UN General Assembly
2021

The challenge of climate change & transitioning to a net-zero global energy economy Finally Mr President, Australia is determined to play our part in meeting the global challenge of climate change, as the world makes the transition to a net-zero global energy economy — a new energy economy. Australia has a proven track record when it comes to setting, achieving and exceeding our commitments to responsibly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We exceeded our Kyoto commitments. Our emissions in the year to March 2021 were 21 per cent below 2005 levels. That is a strong record of achievement. And it’s been achieved by Australians right across our community — our businesses, individual households, small businesses, our institutions, our governments. In Australia, we already have the world’s highest uptake of rooftop solar. And we’re deploying renewable energy at nearly eight times the global per capita average. We are well on the way to exceed our 2030 Paris commitment of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28 per cent below 2005 levels.