Scott Morrison refuses to budge on climate target as Biden pledges to halve US emissions by 2030

Australia increasingly isolated as prime minister sticks to 26-28% emissions cut by 2030 on 2005 levels

Scott Morrison has confirmed Australia won't increase its emissions reduction target at a virtual climate summit hosted by the US president, Joe Biden, but the prime minister says his message to allies and global peers will be Australia is committed" and performing".

Australia goes into the summit under intensifying diplomatic pressure because the US has significantly ramped up its ambition, with the new administration now pledging to cut emissions by between 50 and 52% on 2005 levels by 2030.