Trending 
Australia pledged on Thursday to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70 per cent from 2005 levels within the next decade, though campaigners warned the goal fell short of what was needed.
Under the Paris climate accord, countries must submit a headline emissions reduction figure for 2035 to the United Nations, along with a detailed strategy for achieving it.
As one of the world’s largest coal exporters, Australia’s commitment drew close scrutiny, particularly as it seeks to co-host next year’s UN climate summit with Pacific island nations threatened by rising seas.
The pledge followed the release of a national climate risk assessment warning that rising oceans and flooding could endanger the homes and livelihoods of more than a million Australians by 2050.
Bill Hare, head of the research group Climate Analytics, described the new target as “baffling,” arguing that Australia needed to align its cuts with a 1.5 °C pathway. “This requires strong government policy action now,” he said.
Scientists and activists say Australia must cut emissions by at least 76 per cent from 2005 levels to help keep global warming within 1.5 °C of pre-industrial levels.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the target as a “responsible” and science-based goal. His government also announced a A$5 million ($3.3 billion) “Net Zero Plan” to support businesses’ transition to green energy, expand access to clean power, and help Australians purchase zero-emission vehicles.
Jacqueline Peel, a climate law specialist at the University of Melbourne, said the plan was unlikely to satisfy critics: “Given the risks highlighted this week, this ‘achievable’ target feels very anticlimactic.”
Former Kiribati president Anote Tong, a leading Pacific climate advocate, criticised Australia’s reliance on fossil fuels and subsidies to the industry. He said the climate risk report’s “apocalyptic scenarios” underscored the urgency of stronger action.
While global emissions continue to rise, scientists warn they must be cut nearly in half by the end of this decade to keep global warming to safer levels.
Australia’s previous commitment, made for 2030, was a 43 per cent cut on 2005 levels. Although countries were expected to update their targets earlier this year, a UN database shows only 10 of nearly 200 did so on time.
Despite investing billions in solar, wind, and green manufacturing and pledging to become a renewable superpower, Australia remains one of the world’s largest coal exporters — leaving its green ambitions at odds with its economic dependence on fossil fuels.
