The Australian government’s pledge to cut emissions 62–70% below 2005 levels by 2035 is a welcome move. It signals progress and acknowledges that climate action is both urgent and economically smart.
But let’s be clear: the difference between 62% and 70% is significant—and experts argue a Paris-aligned pathway demands closer to 81% cuts. Framing this as a “range” risks sending the wrong message globally.
What matters now is delivery. Net reductions so far have leaned on land-use change, not deep cuts to fossil fuels. To truly get on track, Australia must double down on clean energy, electrification, and industrial transformation—phasing down legacy systems while scaling wind, solar, and storage at record pace.
The good news? Renewable costs keep falling, investors are ready, and state-level action already points beyond the federal target. With clear sector plans and accountability, Australia can not just meet—but exceed—its goals.
This is exactly what my team at Strategy&Ops Consultancy focuses on: credible pathways, actionable strategies, and measurable emissions reductions. If you’d like to connect, reach me at ceo@strategyandops.net
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Australia’s New 2035 Climate Target: Ambitious, Necessary, but Still Falling Short
The Australian government’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 62–70% below 2005 levels by 2035 marks an important milestone on the road to net zero. It signals recognition that climate action is both an environmental necessity and an economic opportunity.
From a strategy perspective, this is a stretch but achievable target—if the government, industry, and society move decisively. Delivering on it will require nothing less than a wholesale transformation of Australia’s energy, transport, and industrial systems within the next decade. Quadrupling wind capacity, tripling large-scale solar, and doubling rooftop solar installations are not optional—they’re essential.
Yet, the decision to frame the target as a range (62–70%) rather than a firm commitment at or above 70% raises questions. Independent experts suggest that a fair share aligned with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal would demand 81% reductions by 2035. As Thomas Houlie of Climate Analytics observed, anything less risks being “extremely insufficient” on the global stage.
This isn’t just about ambition—it’s about credibility. Net reductions to date have leaned heavily on land-use change rather than cuts in fossil fuel use. To meet the new target, Australia must shift from accounting tricks to real, systemic decarbonisation. That means tough choices: phasing down fossil fuels, accelerating electrification, and ensuring just transitions for communities and industries.
Still, I see opportunity. With clear sectoral transition plans, falling renewable energy costs, and increasing investor appetite for low-carbon growth, Australia has the potential not only to meet but to exceed its 2035 target. Achieving that will send the right message globally and position the country as a clean economy leader.
As someone working at the intersection of sustainability strategy and emissions reduction, I know this kind of transformation is challenging—but possible when backed by robust planning, cross-sector collaboration, and accountability.
I look forward to watching—and supporting—how Australia translates this commitment into action.
My team and I specialise in helping organisations set credible pathways, unlock value in decarbonisation, and turn climate ambition into measurable results. If you’d like to connect, you can reach me at ceo@strategyandops.net.