While international climate targets loom on the horizon, Australia finds itself at a crossroads in its emissions reduction journey. The nation is contemplating an ambitious target of up to 85% emissions reduction by 2035, a significant leap from current policies that would only deliver a measly 54% cut.
Let’s be real—the science says we need at least 90% to align with the Paris Agreement, so even this “bold” target falls short. Typical.
The so-called ambition on display still falls well short of what science demands. Par for the course, really.
State governments aren’t waiting around. NSW has committed to 70% cuts, while Victoria and Queensland are pushing for 75-85% reductions. They’re showing up the feds, frankly.
The problem? We need to triple our annual emissions reduction rate compared to historical performance. No pressure or anything.
Can Australia actually hit an 85% reduction? Experts say yes—with transformative action across energy, transport, industry, and land use. It’s not rocket science, just requires political backbone.
The whole economy needs an overhaul, and fast. Swift action isn’t just recommended; it’s essential for climate safety.
The government’s 2035 target decision follows advice from the Climate Change Authority, which considers everything from economic impacts to technological feasibility.
Policy tools range from tax restructuring to production method changes. Boring stuff with massive implications.
Globally, Australia’s not alone in this struggle. Only 11 of 40 major emitters have submitted 2035 targets, and most lack ambition.
The world’s trying to halve emissions by 2030, but that ship might have already sailed.
The upside? Taking ambitious action could actually strengthen Australia’s economy while protecting communities.
Clean industries, better public health, protected ecosystems—these aren’t just environmental wins but economic ones too.
Australia stands at a defining moment. The science is clear, the technology exists, and the economic case is solid.
The only question is whether we’ll have the guts to make it happen.
Greening the electricity grid is absolutely essential since it not only reduces energy sector emissions but also enables electrification of other sectors like transport and heating.
Every 0.1°C of warming prevented makes a significant difference in mitigating irreversible climate damage to both ecosystems and societies worldwide.
With global fire seasons already lengthened by 27% due to rising temperatures, Australia’s carbon reduction efforts could help break the vicious feedback loop between emissions and worsening wildfire conditions.
References
- https://www.aph.gov.au/DocumentStore.ashx?id=3ed7ed93-669e-48d3-b25f-eccbb3d8d5ed&subId=765200
- https://www.oxfordeconomics.com/resource/setting-a-2035-emissions-target-is-hard-but-achieving-it-will-be-much-harder/
- https://www.climatechangeauthority.gov.au/2035-emissions-reduction-targets
- https://climateactiontracker.org/publications/mid-year-check-on-2035-climate-plans/
- https://www.climateworkscentre.org
