Australia’s liberal party drops net zero commitment while maintaining paris agreement membership

Australia’s Liberal Party has officially abandoned its commitment to achieving net zero emissions, marking a significant shift in the country’s climate policy landscape. The decision came after intense internal negotiations, with the party choosing to align with their coalition partners, the Nationals, who have long opposed firm emissions reduction targets.

The policy reversal follows a marathon five-hour party room debate that highlighted deep divisions within Liberal ranks. While climate hawks within the party pushed for maintaining ambitious emissions goals, the party ultimately prioritized coalition unity over specific climate targets. However, moderate Liberal MPs secured an important concession: they will be permitted to publicly describe net zero as a “welcome outcome,” providing some political cover for members representing constituencies concerned about climate action.

In a compromise that prevented a complete retreat from international climate commitments, the Liberal shadow ministry agreed that a future Coalition government would remain within the Paris Climate Agreement. This decision represented a crucial red line for moderate Liberal figures, including Andrew Bragg and Maria Kovacic, who threatened significant internal opposition if Australia were to withdraw entirely from the global climate accord.

The policy shift positions Australia’s main opposition party at odds with the international trend toward stronger climate commitments, potentially impacting the country’s climate diplomacy and domestic environmental policy direction. While the party maintains its Paris Agreement membership, the abandonment of specific net zero targets raises questions about how Australia would meet its international climate obligations under a future Coalition government.