Australia delays decision on 2035 emissions target following Trump's election victory

Canberra (The Uttam Hindu): Australia's decision on its 2035 emissions reduction target has been postponed following the US presidential election victory of Donald Trump, according to the government's top climate agency. Matt Kean the chairman of the independent Climate Change Authority (CCA) stated on Sunday that the global repercussions of Trump's win would delay the agency's advice on the 2035 target by several months. Under the Paris Agreement on climate change Australia is required to commit to a 2035 emissions reduction target by February. However as per Australian law the government cannot set this target without receiving advice from the CCA. Kean mentioned that Trump's election victory along with his views on climate change and energy policies would have a significant global impact which necessitates a reassessment and recalibration of the assumptions that will guide the CCA's advice to the government. "The election of Donald Trump his statements on climate change and positions on energy policy are likely to have a global impact" Kean explained. "We'll do further work and modelling that will take into account America's new approach to climate change mitigation, the rest of the world's response and their impacts on global supply chains." Australia's Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, stated in October that the 2035 target announcement could be delayed beyond February and even extend to the 2025 general election which is required to be held by May. A report from the CCA published in September suggested that Australia must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 75% from 2005 levels by 2035 to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The report also noted that a 57% reduction is necessary to limit warming to 2 degrees. Australia has committed to cutting emissions by at least 43% from 2005 levels by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Bowen assured in a speech to parliament in November that Australia is on track to meet its 2030 target.

In terms of the economic impact  Australia's commitment to these reductions will influence industries and the overall economy requiring significant investments. Translating this into Indian currency the cost of these commitments could amount to billions of rupees in infrastructure and energy transitions as the country is aligning itself with global climate initiatives and future sustainability goals. The decision was made by the Australian government, led by Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen. Australia's commitment to a 2035 emissions reduction target is delayed. The delay comes after Trump's US election victory and could last several months. The issue pertains to Australian climate policy. The global implications of Trump's victory on climate policy necessitate a delay in the decision. The Climate Change Authority needs to reassess the assumptions used for advice to the government considering global impacts.