Calls urge the Australian government to set a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of at least 75% by 2035, supported by over 350 businesses that argue a higher goal would be economically beneficial. The Climate Change Authority's consultation paper assessed scientific, economic, technological and social evidence and suggested a 65–75% 2035 target below 2005 levels could be ambitious yet achievable with additional action from governments, business, investors and households. Cabinet has not yet received formal advice and a decision is expected before the prime minister attends the UN general assembly in September. An ambitious target could strengthen Australia’s clean-energy industry and hosting prospects for Cop31.
A former UN climate chief has urged the Australian government to set a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of at least a 75% cut by 2035, backing calls from a group of more than 350 businesses that it would be better for the economy than a lower goal. The intervention by Christiana Figueres, an architect of the 2015 Paris agreement when she was the executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, comes before discussions about Australia's commitment, due to be announced next month.
A consultation paper by the authority last year based on an initial assessment of scientific, economic, technological and social evidence suggested a 2035 target of between 65% and 75% below 2005 levels would be ambitious and could be achievable if additional action is taken by governments, business, investors and households. Since then, the government has been lobbied about what target it should set. Figueres said setting a target of a 75% or more reduction would be not a burden, but instead be Australia's ticket into the prosperity of the future.
She suggested the ambitious goal would increase Australia's chance to win the rights to host a major UN climate summit in Adelaide in November 2026. Australia continues to vie with Turkey for the right to host the Cop31 summit and it is unclear when that will be resolved under the UN's consensus decision-making process. Sign up: AU Breaking News email The new global economy is rising, powered by clean energy and green industry. Australia can be at its heart, with unrivalled sun and wind, critical minerals and skilled labour ready to lead, Figueres said. Prime minister Albanese now has the chance to show the Pacific and the world that Australia is ready to lead at Cop
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