CANBERRA - In a move with significant implications for Australia's climate policy and international standing, the grassroots members of the National Party have voted to abandon the country's net zero emissions target by 2050. The vote, which took place at the party's federal council on Saturday, 1 November 2025, sets the stage for a formal policy change and deepens a rift within the opposition Coalition.

Nationals Leader David Littleproud stated the party believes in reducing emissions, but "not at any cost," signalling a pivot towards what he described as a "better, fairer, cheaper way." The motion to "abandon its support for a net zero mandate" passed at the council meeting, though a subsequent motion to withdraw from the Paris Agreement was withdrawn. The party's parliamentary members are expected to formalise this new stance at a partyroom meeting scheduled for Sunday morning, 2 November 2025, East Africa Time.

Coalition in Turmoil

The decision has ignited a fierce debate within the Liberal-National Coalition, exposing deep divisions between the rural-based Nationals and more moderate factions of the senior Liberal party. The potential scrapping of the net zero target, a policy the Coalition government itself adopted in 2021 under former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, has led to speculation that the political alliance could split. The issue has already caused internal fractures, with former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce, a vocal opponent of the net zero target, having previously left the partyroom over the matter. Joyce has described the policy as a "lunatic crusade" that threatens Australia's security and economy.

Australia's current legislated climate targets, enacted by the incumbent Labor government, commit the nation to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 43% from 2005 levels by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050. These commitments are registered with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as part of the Paris Agreement, a landmark international accord aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees.

Global Implications and Kenyan Context

This potential policy reversal by a major Australian political party carries substantial global weight. Developed nations are historically the largest emitters and are expected to lead in climate action. A retreat from established targets by a country like Australia could undermine the collective effort of the Paris Agreement and strain diplomatic ties, particularly with Pacific island nations vulnerable to rising sea levels. Climate advocacy groups warn that abandoning the target aligns with a global temperature rise of over 3°C, which would lead to catastrophic environmental impacts, including more frequent and intense heatwaves, floods, and bushfires.

For Kenya and the wider East Africa region, the move is a concerning development. Kenya is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including droughts and extreme weather events. The country has been a vocal advocate for stronger global climate action and relies on the commitments of industrialised nations to mitigate the crisis. Australia and Kenya share diplomatic relations and have collaborated on issues including climate change. Australia has previously assisted Kenya in developing its carbon accounting systems to meet international obligations. A reversal of Australia's climate policy could impact its credibility and leadership on the international stage, including within the Commonwealth, of which both nations are members.

Recent discussions between Kenyan and Australian officials have highlighted climate action as a key area of cooperation. In October 2025, Australia's Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Matt Thistlethwaite, visited Nairobi and emphasised a shared commitment to championing climate action. The Nationals' vote complicates this picture, creating uncertainty about the future direction of a potential Coalition government's foreign and climate policy. The decision will be closely watched by the international community as it unfolds, serving as a critical test of the durability of global climate commitments in the face of domestic political pressures.