Breaking: Australia Set to Miss 2030 and 2035 Climate Targets, Government Warns

Australia is projected to narrowly miss its 2030 climate target and fall significantly short of its 2035 goal, according to the Climate Change Authority (CCA).

The CCA’s annual report forecasts that emissions will be reduced by 42% by 2030, just 1% below the legislated target, and by only 48% by 2035, well short of the government’s 62–70% ambition. Despite this, Australia is still expected to meet its international obligations under the Paris Agreement for this decade.

Speaking in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen acknowledged the shortfall but highlighted that the government had accelerated its efforts, cutting emissions by 2.2% over the past year. He noted that the projections do not include recent policy commitments, such as support for the green metals industry, and flagged potential improvements from future policy reviews, including the Safeguard Mechanism for major polluters.

“While the 2035 target is ambitious and achievable, it is not yet being achieved,” Mr Bowen said. “We cannot ignore climate change, and we cannot give up.”

Greens leader Larissa Waters criticised the government’s progress, saying, “48% is a country mile away from the 62% emissions reduction that Labor promised. These numbers point to catastrophic climate outcomes if action isn’t stepped up.”

The projections come shortly after the Coalition abandoned its net zero by 2050 pledge, a move it argued was driving up power costs, and have renewed debate over Australia’s climate ambitions. Mr Bowen stressed that Labor remains committed to credible, science-based targets aimed at keeping global warming well below 2°C.

The annual climate statement is required by law, a provision agreed to with independent senator David Pocock when the 2030 target was legislated.

The ABC will provide updates as more information becomes available.