Germany’s top climate envoy says ‘this is the critical decade’ after Dutton ditches 2030 target

Peter Dutton has been accused of planning to break Australia’s commitment to the Paris agreement by not committing to a 2030 emissions target. Photograph: David Gray/Getty Images

Germany’s climate envoy has dismissed claims the Paris agreement is only about reaching net zero emissions by 2050, warning that deep cuts by 2030 are “essential” and scientific evidence shows “this is the critical decade” to act on global heating.

Australia’s opposition leader, Peter Dutton, has refused to commit to a 2030 emissions reduction target prior to the next national election, prompting claims from Labor, the Greens and independents that the Coalition isn’t serious about acting on the climate crisis.