The Australian Government is taking strong action on climate change to build a safe and prosperous future.
Today the Prime Minister announced Australia's 2035 emissions target, the next step on the path to our long-term target of net zero by 2050. The government also released the Net Zero Plan, along with a series of supporting documents, which outline how we will achieve these targets.
This builds on significant progress over the last 3 years to reduce emissions. Latest data shows emissions are coming down and Australia is broadly on track to meet our 2030 target.
The global shift to clean energy is well underway and presents a huge opportunity for Australia. We can use our natural advantages to deliver new jobs, new industries, and secure global investment in our country.
We can no longer avoid climate impacts, but every action we take now helps avoid the worst impacts on Australians.
2035 target
The government has set a national target to reduce emissions by 62-70% below 2005 levels by 2035. This target is ambitious, achievable, and in Australia's national interests.
It is ambitious
This target is a significant step up from our 2030 target and provides a strong investment signal. It is a credible contribution to global action on climate change.
It is achievable
We can build on existing policies to help meet the target.
These include:
- supporting industry to lower emissions with the Safeguard Mechanism
- building a more resilient economy powered by clean energy for our Future Made in Australia
- offering more choices in fuel-efficient and zero emissions vehicles with the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard
- helping Australians join the clean energy transition with Cheaper Home Batteries Program.
We have a lot of the technologies we need to meet the target, like solar, wind and batteries. The target range leaves room for greater ambition as technology evolves.
This target is backed by science and expert advice.
- As required under the Climate Change Act 2022, the Climate Change Authority provided independent advice to government on setting the target.
- The government accepted the Authority's recommendation in setting the target range.
It is delivered with a practical plan
- The Net Zero Plan provides a clear pathway to achieve the 2035 target on the way to net zero by 2050.
It is in our national interests
This target will:
- help preserve our way of life and protect our natural environment
- help our exporters, farmers and industries compete and succeed globally
- drive investment and speed up the transition to net zero by 2050.
