Australia commits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 62% to 70% by the year 2035
Australia, a land known for its sunny skies and vast coastline, faces a significant challenge in balancing its national interests with the pressing issue of climate change. A recent national climate risk assessment warns of cascading, compounding, and concurrent impacts on life in the country due to rising temperatures.
One of the most alarming predictions is that rising oceans and flooding caused by climate change will threaten the homes and livelihoods of over a million Australians by 2050. This stark reality underscores the urgency for action.
However, Australia's green ambitions often conflict with its deep involvement in lucrative fossil fuel industries. The country remains one of the world's biggest coal exporters and continues to heavily subsidize fossil fuel sectors. This duality poses a significant challenge in Australia's transition to a low-carbon economy.
Despite these hurdles, Australia has made strides in renewable energy. It has invested billions in solar power, wind turbines, and green manufacturing, aiming to become a renewable energy superpower. These efforts are noteworthy, but the country's emission reduction goals still fall below those of the United Kingdom and are above those of Canada and neighboring New Zealand.
In a bid to demonstrate its commitment to combating climate change, Australia has set a target to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 62 to 70 percent by 2035 compared to 2005 levels under the Paris Agreement. This updated target was submitted ahead of the UN Climate Conference (COP30) held in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that these goals are in line with acting in the country's national interest.
Yet, global emissions need to almost halve by the end of the decade to limit global warming to safer levels agreed under the Paris deal. With only 10 of nearly 200 countries required under the Paris Agreement submitting updated targets on time, the race to meet these goals is fierce.
In an attempt to burnish its green credentials, Australia has bid to host next year's UN climate summit alongside Pacific island neighbors threatened by rising seas. This joint bid underscores Australia's commitment to addressing climate change, but the question remains whether its actions will match its ambitions.
The Paris accord requires countries to submit headline figures for cutting heat-trapping emissions by 2035 and detailed blueprints for achieving this. As the world watches, Australia's journey towards a greener future unfolds, offering a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for nations navigating the path to renewable energy.
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