Australia should commit to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by at least 75% by 2035, according to former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres. She argues that the ambitious target would not only benefit the country's economy but also help secure its place as host of the Cop31 UN climate summit in 2026.
Figueres, who played a central role in shaping the 2015 Paris Agreement, described the target as an opportunity rather than a burden. "A 75% reduction is Australia's ticket into the prosperity of the future," she said, pointing to the nation's abundant renewable resources and critical minerals as foundations for green industry leadership.
Her intervention comes as the Albanese government prepares to announce its 2035 target next month, ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York. Cabinet has yet to receive final recommendations from the Climate Change Authority, which last year suggested a range of 65–75% below 2005 levels as "ambitious but achievable" if governments, businesses and households take stronger action.
Economic case for higher ambition
The push for a stronger target has been backed by a coalition of more than 350 major businesses, including Atlassian, Canva, Ikea, Unilever, and Fortescue. A recent report commissioned by the group estimated that a 75% cut could add $370bn to Australia's GDP by 2035 compared with current projections, far outstripping the economic benefits of a lower 65% target.
A separate study by the think tank Climate Analytics, due out Monday, goes further still. It argues Australia should aim for an 81% reduction – within a 76–89% range – to align with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C.
Bill Hare, chief executive of Climate Analytics, said Australia has the technical and economic ability to reach the higher range, with the main obstacles being political. "Other countries will be watching closely," he said, especially as Canberra campaigns to co-host Cop31 with Pacific Island nations.
Political realities
Despite the mounting pressure, some experts caution that even a 65% target would require Australia to halve its pollution within the next decade – a steep challenge given slow progress in key sectors such as transport, agriculture, and heavy industry.
Frank Jotzo, director of the ANU Centre for Climate and Energy Policy, said ambition must be matched with credible implementation strategies. "Whatever target gets adopted should have a clear path to delivery and be perceived as realistic," he said.
Climate change minister Chris Bowen has hinted that the government may announce a target range rather than a single number, to provide flexibility while signalling ambition.
Cop31 at stake
Australia's bid to host Cop31 in Adelaide in 2026 remains uncertain, with Turkey also in contention. Figueres suggested that adopting a bold 2035 target could strengthen Canberra's case.
"The new global economy is rising, powered by clean energy and green industry," she said. "Prime Minister Albanese now has the chance to show the Pacific and the world that Australia is ready to lead at Cop31 and beyond."