Australia Urged to Set Ambitious Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Target

Christiana Figueres, 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, in line with calls from over 350 businesses that a higher target would be better for the economy. Figueres, who was the architect of the 2015 Paris agreement, believes that a more ambitious target would boost Australia's chances of hosting a major UN climate summit and position the country for a prosperous future. A consultation paper by the Climate Change Authority suggested a 2035 target of between 65% and 75% below 2005 levels would be achievable with additional action from governments, business, investors, and households. The Australian government is expected to announce its commitment next month, with Cabinet yet to receive formal advice from the Climate Change Authority.

Key Takeaways:

• Christiana Figueres, a former UN climate chief, has urged the Australian government to set a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of at least 75% by 2035.
• Over 350 businesses, including Future Group, Fortescue, and Unilever, are backing a 75% reduction target, citing the potential economic benefits.
• A report commissioned by the Business for 75% group suggests a 75% reduction target could lead to national GDP being $370bn greater by 2035 compared with current projections.
• The Climate Analytics chief executive, Bill Hare, agrees that Australia should set a reduction target of around 81% to align with the Paris agreement goal of limiting global heating to 1.5C.
• Frank Jotzo, the director of the Australian National University's Centre for Climate and Energy Policy, suggests that even a reduction target in the 60s would be ambitious and requires substantial policies to drive change.

Statistics:

• 75%: Proposed greenhouse gas emissions reduction target by 2035, backed by over 350 businesses and Christiana Figueres.
• $370bn: Potential increase in national GDP by 2035 compared with current projections, according to a report commissioned by the Business for 75% group.
• 2015: Year the Paris agreement was reached, with Christiana Figueres as the architect.
• 2035: Target year for greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
• 1.5C: Maximum global heating limit, according to the Paris agreement.

Sources:

• Climate and Environment Editor Adam Morton, Sydney Morning Herald (no date)
• Christiana Figueres, interview with Climate and Environment Editor Adam Morton (no date)
• Business for 75% group report (no date)
• Climate Analytics report, "Australia's Emissions Reduction Target: A Critical Review" (no date)
• Climate Change Authority consultation paper (2022)