Plenty of people with a focus on climate today, as Chris Bowen meets with the UN climate chief, Simon Stiell to discuss Australia’s 2035 target. The Climate Change Authority, headed up by Matt Kean, is finalising its advice to the government on what the target should be as you read this.

The independents have a bit to say about it – from their joint release:

Independent MP for Wentworth. Allegra Spender

“Last week’s historic and unanimous ruling from the International Court of Justice confirms that all countries have a legal duty to slash climate pollution and do their utmost to reduce climate harm.

“For Australia, that starts with setting a credible 2035 target and backing it with real plans to limit warning to the Paris Agreement goal of 1.5 degrees, or at most 2 degrees.

“The Climate Change Authority has said that reducing emissions by up to 75% by 2035 is ambitious but achievable for Australia. This is the kind of ambition we need to see from the government.”

Independent MP for Warringah, Zali Steggall

“Australia must step up with a strong climate target of at least 75 per cent emissions reduction by 2035. It’s not just good climate policy, it’s smart economic policy and it is our responsibility to future generations.

“We have the resources and technology. What we need now is the political will. Every fraction of a degree matters, and any further delay in mitigating emissions will cost Australians more in responding to climate risks and lost economic opportunities.”

Independent MP for Indi, Helen Haines

“Disadvantaged Australians face greater health risks and cost-of-living pressures from climate change. We must be ambitious in reducing these impacts on our most vulnerable.”

Independent MP for Curtin, Kate Chaney

“This next decade is crucial for the planet and Australia needs to pull its weight.  We should be setting an ambitious 2035 target, to provide the certainty business needs to drive the required investment to set up our economy for decades to come.” 

Independent MP for Bradfield, Nicolette Boele

“A weak 2035 target sells Australia short – on jobs, on climate, and on global influence. After working in clean energy for over three decades, I know this: ambition isn’t a risk – it’s the safest move we can make.”

Independent MP for Kooyong, Monique Ryan

“Climate Council modelling released last week, and backed by the Academy of Sciences, showed that a target 65-75% emissions reduction by 2035 would have us on track to global warming of 2.3-2.4 degrees by 2035- which would have an enormous human and economic toll.

“We must immediately commit to emissions reduction of at least 75% by 2035. To achieve that, we have to stop subsidising fossil fuel industries and commit wholly to decarbonising our economy.”

Independent MP for Mackellar, Sophie Scamps

“The science is clear – net zero by 2035 is the only target that gives us a strong chance of keeping warming below 2°C. Every fraction of a degree of warming avoided means a safer, more liveable future for our kids.

“The Albanese Government has a clear choice: set the strongest possible 2035 target or fail future generations and fall short of the climate leadership Australians expect.”

ACT Independent Senator David Pocock. 

“I’m pushing for an ambitious but achievable minimum of 75% emissions reduction target by 2035 locked into law.

“The science is clear, and the Climate Change Authority says a 65-75% cut by 2035 is within reach. The UK has already committed to 81%.

“We need to aim high and plan for more. That’s why I support an aspirational target of net zero by 2035, with a legislated floor of 75%.”