Australia Vows to Cut Emissions by 62 to 70% by 2035

Australia has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 62 to 70 percent from 2005 levels by 2035, responding to growing warnings that homes and livelihoods across the nation are under threat from climate change.

The announcement was made on Thursday under the Paris Agreement, which requires each country to submit a headline figure to the United Nations for cutting heat-trapping emissions by 2035, along with a detailed blueprint for achieving these targets.

“We listen to the science and we act in Australia’s national interest,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated while unveiling the ambitious goal.

Australia’s new target surpasses those of Canada and neighbouring New Zealand, though it remains below the United Kingdom, which is recognised as having one of the most ambitious climate plans globally.

Globally, emissions continue to rise, yet they must almost halve by 2035 to limit global warming to levels considered safe under the Paris Agreement. Australia’s previous commitment for 2030 was a 43 percent reduction from 2005 levels.

According to a UN database tracking submissions, while nearly 200 countries are required to provide updated targets, only 10 submitted them on time earlier this year.

The announcement follows the release of a national climate risk assessment, which highlighted that rising temperatures will have “cascading, compounding, concurrent” impacts on life in Australia, home to more than 27 million people.

Key findings include:

• Rising oceans and floods caused by climate change could threaten homes and livelihoods of over a million Australians by 2050.
• The assessment underscores the urgency of significant emission reductions to mitigate long-term environmental and societal risks.

Australia has invested billions into:

• Solar power
• Wind turbines
• Green manufacturing

The government has also pledged to position the nation as a renewable energy superpower.

However, these green ambitions coexist with Australia’s deep involvement in fossil fuel industries:

• One of the world’s largest coal exporters
• Significant subsidies still support oil, gas, and coal sectors

Despite this, Australia has attempted to enhance its environmental credentials, including a bid to host next year’s UN climate summit, in partnership with Pacific island nations severely threatened by rising seas.

Summary Table: Australia’s Emission Targets and Climate Profile

Australia’s pledge reflects a balance between ambitious climate goals and entrenched fossil fuel interests, highlighting the complexity of addressing climate change in one of the sunniest and most resource-rich nations in the world.