A coalition of Labor MPs from both the left and right factions is advocating for Australia to adopt a significant climate target for 2035, aligning with the forthcoming recommendations from the Climate Change Authority (CCA). This internal push comes as the CCA prepares to deliver its advice on the emissions reduction target, which is expected imminently.
The ABC has learned that this group, which includes several newly elected members, is lobbying for a target that falls within the CCA’s suggested range. The chair of the CCA, Matt Kean, has previously indicated a target between 65% and 75% emissions reduction by 2035. However, recent global developments, including the election of Donald Trump in the United States and a change in government in Queensland, have led to a reassessment of these figures.
Kean has requested additional time to evaluate these shifting circumstances, which may influence the final recommendations. Reports suggest that the government is currently leaning towards a more conservative target, emphasizing the need for practicality in its climate commitments.
Prime Minister’s Cautious Stance on Climate Commitments
During a recent visit to Honiara, where Pacific Island nations are advocating for enhanced climate action, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the importance of setting achievable targets. He stated, “It’s not a matter of just plucking figures out of the air. We want to make a decision that is achievable as well and that takes into account the need for energy reliability.”
Albanese clarified that he could not commit to the CCA’s recommendations until they are formally presented to him. “When we receive it, we will then have a cabinet meeting and make a decision. It is impossible at the moment to comment on hypotheticals,” he remarked.
As the Coalition grapples with its own climate policy, Albanese noted that increasing ambition in climate targets is essential for maintaining credibility with Australia’s Pacific neighbors. This sentiment reflects a broader recognition of the interconnectedness of climate action and international relations, particularly in a region vulnerable to climate change impacts.
While at the Pacific Islands Forum, Anthony Albanese stressed the need for climate targets to be achievable. (ABC News: Mark Moore)
In the previous term, the Albanese government set an emissions reduction target of 43% by 2030, based on a comprehensive suite of policies presented during the 2022 election campaign. A target in the 50% to 60% range for 2035 would align with the ambitions of various business groups, including the Business Council of Australia. This organization recently warned that a target exceeding 70% could jeopardize hundreds of billions of dollars in exports.
However, this cautious approach may displease some environmental advocates who are pushing for a more ambitious target, ideally in the 70% range, to align with their vision of achieving net-zero emissions within the next decade. The government is also engaged in a competitive bid with Turkey to host COP31, the next international climate conference, where consensus among member states is crucial.
As of now, most countries have yet to submit their targets for 2035. However, Canada and New Zealand have set their sights on 45% to 50% and 51% to 55% reductions, respectively. Current projections indicate that Australia is on track to achieve a 51% reduction by 2035 without any changes in its current climate strategy.
The Australian government is expected to announce its 2035 target before Prime Minister Albanese departs for the UN General Assembly in New York, where nations will formalize their ‘Nationally Determined Contributions’ for 2035. Under legislation enacted by the Albanese administration, the government cannot commit to a specific target until it has received the CCA’s advice.
