Written by:
Future Group
30 July 2025
At Future Group, we believe that strong climate action is not only essential for our environment but fundamental to Australia’s future economic success.
That’s why we’ve launched Business for 75, a coalition of businesses, investors and organisations united in calling on the federal government to adopt a 75% reduction in emissions on 2005 levels by 2035.
This is not just a target, it’s a minimum threshold grounded in climate science. Achieving a 75% cut in emissions is what’s required to keep Australia aligned with its commitment to the Paris Agreement and to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
It also matches the level of ambition already being pursued by Australia’s states and territories, which are collectively aiming for emissions reductions between 66% and 71%.
A 75% federal target brings national coherence to these efforts and sends a clear signal to the world that Australia is serious about its role in the clean energy transition.
From the moment we launched Business for 75, the response has been extraordinary. Major organisations including Fortescue, Bank Australia, Ben & Jerry’s and BCorp joined us in this call for federal leadership.
These businesses know that ambitious emissions targets are not a barrier to growth, they are a foundation for innovation, investment and competitiveness in a rapidly decarbonising global economy.
We are asking the government to set a 75% target as part of its upcoming 2035 commitment under the Paris Agreement. The government will finalise this target by September 2025, and we are making it clear that the business community expects ambition, science and long-term thinking to drive that decision.
Future Group CEO Simon Sheikh recently joined a roundtable in Canberra with Federal Climate Minister Chris Bowen and UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell, alongside leaders from several major global businesses.
They made it clear that business is already ahead of the government on climate ambition, and it’s time for policy to catch up. To keep momentum going, businesses need a level playing field. Current policies, like fossil fuel subsidies and unlimited offsets, make it harder for ambitious businesses to scale their impact.
Setting a strong national target creates certainty for investors and industry. Without it, Australia risks missing out on trillions of dollars in potential growth.
Independent climate modelling shows that weak action could result in as much as $6.8 trillion in lost GDP by 2050. But if we act now, with a credible plan and a shared commitment, we can build an economy that is cleaner, more resilient and more prosperous.
Business for 75 is growing because Australian businesses understand what’s at stake. We’re demanding policy that matches the speed and scale of the transition already underway across the economy. From clean energy to low-carbon transport, sustainable agriculture to future manufacturing, businesses are ready to invest, scale and lead. But we need the federal government to do its part.
Now is the time for clarity. Now is the time for ambition. We’re calling for 75% by 2035 and we invite every business that shares our commitment to step forward and join us.
