Support for urgent climate action has fallen: the share saying global warming is a serious and pressing problem that justifies significant costs dropped from 57% in 2024 to 49% in 2026 (Lowy). Australians are evenly split, 38–38, on whether reaching net zero would leave the economy better or worse off, after both Coalition parties dropped the 2050 target in November 2025. Renewables keep broad support, with 75% wanting them to play a major role in the 2050 energy mix (Lowy 2025).
Is global warming serious and pressing?
Lowy Institute Poll: % agreeing "Global warming is a serious and pressing problem. We should begin taking steps now even if this involves significant costs".
Labor's Climate Change Act legislated a 43% cut on 2005 emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050. (sbs.com.au)
Lowy: 75% want renewables to play a major role in Australia's 2050 energy mix (gas 38%, nuclear 37%, coal 24%). Support for banning new coal mines fell from 63% (2022) to 54%. (lowyinstitute.org)
The Nationals formally abandoned net zero by 2050. (abc.net.au)
The Liberal Party dropped net zero by 2050 and the 43% 2030 target. (abc.net.au)