Media Alert: Weak 2035 target deepens intergenerational unfairness
Intergenerational Fairness Coalition
18 September 2025
Members of the Intergenerational Fairness Coalition (IFC) today warned that the Federal Government’s weak 2035 climate target deepens intergenerational unfairness - locking in higher risks and costs for young and future Australians when science-based leadership is needed to limit worsening costs and impacts on communities.
Despite the release of the National Climate Risk Assessment, which warns of worsening extreme heat, bushfires, floods, and disruption to food, health, and housing, the Labor Government has chosen a path that leaves children exposed to escalating dangers that can still be prevented. The report makes clear that without urgent action, parts of Australia will become increasingly unliveable - locking our kids out of the safe, stable country we enjoy today.
“This decision by the Labor Government will cost young and future Australians more than they can afford, further widening the equity gap between generations,” said Nic Seton, IFC spokesperson.
“Going slow on climate action reveals a lack of courage to protect the most vulnerable from worsening climate harm. The government’s own risk assessment makes it clear that failing to align with the best-available science will drive up costs across health, housing, jobs and disaster recovery. By prioritising short-term political calculations, today’s decision unfairly shifts mounting costs onto the shoulders of younger and future Australians.”
Youth mental health experts warn that young people are already experiencing significant distress about the future.
"Young people are telling us they are worried - deeply worried - about their future. In a national survey, 76% of 16-25 year olds said climate change concerns are affecting their mental health, with the biggest source of distress being a perceived lack of meaningful action from the government,” explained Vivienne Browne, Director Policy and Engagement, Orygen.
Plan International Australia also emphasised that girls and young women face compounding vulnerabilities in a destabilised climate future.
"A child born today will face up to 24 times more extreme weather than their grandparents. And it’s girls in climate-vulnerable communities in our region, particularly the Pacific, who pay the highest price. Weak targets today aren’t just numbers - they’re a bill today’s kids and future generations will be forced to pay," said Susanne Legena, CEO, Plan International Australia.
Vocal industry lobbyists, such as the Business Council of Australia (BCA), have advocated for a cost-avoidance approach. But critics have warned such an analysis omits any reference to the significant benefits of strong science-aligned policy. In fact, a growing number of industry leaders, including prominent BCA members, and groups like IFC member Better Futures Australia and Business for 75, argue that a robust 2035 target of at least 75% below 2005 levels is not only achievable and cost-effective but also provides the economic certainty businesses need to plan, invest, and compete in a global market.
“This could have been the moment for the Labor Government to back a brighter future for all Australians - children, parents, and grandparents alike. Instead, they’ve chosen a weaker target while continuing to approve new coal and gas projects that fuel the very risks their own science warns against. The science is clear, and so is the economics: bold climate action is not only the safest path for our kids, it’s also the smartest investment in Australia’s future prosperity. We urge the government to reassess the 2035 target in line with science and halt approvals for new fossil fuel projects,” said Nic Seton, IFC spokesperson.
The IFC brings together more than 20 leading Australian civil society organisations united by the mission to embed long-term thinking and intergenerational fairness into policymaking. This announcement underlines why reforms such as a Wellbeing of Future Generations Act, as proposed in the Private Member’s Bill brought by Sophie Scamps, are urgently needed.
For further comment or clarifications, contact Parents for Climate CEO Nic Seton (IFC spokesperson) on 0407 638 973 or [email protected]
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About the Intergenerational Fairness Coalition
The Intergenerational Fairness Coalition (IFC) brings together more than 20 leading Australian civil society organisations working to embed long-term thinking and intergenerational fairness into Australian policymaking.
The IFC proudly champions the For Our Future Campaign, calling for landmark reforms to better protect the interests of future generations, including the introduction of a Wellbeing of Future Generations Act in Australia.
This release is endorsed by the following partners:
Contact details:
For further comment or clarifications, contact Parents for Climate CEO Nic Seton on 0407 638 973 or [email protected]