Christiana Figueres, former UN Climate Director-General and architect of the Paris Agreement, has called on the Australian government to establish a greenhouse gas emission reduction target of at least 75% by 2035. This position is supported by over 350 companies, which Figueres argues would benefit the economy more than a lower target.
With Australia preparing to announce its commitment next month, Figueres believes that an ambitious reduction target would position the country favorably to host the UN’s main climate summit in 2026. Current discussions suggest a target range of 65% to 75% reduction from 2005 levels, with economic assessments indicating a potential increase of $3.7 trillion by 2035 if the higher target is adopted.
Reports propose even more ambitious reductions, with one suggesting a target of around 81%, aligning with global efforts to limit temperature increases. Bill Hare, from Climate Analysis, noted that Australia’s ability to meet a 75% reduction is technically and economically feasible, highlighting political will as the main barrier.
Experts argue that while ambitious targets are essential, effective policies to implement these reductions are crucial. There are calls for setting a range of targets rather than a single figure to ensure flexibility and effectiveness in emission reductions across various sectors, particularly where emissions are currently rising.
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