Climate change targets – a critical decision for our future
Climate change targets – a critical decision for our futureJohn Nihill
Our Federal Government will soon take a critical decision for our future, on an emissions reduction target for 2035 and a plan to achieve this target. The Climate Change Authority is developing independent, expert advice on this target, and industry groups and climate groups will contribute.
We can add our voice, and it is a strong voice if we work together. We have a stake in the future of our country and planet, and we elected this government.
Australia committed in the Paris Agreement to help limit the increase in global average temperatures to well below 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels, and to do all we can to limit this increase to 1.5 degrees.
To reach this goal, both major parties, at present, commit to net zero national fossil fuel emissions by 2050. The Labor Government has legislated a reduction of 43% in national emissions below 2005 levels, and 82% renewable electricity, by 2030.
The government will soon commit to a 2035 target.
This of course is only part of the urgent response needed, it does not include emissions from our export of coal and gas. Even so, this target is a critical response to the climate emergency. The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), with many other climate action organisations, is urging the government to reduce emissions by at least 80% by 2035.
Excellent analysis of the need for action is available here: ACF 2025: A National Agenda for Australia’s Nature and Climate and also here: Climate Council 2025: Why Australia’s 2025 Climate Target Matters
The earth is already dangerously close to 1.5% average temperature increase. We are watching the tragic effects all over the world. These include local heat waves; drought and flood that are new weather records; fire and cyclones of a frequency, ferocity and location not seen before; sea temperature rise, ice melt, sea level rise; and species extinction on land and sea. Global heating is already causing hunger, water shortages, disease and displacement.
The nation of Vanuatu has taken legal action for the climate in the International Court of Justice. In July this year, the Court ruled unanimously that ‘a clean, healthy and stable environment’ is a human right, that nations have a legal obligation to tackle climate change, that a failure to do this could lead to reparations to affected nations.
A sustainable climate and a healthy environment is all within reach. It will require urgent action in renewable energy, farming practice, land, forest and water management, transport development, and green industry.
Excitingly, the innovation in science and technology and the investment potential are growing rapidly. Every level of government, every sector of the economy and every person has a part in this, but the Federal Government must lead with strong targets and policy and planning. We need to make full use of the opportunities that are here, and to provide incentives and directly invest in greater opportunities.
We need decisive and urgent action in the 2035 target and its plan. Adopting such a plan will provide sustainable jobs and build the skills we need. This will strengthen the economy
Every emission reduction effort we make now has both an immediate benefit and an ongoing one into the future. Deep emission reductions now make the path to net zero easier and hopefully earlier.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said that he wants his legacy to be action on climate. I believe him. The ACF is asking us to sign an open letter to Mr Albanese to set a strong science-based 2035 emissions reduction target. Please read this letter, sign it and share it as widely as you can. https://www.acf.org.au/our-work/climate/open-letter-2035
John Nihill is a member of ACF Eastern Rosellas Community Group (formerly ACF Chisholm)
26/07/2025