Australia Boosts Emission Reduction Targets Ahead of UN General Assembly

Tue Sep 30 2025 03:34:05 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a significant shift in climate policy, Australia has announced an ambitious new target to cut carbon emissions by 62% by 2035, a move framed as both scientifically sound and necessary amidst worsening climate impacts.

Australia will aim for a 62% reduction in carbon emissions by 2035 compared to 2005 levels, significantly upping its previous commitment of 43% by 2030. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese cites the new target as scientifically supported and necessary to meet obligations under the Paris Climate Agreement. This announcement comes as the country faces increasing climate-related disasters and growing international pressure for stronger action.

Australia, one of the world's largest per capita polluters, has announced a new environmental commitment, aiming to achieve a reduction of carbon emissions by at least 62% compared to 2005 levels by 2035. This new target was unveiled by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday, marking a notable increase from the previous commitment of a 43% reduction by 2030.

During the announcement, Albanese emphasized the scientific backing for this target, which aligns with recommendations from the Climate Change Authority, a government body assisting with climate policy. Albanese stated, 'This is a responsible target supported by science and a practical plan to get there, based on proven technology.'

The decision to set this robust target comes in response to a recent landmark risk assessment commissioned by the government, which indicated that Australia is likely to face a future marked by increasingly extreme weather events due to climate change. As part of its commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement, Australia is taking steps to adhere to global climate reduction benchmarks.

Australia has been criticized internationally for its continued reliance on fossil fuels, despite recognizing the urgent need for substantial cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. The prime minister's commitment will be confirmed at the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York.

The Paris Climate Agreement, established in 2015, aims to limit global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, a threshold deemed crucial to avert the worst consequences of climate change. Australia has faced a growing number of climate disasters in recent years, including severe drought, historic bushfires, and unprecedented flooding.

In light of these challenges, a recent report highlighted that Australia has already exceeded the 1.5-degree warming threshold, posing severe implications for all communities in the country. The report cautioned that without immediate and effective action, Australia could see an increase in heatwave-related casualties, declining water quality, and rising sea levels threatening millions.

However, Australia's climate policy continues to stir political division. The opposition, under leader Sussan Ley, has voiced strong opposition to the new targets, criticizing them for lacking both 'cost and credibility.' Meanwhile, many independent and Greens MPs are pushing for even more rapid emissions cuts.

The Albanese government, in power since 2022, has sought to position Australia as a 'renewable energy superpower,' yet it has faced criticism for continuing to greenlight fossil fuel projects. A recent decision to extend operations for one of the largest gas projects in the country until 2070 was particularly condemned by climate advocates, adding to concerns about the government's commitment to meaningful climate action.