2035 emissions target: Ambition or greenwash?


Australia’s newly announced 2035 emissions reduction target - a 62% to 70% cut below 2005 levels - marks one of the country’s most ambitious climate goals to date. Positioned as a key milestone on the path to net zero by 2050, the target aims to show Australia is serious about its global climate obligations.

But behind the bold rhetoric lies the more pressing question: is this goal genuinely achievable based on the nation’s current infrastructure, policy direction, and political will – or is it another example of greenwashing wrapped in scientific language?

What will it take to hit 62 - 70%?

Australia has made progress in cutting emissions over the last decade, largely driven by the rapid uptake of renewable energy and improvements in energy efficiency. Projections suggest that, under current policy settings, the country is on track for a 51% reduction by 2035.

To close the remaining gap and hit even the lower bound of the new target, the annual rate of emissions reduction will need to rise significantly. Achieving this will require a step-change in the way Australia produces and consumes energy across every sector of the economy.

The role of energy, transport and industry

The electricity sector remains the most critical battleground. A full decarbonisation of the grid by the early 2030s would be a cornerstone achievement, involving massive investment in wind, solar, battery storage, and new transmission infrastructure.

Coal must be rapidly phased out and gas tightly regulated or offset, yet announcements to extend the life of certain coal-fired power stations raise concerns about consistency between policy and ambition.

At the same time, transport emissions - which continue to grow - must be slashed through electrification, fuel efficiency standards, and a shift to public and active transport. Industrial emissions, particularly in heavy manufacturing and mining, pose additional challenges.

While clean technologies like green hydrogen and carbon capture show promise, they remain in the early stages of deployment and require significant public and private investment.

Residential and commercial buildings will also need to transition to electric heating and appliances, supported by better insulation and building standards.

Meanwhile, land sector emissions must be managed with care; while carbon sequestration through reforestation and improved soil management can help, these methods are susceptible to climate variability, making them unreliable as the foundation of a national reduction strategy.

Are there risks of falling short?

There are clear obstacles. Regulatory delays, infrastructure bottlenecks, and community resistance to major renewable energy projects could slow deployment timelines. Continued approvals of new fossil fuel projects send mixed signals to investors and the public, undermining confidence in the nation’s direction.

Australia’s policy landscape must remain stable, predictable, and ambitious, with strong frameworks to drive decarbonisation and protect vulnerable communities from the impacts of the transition.

Ultimately, the 2035 target is more than greenwash - but only if it is matched by sustained action, robust policy, and rapid deployment of clean technologies. Without this, the target risks being little more than a symbolic gesture. It’s a credible goal, but not a guaranteed outcome.

Success will depend on political courage, coordination between states and territories, and the engagement of industries and households alike.

Why choose Compare Energy to switch energy providers

One of the most effective ways households can contribute to these broader goals is by switching to cleaner energy providers. That’s where Compare Energy comes in. As a leading energy comparison service, Compare Energy empowers consumers to make choices that align with both their values and their budgets.

Whether you’re looking to lower your power bills, reduce your environmental impact, or both, Compare Energy helps you identify energy plans that offer real value - including options powered by renewable energy sources. In an increasingly complex energy market, having a trusted advisor on your side ensures you’re not overpaying or unknowingly supporting providers with poor environmental credentials.

By choosing smarter, greener energy plans, everyday Australians can collectively help push the energy sector toward the very outcomes that the 2035 target demands.

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