Fiji, Sept. 24 -- Australia has locked in a new climate target for 2035, committing to slash greenhouse gas emissions by between 62 and 70 percent on 2005 levels, a move framed by Canberra as critical for the country's future and its Pacific neighbours.

The target, announced last Thursday, follows independent advice from the Climate Change Authority, which the government accepted in full. The Authority, an independent statutory body, was created to provide expert, science-based advice on climate policy.

Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy said the new target sent a clear message about Australia's role in the global climate fight.

"We are not the biggest polluter or the biggest economy but our commitment to...