new target, but said that the real challenge will be implementation.

“Targets don’t cut carbon — action does,” said Heidi Lee Douglas, CEO of Solar Citizens. “If we transition to renewable energy and cut carbon emissions, people are better off in their daily lives — paying less for power, breathing cleaner air and seeing communities thrive.

“On a day-to-day basis, mortgage-belt families care about bills more than carbon emissions, but this is the solution that delivers both.”

Some environmental groups are challenging the government’s 2035 climate target however, claiming it is not enough to stop climate change’s effects.

“This timid target range suggests the Prime Minister is more committed to the future of the coal and gas industries than he is to the safety of Australian communities and nature,” said the Australian Conservation Foundation’s climate and energy program manager Gavan McFadzean. “The government’s failure to address Australia’s biggest contribution to global heating — coal and gas exports — is the thing that is holding back climate action.”

Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said the federal government needs to do more to reduce climate change and take care of communities.

“Today the government has chosen coal and gas profits over the safety of Pacific and Australian communities,” Gounden said. “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.”

Federal member for Warringah Zali Steggall agreed with the sentiment and said the government’s announced target range is weak.

“This range shows the government is sitting on the fence and putting old industries ahead of safety, rather than fully embracing the opportunity to build a strong and future-focused economy,” Steggall said. “It sets Australians on the more dangerous and costly risk trajectory of climate impacts, identified in the government’s very own National Climate Risk Assessment released earlier this week.

“This range is not consistent with the Paris Agreement commitment to set the strongest possible target. A safe climate and strong economy need a minimum of 75% emissions reduction target by 2035.”

Despite the calls for further action, the federal government claims the 62–70% emissions reduction range will see Australia halve its emissions compared to current levels. It says it is in line with global efforts to limit dangerous global warming.

“It is the right target to protect our environment, to protect and advance our economy and jobs, and to ensure that we act in our national interest and in the interest of this and future generations,” Albanese said.

Image credit: iStock.com/Sansert Sangsakawrat