Australia has set a target to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, which means that the country aims to balance the amount of greenhouse gases it emits with the amount it removes from the atmosphere. This target was announced by then Prime Minister Scott Morrison in April 2021, ahead of the global climate summit hosted by the United States.
Australia’s 2050 target is aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
To achieve this target, Australia has also committed to reducing its emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2030. This target was set in 2015 and is part of Australia’s Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement.
Australia’s approach to decarbonization involves a mix of measures, including transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and investing in research and development of new technologies. The government has also announced funding for initiatives such as carbon capture and storage, hydrogen production, and electric vehicle infrastructure.
However, some critics argue that Australia’s decarbonisation targets are not ambitious enough and that the country needs to do more to address climate change. The government has faced criticism for its reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, and for not taking stronger action to reduce emissions in sectors such as transport and agriculture.