### Liberals Abandon Net Zero Commitment Amid Internal Strife and Policy Shift The Liberal Party of Australia has officially abandoned its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, a decision made after extensive internal debate and pressure from party factions. This shift in climate policy has sparked significant controversy, with party leaders like Sussan Ley promising to focus on increasing gas supply and reducing energy costs instead. The decision is seen as a response to ongoing infighting within the party and a strategic move to appeal to certain voter demographics, particularly those concerned about energy prices. ### Breakdown of the Liberal Party's Climate Policy Shift 1. **Abandonment of Net Zero Target**: The Liberal Party has formally scrapped its net-zero emissions target for 2050, a decision reached after a five-hour party room debate on November 12, 2025 [https://www.theindiansun.com.au/2025/11/13/liberals-abandon-2050-net-zero-target-amid-party-revolt]. 2. **Focus on Energy Supply**: Sussan Ley has pledged to increase the supply of gas and coal, arguing that this will lead to cheaper power prices for consumers [https://www.thesenior.com.au/story/9110701/youre-wrong-mp-speaks-out-as-libs-dump-net-zero]. 3. **Retention of Paris Agreement**: Despite abandoning the net-zero target, the party has decided to remain a signatory to the Paris Agreement, indicating a complex stance on climate commitments [https://www.sconeadvocate.com.au/story/9110085/liberals-drop-net-zero-target-by-2050-but-back-paris-agreement]. 4. **Internal Party Dynamics**: The decision to scrap the net-zero target comes amid significant internal conflict within the party, with some members expressing concern that this move could alienate younger voters who prioritize climate action [https://afr.com/politics/federal/d-day-for-ley-as-libs-set-to-dump-net-zero-20251112-p5nes7]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Party Room Debate**: The decision to abandon the net-zero target followed a lengthy debate, highlighting the contentious nature of climate policy within the party [https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/nov/13/liberal-party-net-zero-policy-meeting-debate-decision]. - **Public Reaction**: The shift has been met with mixed reactions, with some party members warning that it could lead to a loss of support among younger voters who are increasingly concerned about climate change [https://www.ulladullatimes.com.au/story/9111352/liberals-scrap-net-zero-after-months-of-infighting]. - **Future Plans**: The Liberal Party's new climate strategy will focus on five-year targets rather than a long-term net-zero goal, indicating a significant shift in approach [https://inews.zoombangla.com/liberal-party-abandons-net-zero-2050-target-in-major-climate-policy-shift]. ### Conclusion: Implications of the Policy Shift The Liberal Party's decision to abandon its net-zero emissions target marks a significant pivot in Australia's climate policy landscape. 1. **Immediate Impact**: The party aims to address energy affordability by increasing fossil fuel supply, which may resonate with certain voter segments but risks alienating environmentally conscious constituents. 2. **Long-term Consequences**: By retaining the Paris Agreement while discarding the net-zero target, the party attempts to balance economic concerns with international climate commitments, though this may lead to further internal conflict. 3. **Future Outlook**: The effectiveness of this new strategy will depend on public reception and the party's ability to navigate the complexities of climate policy in a rapidly changing political environment [https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/nov/13/afternoon-update-thursday-ntwnfb]. In summary, the Liberal Party's climate policy shift reflects a broader struggle within the party to reconcile economic priorities with environmental responsibilities, setting the stage for ongoing debates in Australian politics.