Anthony Albanese

Australia has pledged to slash greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 70 percent from 2005 levels by 2035 — a move Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed as “responsible” and “science-based.” But the announcement, made Thursday in Canberra, has been met with disappointment by climate experts and Pacific leaders who argue the country is still falling short of what science demands.

The target forms part of Australia’s formal submission under the Paris climate accord, which requires nations to outline their emissions-cutting goals and detailed roadmaps. The stakes are high: Australia is seeking to co-host next year’s UN climate summit with …