Afternoon Update: Australia’s climate breakdown risks laid bare; ANZ slapped with record fine; and Adolescence wins big at Emmys

Good afternoon. The climate change minister, Chris Bowen, has mounted the case for the federal government to set a strong 2035 emissions reduction target after releasing a “confronting” report which provided the most detailed picture of the severe and far-reaching social and economic consequences of the climate crisis for Australia.

The long-awaited national climate risk assessment found the number of heat-related deaths in Sydney could surge by almost 450% if global heating surpasses 3C, with no Australian community immune from the “cascading, compounding and concurrent” risks of a worsening climate.

Bowen said the “cost of inaction will always outweigh the cost of action”, with the government expected to announce its 2035 emissions target later this week, after the Climate Change Authority provided its advice to the minister last Friday.

Top news

In pictures

Every year Caragabal (population 100) in the New South Wales central west holds its annual sheep races. The event began in 2006 as a fundraiser to save the village’s country club and keep the farming community connected in a time of drought. As well as the races, in which local children chase the sheep towards the finish line, attenders are encouraged to dress up and enter the Fun in the Field competition.

What they said …

“Go birds, fuck Ice and free Palestine” – Hannah Einbinder

The Hacks actor, who won best supporting actress in a comedy at the Emmy awards, was one of several stars to use the event to call for an end to Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Meanwhile, 15-year-old Adolescence star Owen Cooper has made history as the youngest ever actor to win the Emmy for best supporting actor in a limited series, one of six awards won by the smash-hit Netflix series on the night.

Full Story

Who’s responsible for our plastic problem?

Many had hoped that a global UN plastics treaty would finally curb pollution. But last month talks between representatives from more than 180 countries failed to reach a deal. Petra Stock talks with Nour Haydar about Australia’s rising plastic waste problem – and lays out what needs to be done to tackle one of the biggest environmental threats of our time.

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Before bed read

The kindness of strangers: I felt self-conscious studying law, then a classmate praised my op-shop suit

In his first year at university, Brian Simpson was confronted by the fact he was the only one in his law class from a public-school background. Thanks to a kind word from a classmate, he was able to walk into class with confidence.

Reader callout

Australian bird of the year 2025: nominate your favourite now

Which of the 830 bird species that call Australia home (or at least one of their homes) should make it into the 2025 Guardian/Birdlife Australia bird of the year poll? We want to hear which Australian birds you think should be shortlisted.

Daily word game

Today’s starter word is: ERR. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.

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