Australia announced a commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70 pc by 2035, following a recent study that highlighted the potential displacement of over 1.5 million people due to rising sea levels.
This pledge aligns with the requirements of the Paris Accords, which mandate that every country submit a headline figure to the United Nations for controlling and limiting heat-trapping emissions by 2035, accompanied by a detailed plan outlining how these targets will be achieved.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation, stating, “Australia, listen to the science, and the government will act in the national interest.” This ambitious target positions Australia’s climate goals ahead of those set by Canada and New Zealand, though they fall short of the United Kingdom’s, which are among the most stringent globally.
Previously, Australia had committed to reducing emissions to 43 per cent of 2005 levels. The updated strategy includes a significant shift towards renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, alongside efforts to decrease reliance on fossil fuels and curb the extraction and export of coal and mineral products. The government’s plan reflects a broader push towards sustainable practices to meet the new emissions target.
As of now, only 10 out of 200 countries have submitted the mandatory climate action reports required under the Paris Accords, indicating that global efforts to address greenhouse gas pollution are still in the early stages at the national level. The urgency of these measures was underscored by warnings from The Climate Change Authority, which indicated that, based on previous 2030 commitments, the world is on track for 2.9 degrees Celsius of warming this century—far exceeding the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
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A recent Australian study further highlighted the stakes, revealing that by 2050, more than 1.5 million people could be affected by rising sea levels, with significant declines in property values anticipated in vulnerable coastal areas. This looming threat has intensified calls for robust climate action.
Bill Hare, head of the Climate Analytics research group, emphasised the need for immediate and decisive measures, stating, “Australia needs to cut its emissions at a pace associated with a 1.5 degrees Celsius compatible emission reduction pathway that properly aligns with bringing emissions to net zero by 2050 in Australia.” He added, “This requires strong government policy action now.”
Australia’s updated commitment reflects a recognition of the escalating climate crisis and the need for accelerated action to mitigate its impacts, both domestically and globally, as the nation seeks to align its policies with the urgent demands of climate science.
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