ATSE welcomes 2035 emissions targets

The Federal Government’s emissions target of 62 – 70% by 2035, announced today, are a welcome step towards net zero.

This target is achievable only if the Federal Government takes decisive action in this term of government to cut emissions from high-emitting sectors where the technologies exist to do so.

And so we’re pleased to see practical steps also announced today – such as $5 billion to help large industries like mining to decarbonise, and $40 million for electric vehicle infrastructure.

Today’s target and sector plans also sends a signal to industry – providing the policy certainty needed to underpin the decarbonised economy.

ATSE urges a bipartisan approach to targets to ensure continued certainty for industry in the coming years.

We reiterate our call for not just ambition, but immediate, coordinated action on mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Meeting this commitment requires the cooperation of governments at all levels, all industry sectors, and the research community.

That means supporting the development of the technology and policies for a net zero energy grid, creating circular supply chains to cut waste and emissions, and backing alternative technologies to decarbonise mining, freight and agriculture. There are already mature technologies that can be deployed for these sectors to rapidly cut emissions by 2035.

The pathway to net zero by 2050 will be technology-dependent. Representing over 900 of Australia’s leading applied scientists and engineers, we’re here to help drive the decarbonisation of Australia’s economy and help Australia reach net zero as soon as possible. Our expert-led reports – including Decarbonising Diesel Industries and Power to the People – outline policy options to catch up to technological options for decarbonisation.