Anthony Albanese writes to UN to increase Australia’s emissions reductions target

Anthony Albanese has written to the United to Nations to increase Australia’s emissions reduction targets. 

The Prime Minister has informed the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa about the new government’s updated 2030 target.

Mr Albanese pledged to reduce Australia’s emissions by 43 per cent compared to 2005 levels. The Coalition’s target was 26-28 per cent. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signing of the Nationally Determined Contribution

Announcing he had sent the letter on Thursday, Mr Albanese said world leaders had welcomed Australia’s updated targets. 

‘When I’ve spoken with international leaders in the last few weeks, they have all welcomed Australia’s changed position,’ he said.

‘Our changed position of 43 per cent, up by 17 to 15 per cent, from the 26 to 28 per cent target that had remained there since Tony Abbott determined it in 2015.’   

Mr Albanese said his policy was solid and achievable.

‘We announced last December what our policy framework would be. At the time we released the most comprehensive modelling of any policy by any opposition since federation. What we didn’t do was set a target and then work out how to get there,’ he said.

‘What we did was work out what good policy looked like, and it happened to come out with a 43 per cent target by 2030. What businesses have been crying out for is investment certainty.

‘What businesses have been crying out for is investment certainty. The certainty they need to invest over a longer timeframe than the political cycle of three years, let alone the cycle that dominated the former government’s thinking.’