Australia’s climate action still falls short

January 27, 2026

Peter Sainsbury’s overview of Australia’s climate risk in the decade since the Paris Agreement is timely and helpful. The obvious question, however, is how Australia’s response compares with that of similar countries.

Our decarbonisation record is mixed. Australia leads the world in rooftop solar uptake, and some states have achieved exceptionally high shares of renewable electricity. Nationally, emissions targets of net zero by 2050 and a stronger 2035 goal are now legislated. Yet compared with our OECD and G20 peers, Australia still ranks among the highest for per-capita emissions, remains heavily dependent on coal and gas, and lacks a national carbon price.

Instead, we rely on the Safeguard Mechanism, which allows major emitters to continue polluting by purchasing offsets rather than making real cuts. Despite clear advice from the International Energy Agency, new coal and gas projects continue to be approved. While renewable electricity is growing rapidly, renewables still account for a relatively small share of total energy use.

Australia is making progress, but it is not leading. Greater urgency, ambition and policy consistency are urgently needed from the Albanese government.