Australia is under scrutiny as climate scientists criticize the Albanese government’s new 2035 emissions reduction targets, arguing they fall short of the necessary ambition to address the climate crisis. Despite the new targets, Australia is projected to remain one of the most emissions-intensive economies globally, according to a group of leading climate scientists.
The criticism comes from a letter signed by 60 scientists and researchers, including Professor David Karoly, addressed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The letter argues that the government’s targets do not align with the urgency outlined in its own risk assessment or its commitments under the Paris Agreement.
This development follows the Albanese administration’s efforts to resolve a deadlock with Turkey over hosting rights for the United Nations climate talks next year. Both Albanese and Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen are attending events on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, where the issue is being discussed.
Australia’s Emissions Targets Under Fire
The letter, signed by Karoly and other prominent scientists, states, “We are dismayed that the target announced by the federal government last week – a reduction of between 62 and 70 percent below 2005 levels by 2035 – fails to meet this promise to deliver the highest possible ambition.” The scientists argue that these targets do not reflect Australia’s fair contribution to the global effort to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
“If Australia does nothing more than meet its new 2035 target, it will still be among the most emissions-intensive economies in the world at the end of 2035,” the letter states.
Professor Karoly emphasized that Australia’s new target aligns with average global emission reduction targets, which he argues is insufficient. “Aspiring to average” does not meet the expectations of Australians who demand more ambitious climate action, nor does it fulfill the obligations under the Paris Agreement, which calls for advanced economies to lead by example.
Diplomatic Tensions Over COP Hosting
Meanwhile, Australia is engaged in a diplomatic push to secure hosting rights for the 2026 climate talks, seeking to co-host with Pacific neighbors in Adelaide. However, Turkey’s competing bid has complicated matters. Both countries are part of the UN’s Western European and Others Group, responsible for selecting the next COP host.
Turkey has emphasized its role as a bridge between developing and advanced economies, citing its experience in facilitating sensitive diplomatic negotiations. An opinion piece from the Turkish state-owned outlet TRT World argued that Australia’s push for hosting rights demonstrates a sense of entitlement.
“Australia’s bid to brand itself as the Pacific COP does more than project ambition. By implying a de facto right to the presidency and pressing Ankara to withdraw, Australian decision-makers recast consensus rules as obstruction,” the piece states.
Albanese has sought a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in New York to address the impasse. Despite frustrations over Australia’s climate policies, Pacific leaders continue to support the bid for a COP hosted in the region, hoping it will amplify their voices and push Australia towards greater climate ambition.
Regional and Global Reactions
Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s climate minister, has expressed dissatisfaction with Australia’s approval of the North West Shelf gas project expansion, suggesting the new emissions targets are insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree goal. Dr. Wesley Morgan, a Pacific specialist, noted that while there is frustration, Pacific leaders still back the regional COP bid.
In the broader context, Albanese has yet to secure a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump, while Erdoğan has received a warm welcome, with Trump expressing anticipation for a meeting at the White House.
The ongoing discussions at the UN General Assembly and the diplomatic maneuvering underscore the complex interplay of national interests and global climate commitments. As Australia navigates these challenges, the pressure to enhance its climate policies and secure international cooperation remains critical.
