Australia, one of the world’s biggest emitters of greenhouse gases per capita, passed landmark legislation through its parliament last week, committing the nation to curbing carbon emissions 43% (from 2005 levels) by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050 (Guardian). The legislation marks the first action the Labor Party has taken on climate change since it won power in May, and sets the nation’s first-ever mandated climate targets. It requires that agencies account for emission reduction goals in their decisionmaking, and that the climate change minister issue a statement to parliament each year on the government’s progress in curbing emissions (Guardian, Reuters). Chris Bowen, Australia’s current climate change minister, stated, "The passage of the climate change legislation sends a message to the world that Australia is serious about driving down emissions, and serious about reaping the economic opportunities from affordable renewable energy” (Reuters). 

Australia’s prior administration, controlled by its conservative party, had held the same emissions reduction target––to reduce emissions by only 26%-28% by 2030 from 2005 levels––for nearly a decade. Australia has widely been considered a laggard in combating climate change, in part because of its status as one of the world’s largest exporters of fossil fuels (NPR). 

The new legislation could decrease Australia's carbon emissions from 24 to 14 tons per person. It has also received criticism for not going far enough. For instance, it does not ban new fossil fuel projects. It also lacks detail on how its new climate targets will be attained. Mark Howden, vice chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, commented that the new commitment won’t make Australia a leader, but it will make it “no longer a laggard” (BBC).