Australia’s 2030 target of a 26%-28% reduction is totally inadequate compared with those from our best friends and allies.

The US climate target for 2030 blows Australia’s out of the water. Together with dramatically strengthened targets by several other major countries, it resets expectations. And it puts big pressure on Australia to lift our game. If we don’t, we will be seen in the ranks of countries such as Russia, Saudi Arabia and Brazil. If we do, it will help position the economy for the future.

The US has now pledged to cut emissions by 50% to 52% by 2030 relative to 2005. In 2019, US emissions were just 13% below 2005 levels. The target is far stronger than most would have thought possible not long ago. To achieve, it would require deep change across the US economy, with comprehensive policies from both federal administration and the states, and rapid action by investors.

Read the rest of Prof Frank Jotzo's opinion piece in The Guardian Australia here.