UNICEF Australia Statement on Australia’s 2025 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)

The Australian Government’s 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to cut emissions by 62–70% below 2005 levels represents progress, but we must go further to safeguard the lives and futures of younger generations. While it is encouraging that Australia’s NDC recognises children and young people as vulnerable to climate change and vital to climate solutions, addressing the unique climate risks they face in Australia, the Pacific and globally requires a more ambitious reduction in emissions. Recommendations grounded in the science point to a reduction of at least 75% by 2035 to align with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment (NCRA) highlights the growing threat climate change poses to children, who are disproportionately affected by its impacts due to their age, developmental vulnerability and physiology. Under a high-emissions scenario, the NCRA demonstrates that cascading risks across systems increase dramatically. For children and young people, this means more extreme heat, disrupted education and heightened threats to their health, housing, livelihoods and wellbeing.

UNICEF Australia’s recent research with Deloitte Access Economics shows the cost of disasters on children and young people will soar if temperatures continue to rise. Australia has already warmed by about 1.5°C since 1910. On a mid-level emissions pathway (warming of 2.2°C above 1850-1950 levels by 2060), annual costs could rise from $6.3 billion in 2025 to $10.4 billion by 2060. High emissions (around 3°C) could push this to $12.1 billion, while a low-emissions track (about 1.8°C) could keep costs to $8.3 billion. Every dollar invested today not only shields children from escalating harm but also strengthens Australia’s economic future.

These findings make it clear: adaptation alone is not enough. The most effective way to protect children and young people from existential threats is to cut emissions significantly and rapidly. Increasing investment in emissions reduction will assist in reducing the frequency and severity of disasters and the impact of rising sea levels, which could lead to better outcomes for children and young people, especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, those already experiencing disadvantage and those in remote and rural areas.

Australia’s responsibilities extend beyond our borders. In Pacific communities, responsible for just 0.02% of global emissions, children are on the frontline of the climate crisis, facing rising seas and intensifying storms. Climate change is already disrupting their lives, keeping them out of school, limiting access to clean water and threatening their health and development.

We welcome the NDC's commitment to empowering the next generation of Australians by ensuring children and young people's perspectives are reflected in domestic and international climate action, including in the Paris Agreement, the UNFCCC process, and through the Australian Government's ‘Engage!’ youth strategy and its advisory mechanisms. Strengthening pathways for meaningful youth engagement in policy design, delivery and accountability at every stage of Australia’s climate response is critical to shaping an inclusive and effective path to net zero.

UNICEF Australia urges the Government to:

Achieve and exceed the 2025 NDC by reducing emissions by at least 75% by 2035.
Accelerate the transition to net zero by investing in young people’s green skills and creating opportunities for them to co-design climate solutions.
Prioritise children in implementing the National Adaptation Plan to reduce the impacts of emissions already locked in, focusing on high-risk communities.
Strengthen pathways for meaningful youth engagement in climate policymaking.

Climate mitigation is about safeguarding the future children and young people deserve. We stand ready to work alongside the Government, communities and young people to accelerate progress and ensure climate action reflects the needs and rights of every child.