Australia's conservative Liberal Party has abandoned its 2050 net-zero emissions target, announcing on November 13, 2025, a new focus on reducing energy prices through expanded fossil fuel investments. The decision follows a five-hour party meeting this week and aligns the Liberals with their coalition partner, the National Party, which withdrew from its net-zero commitment earlier this month.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley confirmed the party would dismantle the Labor government's renewable energy policies if elected, including scrapping emissions reduction targets. However, Australia will remain in the Paris Climate Agreement. "Affordable energy must come first," Ley stated, emphasizing plans to prevent coal plant closures, lift nuclear energy bans, and boost gas infrastructure.
The policy reversal marks a sharp departure from the Liberals' 2021 net-zero pledge under former Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Analysts attribute the shift to internal factional disputes and the party's decisive electoral loss to Labor in May 2025. The current Labor government aims to cut emissions by 62-70% from 2005 levels by 2035, supported by a $3.3 billion decarbonization fund announced this September.
This development raises questions about Australia's climate commitments amid global efforts to limit temperature rises. Energy market observers warn the policy could impact regional investments in renewable technologies while offering short-term relief to households grappling with rising costs.
