UN Climate Chief urges Australia to ‘Go Big’ on 2035 emissions target

Australia has pledged to reduce emissions by 43% by 2030, but remains one of the world’s biggest polluters per capita and faces criticism for continuing to rely on fossil fuels.

Canberra: As Australia weighs a new climate target for 2035, the United Nations’ climate chief has urged the country to raise its ambition, saying the economic opportunities from stronger climate action are “colossal” and too great to ignore.

“Bog standard is beneath you,” said Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in remarks delivered at an event hosted by the Smart Energy Council. “Go for what’s smart by going big,” he added, framing the next decade as a critical moment for Australia’s environmental and economic trajectory.

Mr Stiell’s comments come amid growing domestic political debate over Australia’s climate commitments. Last week, a private member’s bill introduced by former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce sought to repeal the nation’s net zero emissions by 2050 goal—an effort that has heightened tensions between parties and within the Coalition itself.

Currently, Australia is committed to reducing its emissions by 43% from 2005 levels by 2030. But as one of the world’s highest per capita polluters and a major fossil fuel exporter, the country faces mounting international and domestic pressure to go further.

A new 2035 target is expected to be announced by the Labor government in September, under obligations outlined in the Paris Agreement. Mr Stiell called this upcoming pledge a “defining moment,” noting that failure to act more boldly could damage regional stability and erode living standards.

“Australia has a remarkable opportunity to lead in the global transition,” Mr Stiell said. “The economic rewards of bold action are colossal.”

The independent Climate Change Authority has advised that a 2035 target of cutting emissions by at least 65% and up to 75% from 2005 levels is both “ambitious and achievable,” based on scientific, technological, and economic evidence.

Some influential organisations—including the Climate Council, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, and the Australian Council of Social Service—have gone further, advocating for net zero by 2035 to keep global heating within the 1.5°C limit outlined in the Paris Agreement.

Industry support for stronger action is also growing. Mining giant Fortescue is backing a minimum 75% emissions reduction by 2035, joining a broader push from climate-conscious businesses. However, resistance remains from other industry groups and conservative politicians who argue against raising targets beyond the current 2030 goal.

The Coalition remains divided, with some members reportedly considering withdrawing their support for the 2050 net zero target altogether. Mr Joyce’s bill, which proposes dismantling almost all existing climate policies, reflects deep scepticism within sections of the opposition.

As the September deadline approaches, all eyes are on the Albanese government to see whether Australia will heed the UN’s call and position itself as a serious climate leader—or fall short at a time of growing global urgency.