The Climate and Health Alliance uniting 100 health organisations is disappointed by lack of ambition in the 2035 emissions target released by the Albanese Government and calls for overachievement to safeguard the health of all Australians.

With a proposed target of only a 62–70% reduction in net emissions below 2005 levels, the commitment falls drastically short of what is required to protect health in the face of a worsening climate crisis.

The Climate and Health Alliance called for a target of as close to net zero emissions as possible by 2035, a science-backed target widely adopted by much of the climate sector. 

“Australia’s climate future was starkly laid out in the National Climate Risk Assessment this week,” said Michelle Isles, Chief Executive Officer of the Climate and Health Alliance. “Just four days later, the government has announced a target that fails to reflect the scale of risk we are facing – and the profound impact this will have on people’s health and wellbeing.”

“An ambitious target is not a ‘nice to have’ – it is essential to drive the urgent change needed to protect health”. As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Australia has committed that each successive Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) will "reflect its highest possible ambition." However, the means to begin to address this – the National Climate and Health Strategy, remains unfunded.

The Climate and Health Alliance welcomed the inclusion of health in the Climate Change Authority’s advice – a notable improvement, given the omission of any health considerations in Australia’s 2030 NDC. However, recognising the health impacts of climate change is only the first step.

“We welcome the inclusion of health in The Climate Change Authorities advice – it’s a vital step forward,” Isles said, “But recognition alone is not enough. We urgently need concrete actions that address the growing health impacts of climate change and protect the wellbeing of all people living in Australia. Funding the National Health and Climate Strategy and stopping fossil fuel projects that harm health is critical”.

Not only does a weak target impact those living in Australia – it fails to recognise our increased responsibility to deliver emissions reductions which protect the health of our Pacific neighbours.

“Pacific Island nations are already experiencing serious health impacts from climate change – it’s on their doorstep,” said Michelle Isles, Chief Executive Officer of the Climate and Health Alliance.

“If Australia wants to be taken seriously as a partner to the Pacific, especially in the lead-up to a potential co-hosting of COP31, we must show leadership through meaningful emissions reductions. The health community will continue to ask for more ambition and we are here to support the effort”.

ENDS 

For media inquiries please contact CAHA’s Policy and Communications Coordinator

Layla Humphreys 

0435 347 085