Australian government releases its new 2035 emissions reduction target

The target, at the heart of the new Nationally Determined Contribution to be submitted under the Paris Agreement, is a pledge for a 62-70% cut below 2005 levels by 2035.

This target is not likely to please anyone (progressive business called for a 75% cut, civil society for an 85% or above target and on the right the Coalition opposition is stuck in a diabolical debate about whether to even have Australia stick with a net zero by 2050 target).

Following ‘hot’ on the heels of the National Climate Risk assessment released on Monday which pointed to the wide ranging and severe risks and costs Australia faces from climate change this ‘achievable’ target feels very anticlimactic.