The Australian government is ramping up its efforts on climate change, announcing a new 2035 emissions target and also releasing its Net Zero Plan outlining how these targets will be achieved.

The government has set a national target to reduce emissions by 62–70 per cent below 2005 levels by 2035, supported by plans to build a more resilient clean energy policy under its Future Made in Australia plan, offering more choices in fuel-efficient and zero emissions vehicles with its New Vehicle Efficiency Standard and enabling a domestic transition to clean energy with its Cheaper Home Batteries Program.

Australia, currently one of the largest polluters per capita, has traditionally relied on fossil fuels, and the government had previously set a lower target to reduce greenhouse gases by 43 per cent by 2030.

Yet, the country has the resources and critical minerals that are key for renewable energy and technologies and Australia is also making good progress towards a target of 82 per cent renewable electricity by 2030, and the provision of more clean power offers the opportunity to industrial and domestic users to consume more climate friendly energy whilst also building more efficient buildings and infrastructure.

The new target is in line with an emission reduction benchmark recommended by the Climate Change Authority, the government body which provides climate policy advice.

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