2035 climate targets matter

In relation to our article Net zero emissions by 2050 is great for the fossil fuel industry

Amy Hiller, Kew, Victoria, Feb 24, 2025

Ken Russell is absolutely correct in stating that “the incorrect use of net zero, together with carbon offsetting and carbon capture and storage, has enabled the development of a highly successful greenwashing operation designed to ensure the ongoing use of fossil fuels”.

And who benefits? Fossil fuel corporations and the big end of town. Who suffers? All life on earth. The burning of fossil fuels, no matter where they are burned, is responsible for 75% of global heating. The year 2024 was 1.6 degrees above pre-industrial temperatures. For fossil fuel CEOs to dodge and weave climate commitments, and governments to fail to hold them accountable, is negligence of the highest degree.

With ‘net-zero’ meaning little, interim climate targets matter. It is vital that nations like Australia contribute ambitious 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions to the UNFCCC this year.

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