Overview

• UN climate chief Simon Stiell has urged Australia to adopt a 65–75% cut in emissions by 2035, warning a weaker target would undercut economic growth and regional security.
• The Climate Change Authority is finalizing advice on the 65–75% reduction to guide the government’s formal 2035 commitment to the UN ahead of the September deadline.
• Nationals MPs Barnaby Joyce and Matt Canavan have led efforts to repeal or disregard Australia’s net-zero by 2050 pledge, exposing deep fractures within the Coalition.
• Critics have questioned the government’s decarbonisation credibility after approving major gas extensions, including the North West Shelf LNG licence through 2070.
• Australia’s bid to host the 2026 COP31 summit depends on finalizing a bold 2035 target, with Turkey set to challenge the proposal at Cop30.