Australia Australia

Australia’s overall ranking improves by five spots to 50th in this year’s CCPI. Australia is now among the low performers.

The country gets a low in the GHG Emissions, Renewable Energy, and Climate Policy categories, and a very low for Energy Use.

Australia’s 2030 climate goal is to reduce GHG emissions by 43% vs. 2005 levels. The country plans to achieve net zero by 2050. The government also sets a renewable electricity target of 82% by 2030. The CCPI climate experts welcome these goals. Nevertheless, the ambitions lack detailed plans and policies for achieving the targets, and there seems to be no intent to set more ambitious targets. Australia has still not addressed the rising emissions from transport with either updated fuel policies or effective incentives to purchase battery-powered electric vehicles.

No Fossil Fuel Phase-Out in Sight

Australia continues to develop fossil fuel projects and infrastructure, and its developed gas reserves rank it among the world’s top 20. The country is one of nine countries collectively responsible for 90% of global coal production and it plans to increase coal and gas production by over 5% by 2030. The increase is not compatible with the global 1.5°C target. There is no fossil fuel phase-out in sight, nor is there a concrete plan to limit fossil fuel extraction. The CCPI experts demand a clear fossil fuel phase-out, the end of fossil fuel subsidies, and government investment in more renewable energy.

In international climate politics, Australia has shown some progress in joining the Global Methane Pledge but it is donating little to the Green Climate Fund and does not take a leading role in climate diplomacy.

Australia should take a leading role

Overall, the experts demand a concrete phase-out plan for fossil fuels and for Australia to take a leading role in climate politics. Joining the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance and Powering Past Coal Alliance would be first steps. The country has good potential for renewable energy and should use this potential to ensure its renewable electricity goals are implemented.

Key Outcomes

  • Australia’s overall ranking improves by five spots to 50th in this year’s CCPI
  • Australia has still not addressed the rising emissions from transport with either updated fuel policies or effective incentives to purchase battery-powered electric vehicles.
  • Key demands: Concrete phase-out plan for fossil fuels

CCPI experts

The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:

Key Indicators

CCPI 2024: Target comparison