In a significant political shift, the Liberal Party of Australia has officially abandoned its net zero emissions target. This decision came after a party-room meeting where a clear majority of MPs, particularly conservatives, expressed support for dropping the target. The optics of conservative leaders standing together sent a strong message to party leader Sussan Ley, who had been advocating for retaining some form of the target. The abandonment of net zero raises questions about the party's credibility on climate issues, especially as it continues to support coal-fired power. Moderate members of the party are now left to defend a policy that appears inconsistent with their previous commitments. The decision reflects deep divisions within the party and a potential shift in its political strategy as it seeks to differentiate itself from the Labor party.