State climate ambition to set the bar for 2035 target

Clean energy zones, electric car sales targets and other climate commitments at the state level are laying the foundations for an ambitious national 2035 emission target.

All together, the climate goals of state and territory governments amount to a total emissions cut of 71 per cent by 2035, fresh analysis released on Thursday suggests.

For ClimateWorks Centre, the independent not-for-profit behind the numbers, the combined state and territory commitments should serve as a "springboard" for Australia's upcoming 2035 target needed under the Paris Agreement.

"That means that 71 per cent should be the floor for what it is that Australia targets," sustainable economies lead at the organisation, Kylie Turner, told AAP.

Australia is approaching the due date for its next national contribution under the Paris climate agreement but there's speculation it might not come until after the federal election, which must be held by May.

Were 71 per cent considered the floor for the 2035 goal, Ms Turner said an 85 per cent reduction was at the other end of the spectrum and deemed "ambitious but achievable" under ClimateWorks scenario modelling.

Such a target would be consistent with meeting the critical global 1.5°C goal.

"Setting that 85 per cent ambitious but achievable target is a really clear direction from the federal government to not just states and territories, but investors and industry, that this is what needs to happen," Ms Turner said.

All states and territories have net zero targets, with some variability across interim targets.

Most have legislated their targets, with two states recently introducing relevant legislation.

Responses to the climate challenge vary across states, with Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory moving to phase out gas while NSW and Western Australia are pushing for clean energy-powered industrial precincts.

The research additionally confirmed the Australian government's overarching target of 43 per cent by 2030 was "on track", based on the de facto national target populated by state and territory climate commitments.

Provided sub-national governments make good on their goals to build clean energy and electrify buildings and transport, a 40-44 per cent combined emissions reduction is expected.

"We are getting closer and closer to that 43 per cent number being achievable," Ms Turner said.

The findings mirror the latest Climate Change department modelling showing emissions are projected to be 42.6 per cent below 2005 levels in 2030, under existing government policies.

The update puts Australia in striking distance of its target and marked a considerable improvement on the 37 per cent projected a year ago.

Ms Turner commended the efforts at the state and territory level.

"States and territories are really working to make sure that they decarbonise their local economies, and in doing so, they will both reduce emissions and put themselves in a better position to realise the benefits of decarbonisation," she said.