ABC News Daily Alan Kohler on the new emissions target
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Sep 16, 2025 Alan Kohler, ABC TV's finance expert, dives into Australia's revised carbon emissions target, shifting from 2030 to 2035. He raises questions about the political motivations behind this change, while detailing alarming insights from the latest climate risk assessment. Kohler discusses the pressing need for action amidst forecasts of increased natural disasters and the critical balance between optimism and realism in climate discussions. He also explores the challenges of meeting the 2035 target, particularly in the face of ongoing fossil fuel projects and the need for effective adaptation strategies.
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Report Lacks Probabilities
- The climate risk assessment shows many severe impacts but rarely states explicit probabilities for scenarios.
- Alan Kohler says that lack of likelihoods makes it hard for governments to plan precisely.
Two Degrees Likely
- Scientists say global warming is already 1.2°C and most expect we are heading to about 2°C.
- Kohler highlights that 2°C is the likely trajectory regardless of isolated national efforts.
Small Share, Big Responsibility
- Even though Australia contributes ~1% of global emissions, Kohler argues national action still matters morally and practically.
- He compares inaction to littering: small individual contributions accumulate into collective impact.