UN climate talks end, focus now on target

Countries have made modest progress at the most recent UN climate talks in Germany, with environment groups giving Australia a cautious pat on the back for constructive participation.

However, the Climate Institute and World Wildlife Fund Australia say the pressure is now on for Australia to reveal an ambitious post-2020 carbon emissions reduction target in July to match pledges by other developed economies.

The institute and the Climate Change Authority want a target of 45 per cent by 2025, while the Australian Greens want carbon emissions slashed by 50 per cent by then.