Overview
- The government adopted a 62–70% cut from 2005 levels by 2035 and will present the pledge at the UN General Assembly, with analysts saying it falls short of a 1.5°C-aligned path but provides clarity.
- Energy Minister Chris Bowen said there is no 2035 renewables or electric-vehicle sales target, characterizing the Climate Change Authority’s projections—over 90% renewables, quadrupled wind, doubled rooftop solar, and a 20-fold EV uptake—as advisory.
- Australia keeps its 82% renewables-by-2030 goal, while the energy market operator indicates about 90% renewable power by 2035 is needed to stay on track for net zero by 2050.
- Environmental groups and some experts criticized the 2035 range as insufficient, and political opposition persisted over economic concerns.
- Implementation is centered on the Capacity Investment Scheme, the Safeguard Mechanism, Australian Carbon Credit Units and some carbon capture, prompting calls for stronger incentives and, from some economists, a carbon price so emitters shoulder more of the transition cost.