The Morning Edition A primer on Australia’s climate target
Sep 17, 2025
Bianca Hall, an environment and climate reporter, and Mike Foley, a climate and energy correspondent, dive into Australia's ambitious 2035 climate emissions target. They unpack the significance of the National Climate Risk Assessment and the Paris Agreement, emphasizing the urgency of limiting global warming. The pair discuss the complex interplay of politics, renewable energy, and industries in achieving these targets, while highlighting regional concerns from the Pacific. Their insights reveal the broader implications of Australia's climate policies on global investments.
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Why The Paris Target Matters
- The Paris Agreement aims to limit warming to 2°C, with 1.5°C preferable to avoid worst impacts.
- Australia must update its targets and has existing 2030 and incoming 2035 obligations.
1.5°C Avoids Cascading Catastrophes
- Limiting warming to 1.5°C sharply reduces cascading catastrophic impacts like famine and drought.
- Scientists say mitigation costs are far cheaper than dealing with runaway climate damages.
Targets Are Science Plus Politics
- The government must take Climate Change Authority advice but also weighs political consequences.
- Targets balance scientific credibility against electoral and industry pressures.