Australia has unveiled a new greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for 2035, pledging to cut emissions by 62 to 70 percent below 2005 levels. The announcement, made by Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen on Thursday, represents a key step in the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy, though it falls slightly short of the 65–75 percent range recommended by some climate experts and independent advisers.
Bowen said the decision balances environmental urgency with economic realities.
“We are determined to take ambitious climate action, but we must do so in a way that is achievable and supports Australian jobs, industries, and communities,” he explained.
The government emphasized that the target aligns with efforts to keep global temperature rise below 1.5°C, consistent with the Paris Agreement. Still, environmental groups criticized the move as insufficient. The Climate Council argued that “a 70 percent cut should have been the minimum,” warning that weaker action could undermine Australia’s credibility ahead of COP30, which Brazil will host next year.
To support the transition, Canberra announced funding to accelerate decarbonization in energy-intensive sectors such as steel and cement. Plans also include expanding clean energy finance mechanisms and strengthening incentives for renewable power generation, electric vehicles, and carbon capture technologies.
Australia, one of the world’s largest coal exporters, has faced mounting pressure to increase its climate ambition after years of criticism for lagging behind other developed nations. The new target comes as countries prepare updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs) ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30).
The government will submit its updated target to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change later this year.
