The world's biggest annual climate conference, COP30, is underway in Belém, Brazil.
Climate change is a global challenge. Australia is committed to tackling it through international cooperation. This includes working under key multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.
COPs bring together 194 countries to decide how to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. They also work to progress the Paris Agreement's goals. The most important being to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C.
At COP30, Australia will push to speed up the world's move to net zero. It will also make sure all countries share in the opportunities it brings.
Ambitious and achievable: Australia's 2035 climate target
2025 is a pivotal year for ambition and progress.
At COP30, countries will share their updated Nationally Determined Contributions. These are their national climate targets under the Paris Agreement. Australia welcomes the new targets submitted so far. It also encourages all countries to bring strong plans.
In September, Australia set a new 2035 emissions reduction target. It aims to cut emissions by 62-70% below 2005 levels. This is a significant increase from our 2030 target. It places Australia among the most ambitious nations. It's a key step towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
This target is backed by detailed plans, including our Net Zero Plan and 6 sector emissions reduction plans. These reflect the rapid changes happening in Australia's energy system:
- One in three Australian households now have rooftop solar. This is the highest rate in the world.
- $22.7 billion is being invested in clean energy industries, renewable energy exports, and low-emissions products.
- We're on track to reach 82% renewables on our major electricity grids by 2030.
- By 2035, Australia is projected to have largely decarbonised its electricity sector, with most coal phased out of the system.
Collective finance: Enabling ambitious climate action
At COP29, Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen co-facilitated negotiations on the New Collective Quantified Goal on climate finance.
At COP30, Australia will work with its partners to implement the new goal. This includes improving access to finance and scaling up finance from all sources to enable ambitious climate action.
We are also working closely with our Pacific partners to deliver on their climate finance priorities.
Climate action is an economic opportunity
The global shift to net zero is one of the greatest chances for economic growth. It brings, investment for Australia and the world.
Global investment in clean energy projects now exceeds USD 2 trillion a year. Australia sees climate action as an opportunity to grow our economy. Our ambitious targets, backed by clear plans, will attract investment and build a strong, future-ready economy.
Australia's COP31 bid: Partnering with the Pacific
Australia expects to learn the outcome of its bid to host COP31 in partnership with the Pacific by the close of COP30.
We are working with Türkiye to find an amicable solution. In the meantime, we are preparing to host COP31, ensuring we're ready if our bid succeeds.
