Agriculture could be excluded from 2050 zero emissions target, says Australian Deputy PM McCormack

Amid the increasing pressure to commit to a net-zero 2050 target in line with the Paris agreement, Australian Deputy PM Michael McCormack said the government is likely to consider excluding agriculture from future long-term climate change targets, adding Australia could follow New Zealand’s lead in exempting emissions from the farming sector.

McCormack told Sky News that while Australia must do its “international bit”, regional Australia should not be made to suffer.

It should be mentioned here that New Zealand has set a framework for its path to net zero emissions by 2050 but has provided an exemption for farming.