Business coalition calls for 75% emissions reduction by 2035

The Business for 75% campaign targets CEOs and C-suite directors of climate-conscious companies, calling for emissions reductions of 75% and beyond over the next decade.

According to those behind the campaign, Australian states and territories are already on track to reduce emissions by around 70% by 2035, but federal policy has so far lagged behind.

The campaign argues that reducing emissions is not just the right thing to do by the planet and its inhabitants – it’s also good for business.

The time is now

In 2025, Australia has committed under the Paris Agreement to establish a new emissions reduction target. At present, Australia is tracking towards a 49% reduction in emissions by 2035.

The campaign argues that this target is far too low, and that a goal of 75% or beyond is possible. It calls for Australia to follow in the footsteps of other advanced economies, noting that Australia has the resources and the will required to enact positive change.

“Without stronger ambition, we risk falling behind global markets and missing a once-in-a-generation chance to lead in the clean economy,” the campaign says.

The Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) has signed the open letter, agreeing that a bold target is good for both the environment and the economy.

“For a lot of really good reasons, the EEC and a bunch of other organisations are calling on government to err on the side of ambition,” says EEC CEO Luke Menzel.

“We hope to be hosting COP31 in Adelaide in November 2026. Minister [for Climate Change and Energy] Bowen likes to say that it’s the world’s biggest trade show – well what better advertisement could Australia have in terms of attracting international capital, the investment we need in this nation to make that economic transition, to unlock the prosperity of a leading net zero economy?”

Photo by Jesse Benjamin

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