Australia

Australia Election Issue: Climate Change

APR 9 2025·Updated MAY 5 2025

Context

Above: Bleached and dead coral around Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef, located 270 kilometers (167 miles) north of the city of Cairns, on April 5, 2024. Image credit: David Gray/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images

The Facts

Overview: The continent of Australia has warmed 1.51°C since 1910, with eight of the nine hottest years since then occurring since 2013. Extreme heat days, once 2% of weather, are now five times more common. Southern regions face ongoing drying from rising high-pressure systems, while sea levels threaten coasts. Warming, 40% faster on land than oceans, is believed to be driven by human-caused emissions from fossil fuels and land clearing.
DCCEEW
CSIRO
Current State: Australia's climate crisis has been deepening, with extreme heat intensifying across the continent. The warmest year on record was 2019. Renewable energy now generates nearly 40% of Australia's electricity, and electric vehicle sales reached 8.47% of the market in 2023. The nation's firefighting volunteer force has declined by 17% in seven years. Climate projections warn of increasingly intense rainfall events, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and longer droughts across southern regions.
AdaptNSW
MJA
Climatechangeinaustralia
Climate Change as an Election Issue: Polling shows that climate change is considered a serious issue by most Australian voters. In 2024, 57% of respondants to a Lowry Institute poll said "global warming is a serious and pressing problem," while just 12% responded that no "steps that would have economic costs" should be taken "until we are sure that global warming is really a problem." Despite this, the ongoing cost of living crisis and issues of accommodation affordability are dominating the election.
Lowy Institute Poll
The University of Sydney
Labor Party Pledges: Labor pledges 82% renewables by 2030, backed by AU$8 billion for clean tech. While in government, the party claims to have kept the Great Barrier Reef off the "In Danger" list through AU$1.2 billion in investment. The official Labor Party site also details claims that it has delivered "over 100 times more ... environmental water in one term" than under the whole previous Coalition government. Committing to net zero by 2050, the party has also pledged to cut emissions 43% by 2030 and lower the cost of energy bills.
ALP
Climate News Australia
Coalition Pledges: The Liberal-National Coalition promises a "balanced" energy mix with renewables, gas, and nuclear, aiming primarily for cheaper energy. It's official site lists three main energy goals: "Cheaper power. Consistent power. Cleaner power." It also outlines intentions to "follow" other developed nations globally in a shift towards "zero-emission nuclear power" and to increase domestic gas production.
Liberal Party of Australia
Climate Council
Liberal Party of Australia
Green Party Pledges: The Greens pledge to set an aim of net zero by 2035 and a 75% cut in emissions by 2030. They oppose new coal and gas projects, back 100% renewable energy, and plan to promote electrification through grants and loans. The Greens' manifesto also includes a "polluter pays" system to fund disaster resilience and lower insurance costs. In Parliament, they claim to have stood out in their pursuit of stronger climate laws.
The Australian Greens
Climate Council

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The Spin

Australian Labor Party narrative

Labor’s climate plan boosts Australia’s future with a target of 82% renewable energy by 2030, creating over 1 million jobs and attracting $76 billion in investment. They've enshrined emissions targets into law, protected oceans and the Reef, expanded renewable projects powering 10 million homes, and delivered record water recovery for the Murray-Darling. Their approach promises cleaner energy, lower bills, thriving regions, and vital environmental protection.

ALP

Liberal/National Coalition narrative

The Coalition champions a practical, balanced energy future for Australia — combining renewables, gas, and zero-emissions nuclear to ensure cleaner, cheaper, and reliable power. With strong focus on community-led conservation and protection of natural treasures like the Great Barrier Reef, their approach supports everyday Australians while safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Liberal Party of Australia

Australian Green Party narrative

While Labor and the Coalition offer piecemeal solutions to the climate crisis, neither has a truly comprehensive plan. Both continue to support fossil fuel development and fall short on bold action. The Greens, however, have consistently pushed for science-aligned targets, a halt on new coal and gas projects, and a massive shift to renewable energy. Their focus on holding polluters accountable, protecting communities, and creating green jobs shows they are the only party committed to real, lasting climate action.

The Australian Greens