ISTANBUL

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged Wednesday that his country will cut carbon emissions by up to 70% by 2035, unveiling an updated target at the UN Climate Summit in New York.

During his address, Albanese said that “we can protect our environment and build a stronger and fairer economy for the next generation.”

“That is the optimism and determination that Australia brings to this task, and today, I present Australia's next nationally determined contribution. Australia's 2035 target is to reduce emissions by 62% to 70%,” he said.

“This target is ambitious, but importantly, it is also achievable. It is backed by the independent scientific advice of our climate change authority,” he added.

Albanese pointed out that this target “will ensure that Australia honors our commitment to the Paris Agreement and its goal of keeping global temperatures below dangerous levels.”

“What is most important is having the practical plan to reach our goal, and that is where Australian clean energy is key, just as our traditional resources have helped to power the extraordinary economic transformation of our region, our renewables can underpin new prosperity, the growing economies of the Indo-Pacific.”