Australia's Opposition Abandons Net Zero 2050 Pledge, Citing Energy Affordability

Australia's centre-right opposition announced on Thursday it will abandon its commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050 if it returns to government — a major policy reversal for a country that remains economically tied to fossil fuels yet faces acute climate risks.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's centre-left Labor government has invested billions in solar, wind and green manufacturing and aims to transform Australia into a renewable energy powerhouse. Labor has also pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70% from 2005 levels over the next decade and is campaigning to co-host next year's UN climate summit with Pacific Island nations, many of which are among the world's most climate-vulnerable countries.

The centre-right Liberal Party, which introduced the net zero pledge in 2021 under former prime minister Scott Morrison, spent weeks debating whether to keep the target. On Thursday, party leader Sussan Ley said the Liberals would drop the 2050 net zero goal if they regained power, ending the internal dispute.

What the opposition says

Ley emphasised that the party remains committed to "responding to climate change in a way that is affordable, responsible and achievable." She added:

"Net zero would be welcome," but any such outcome should be achieved without direct government intervention. The party will prioritise energy affordability over government-led measures to reach emissions targets.

The Liberal Party's coalition partner, the Nationals, recently voted to scrap its own net zero by 2050 target. The two parties are scheduled to meet on Sunday to determine a formal coalition position.

Reaction and context

Prime Minister Albanese criticised the opposition for "walking away from climate action," saying their stance also risks abandoning reliable and affordable energy investments. Australia's economy remains heavily tied to fossil fuel industries: it is the world's second-largest coal exporter, holds the third-largest coal reserves and continues to direct substantial public subsidies to fossil fuels. Emissions-intensive iron ore mining also remains one of the country's most valuable exports.

Climate scientists and environmental groups warned the decision jeopardises recent progress. James Hopeward of the University of South Australia described the reversal as "a catastrophic failure to acknowledge both climate science and energy system dynamics," adding that the transition to renewable energy is inevitable.

A landmark government climate report released in September warned that rising seas and increased flooding could threaten the homes and livelihoods of more than one million Australians by 2050, while heat-related deaths are expected to climb. Australia already records one of the highest rates of skin cancer globally; official health data estimated nearly 19,000 Australians would be diagnosed with melanoma in 2024.

Amanda McKenzie, chief executive of the Climate Council, said abandoning net zero would let "climate change to rip," calling the move "deadly negligence" that could leave Australians facing more frequent fires, floods and heatwaves. Environmental groups also warned that ditching the target could roll back gains made in recent years if the Liberals return to power.

What to watch next

All eyes will be on the upcoming coalition meeting to see whether the Liberals and Nationals adopt a unified stance. The debate underscores the continuing domestic tensions — often termed Australia's "climate wars" — between economic reliance on fossil fuels and the growing urgency of climate-driven impacts across the country.