GLOBAL - Australia’s main opposition Liberal Party has formally abandoned its commitment to a 2050 net-zero emissions target, a decision that has ignited a fierce domestic political debate and sent ripples of concern through the international community. The move, confirmed on Thursday, 13 November 2025, EAT, is seen by critics as a significant retreat from the Paris Agreement's goals and poses a potential threat to the global solidarity required to address the climate crisis, a matter of critical importance to climate-vulnerable nations including Kenya.

Former Liberal Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull condemned the decision, accusing his own party of waging a "Trumpian campaign against renewables." In a statement to Guardian Australia on Thursday, Turnbull asserted the policy shift confirms the party "does not take climate change seriously" and has outsourced its policy to right-wing media. Turnbull was himself removed from the premiership in 2018 partly due to internal party conflict over his proposed energy policies.

Implications for Kenya and East Africa

While the policy shift is an internal Australian matter, its implications are global. For East Africa, a region already grappling with severe climate impacts such as recurring droughts and floods, any weakening of resolve from a developed G20 nation is alarming. According to the African Development Bank, climate-related losses in East Africa could reach 2% to 4% of GDP annually by 2040. A unified global commitment to emissions reduction, as enshrined in the Paris Agreement, is crucial for mitigating these catastrophic effects.

The decision in Australia contrasts sharply with Kenya's established position as a continental leader in climate action. Kenya has set ambitious targets, aiming for 100% clean energy by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. Currently, over 90% of Kenya's electricity is generated from renewable sources like geothermal, hydro, and wind power. This divergence highlights a growing friction point in international climate diplomacy: while nations like Kenya accelerate their green transition out of necessity, some developed countries appear to be wavering on commitments made under international accords.

A Fractured Political Landscape

The Liberal Party's decision, led by Sussan Ley, followed a marathon five-hour meeting where a majority of parliamentarians voted to ditch the target. Proponents of the move argue it is necessary to ensure energy affordability for Australian households and plan to extend the life of coal-fired power plants. The party has stated it will remain within the Paris Agreement but will scrap the current government's legislated 2030 and 2050 targets if elected. This has raised questions about how Australia could avoid breaching the agreement's principle that nations cannot backslide on their commitments.

The policy reversal has been praised by conservative lobby groups but has alarmed moderate members of the Liberal party, who fear it will alienate urban voters and hinder efforts to win back city electorates. Environmental organizations have labelled the backflip a "disaster," warning it condemns Australians to more extreme weather events.

The Path Forward

This development sets the stage for a contentious federal election in Australia, with climate and energy policy as a central battleground. The outcome will have significant consequences not only for Australia but for the broader international effort to combat climate change. For Kenya and other nations on the front lines, the debate Down Under is a stark reminder that global climate progress remains fragile and dependent on the domestic political will of the world's major economies.

Kenya and Australia have a longstanding diplomatic relationship that includes cooperation on climate change, as reaffirmed in bilateral talks in October 2025. However, a fundamental divergence in national climate ambition could strain this aspect of the partnership, impacting collaborative efforts and the collective push for greater global action.