The Australian government has released their climate targets, revealing it will submit a 2035 target to cut emissions by 62 to 70 percent to the United Nations.

University of Sydney experts respond to the announcement and implications for Australia's future.  

Professor Deanna D’Alessandro, director of the Net Zero Institute, University of Sydney says the announcement is major opportunity for Australia to use bold solutions for decarbonisation. 

“It’s promising to see a clear mid-term target because the risks of inaction are no longer distant, they’re here. Decarbonisation isn’t just about climate. It’s about economic security, national security, and protecting Australia’s future. 

“Regardless of global politics, this is a major opportunity for our country. 

“But we must be honest: the challenges are real. What’s needed are bold, joined-up solutions, ones that work for our economy, our environment, our people, and our planet.

Luisa F Bedoya Taborda, Environmental Lawyer and PhD candidate at the School of Project Management studying the impact of climate change in communities affected by conflict says: 

“Australia’s new target, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 62–70 percent by 2035, is a significant and necessary policy advance. While some argue this will cost jobs, slow the economy, and lower living standards, the evidence shows the opposite: investment in clean energy creates more jobs than fossil fuels, renewable industries are already driving regional growth, and energy efficiency lowers household bills. 

“Jobs and Skills Australia in its 2023 report ‘The Clean Energy Generation’ identified 38 critical occupations inn the clean-energy economy, including trade, technical and professional roles that are projected to grow significantly and faster than the average in the broader workforce. The same report estimates that thousands of workers will be needed in generation, transmission, storage, and other supporting infrastructure if Australia is to meet net-zero emissions by mid-century.

“A modelling study by the Clean Energy Council highlights that under an 82 percent renewables scenario by 2030, Australia would gain tens of thousands of jobs, particularly in construction and operations and maintenance of renewable energy infrastructure. The estimations are between 2026-2030, 37,700 construction “job-years” and 5,000 operations and maintenance “job-years” would be created. Even now, around 30,000 people are employed in clean energy, in regional Australia, and about 40,000 jobs are expected by 2030.

“Fossil fuel employment is comparatively small and declining. A report on transitions from fossil fuels shows fossil fuel-related employment is about 1 percent of total Australian employment; and new jobs in fossil fuel sectors have been few in recent years, while many more are being created in renewables and supporting sectors.

"These facts show that the notion that emissions cuts must come at the cost of jobs and prosperity is not supported by evidence. 

On the contrary, Australia has an opportunity to expand employment, secure economic growth in a clean economy and protect communities from worsening disasters. Communities in the Pacific Islands have already been forced to relocate, and these events are projected to become more frequent and severe."