Australia Sets 2035 Emissions Target Amid New Risk Assessment

The Albanese government has set a 2035 emissions target of a 62–70% cut from 2005 levels, alongside a new National Climate Risk Assessment warning that extreme heat, fires, floods, drought and coastal inundation are already threatening lives and livelihoods, with Northern Australia especially exposed and large development plans such as a proposed irrigated “food bowl” facing major climate constraints. Treasury modelling projects households could save up to about $4,300 annually if they electrify transport, heating, water and cooking, though those figures are modelling‑based. The target provoked political backlash and confusion after Opposition leader Sussan Ley’s gaffe about opposing targets, with the Coalition refusing to lock in near‑term targets while in opposition and some critics calling the goal insufficient or economically risky. Independent analysts have flagged methodological inconsistencies between the NCRA’s high‑emissions framing and the government decarbonisation modelling, raising concerns about how impacts and costs are being presented. The government defended the target, pledged funding for electric‑vehicle infrastructure and energy‑efficiency programs, and acknowledged more action will be needed amid concerns about power bills. International and private responses include UN negotiators compiling record stakeholder feedback into a new five‑year plan, UNICEF pushing climate literacy for children, Singapore planning century‑scale coastal protections, and companies such as Bonava updating near‑term SBTi‑approved targets committing to substantial embodied and operational emissions reductions by 2030.