Ambitious domestic action by Australia and other developed countries will support strong outcomes from the international negotiations. Australia was one of the first countries to announce its mid-term emissions reduction targets, in December 2008, and we are encouraged that almost all advanced economies and some major developing economies have followed our lead.
On 4 May 2009 Australia strengthened its offer by increasing our 2020 target to a conditional 25 per cent below 2000 levels by 2020 if the world agrees to an ambitious global deal consistent with stabilising greenhouse gas levels at 450 parts per million (ppm) or lower. This is a credible and ambitious commitment, equivalent to almost halving the average emissions of every Australian over the period 1990 to 2020.
This commitment followed extensive consultation on the best way to maximise Australia’s contribution to an ambitious outcome in the international negotiations at Copenhagen.
If, however, the world is unable to secure an agreement consistent with 450 ppm or lower, we will still reduce our emissions in Australia by between 5 and 15 per cent below 2000 levels by 2020. This is equivalent to reducing every Australian’s average emissions by more than one-third on 1990 levels.
Australia will continue to play its full part in global efforts after 2020. The Government has committed to reduce emissions to 60 per cent below 2000 levels by 2050. Should the world achieve the kind of ambitious climate change agreement Australia has outlined, the Government will seek a new election mandate to increase this 2050 target.
For more information on Australia’s targets refer to the media release - A new target for reducing Australia's carbon pollution.
