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Climate Change Act 2022
10Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets
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#### 10 Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets
(1) Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets are as follows:
(a) reducing Australia’s net greenhouse gas emissions to 43% below 2005 levels by 2030:
(i) implemented as a point target; and
(ii) implemented as an emissions budget covering the period 2021‑2030;
(b) reducing Australia’s net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050.
> Note: The achievement of a target involves reducing Australia’s net greenhouse gas emissions to a level that is at or below the target. Accordingly, nothing in subsection (1) limits Australia’s ability to reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions beyond 43% below 2005 levels by 2030.
(2) Subsection (1) is to be interpreted in a manner consistent with:
(a) the Paris Agreement; and
(b) Australia’s nationally determined contribution.
Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws
(3) Subsection (1) is not intended to exclude or limit the operation of a law of a State or Territory that is capable of operating concurrently with this Act.
Executive power of the Commonwealth
(4) Subsection (1) does not prevent or limit the exercise of the executive power of the Commonwealth to:
(a) prepare and communicate a new nationally determined contribution in accordance with Article 4 of the Paris Agreement; or
(b) adjust Australia’s nationally determined contribution in accordance with paragraph 11 of Article 4 of the Paris Agreement.
(5) If the Commonwealth prepares and communicates a new nationally determined contribution in accordance with Article 4 of the Paris Agreement, the new nationally determined contribution must represent a progression beyond:
(a) Australia’s then current nationally determined contribution communicated in accordance with Article 4 of the Paris Agreement; or
(b) if that nationally determined contribution has been adjusted in accordance with paragraph 11 of Article 4 of the Paris Agreement—that nationally determined contribution, as adjusted and in force from time to time.
(6) If the Commonwealth adjusts Australia’s nationally determined contribution in accordance with paragraph 11 of Article 4 of the Paris Agreement, the adjusted nationally determined contribution must represent an enhancement of Australia’s level of ambition.