Australian climate authority nominates ambitious 2035 emissions reduction target

Australia could achieve an ambitious 75 percent emissions reduction target by 2035, according to the government's top climate advisory body.

In an assessment published on Thursday, the Climate Change Authority (CCA) advised the government to target a 2035 emissions reduction target of 65-75 percent from 2005 levels.

Brad Archer, CCA chief executive, said that a 65-75 percent reduction target would be ambitious but could be achieved if additional action is taken by governments, businesses, investors and households.

"In developing our advice we are looking at the latest science, economic data, technological developments, and the opportunities and impacts for Australians, including First Nations peoples and those in rural and regional areas," he said in a media release.

Australia's governing Labor Party has committed to cutting the country's emissions by at least 43 percent from 2005 levels by 2030 and commissioned the CCA to advise it on a 2035 target.

The nation's three largest states of New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, which together account for over 75 percent of Australia's population, have already set their own 2035 target of at least a 70 percent cut from 2005.

Releasing its assessment, the CCA invited Australians to have their say on the national 2035 target.

"We also want to hear personal perspectives and experiences with climate change, and suggestions about how Australian governments can support the wellbeing of workers, communities and regions as the nation decarbonizes," Archer said.

In addition to the 2035 target, the authority will also advise the government in 2024 on pathways for the electricity and energy, built environment, industry and waste, agriculture and land, resources and transport sectors to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.