In a significant move to combat climate change, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a new emissions reduction target for 2035. The nation, known as one of the world’s largest per capita polluters, aims to cut its carbon emissions by at least 62% compared to 2005 levels. This announcement comes as Australia faces mounting global criticism for its reliance on fossil fuels and increasing climate-related challenges. The new target surpasses the previous goal of a 43% reduction by 2030 and aligns with recommendations from the Climate Change Authority, a government advisory body. Albanese emphasized that the target is ‘responsible, science-backed, and achievable with proven technology.’ The commitment will be formally presented at the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting in New York. Australia’s climate efforts are part of its obligations under the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Recent years have seen Australia grapple with extreme weather events, including severe droughts, historic bushfires, and record-breaking floods. A landmark government-commissioned risk assessment warned of escalating climate risks, such as heatwave-related deaths, water quality degradation, and sea level rises threatening 1.5 million people. Despite these challenges, Australia’s climate agenda remains contentious. The opposition Liberal National coalition has criticized the new target, calling it costly and lacking credibility, while independent and Greens MPs advocate for more aggressive cuts. Meanwhile, the Labor government continues to approve fossil fuel projects, such as the recent extension of Woodside’s North West Shelf gas project, drawing criticism from environmental advocates. Australia’s dual approach—pursuing renewable energy while supporting fossil fuels—highlights the complexities of its climate policy.