2018-09-13
The government is deluding itself and all Australians about being on track to meet Paris climate change targets as a report from the Climate Council shows that Australia’s transport emissions have risen almost 63% since 1990, say the Greens.
“Australia’s appalling rise in pollution from transport shows what a trainwreck this government’s inaction on climate really is,” said Senator Janet Rice, Australian Greens transport spokesperson.
“Transport now accounts for 18% of Australia’s carbon pollution, and transport pollution is continuing to rise year on year. This is a travesty and demonstrates a dereliction of duty and lack of leadership by this government.”
“We don’t even know which minister is responsible. Is it environment minister Melissa Price, cities minister Alan Tudge, energy minister Angus Taylor or infrastructure minister Michael McCormack? The government doesn’t even know.”
“Any independent analysis shows we are not on track to meet our Paris targets, despite what the government says. It’s quite simple - if emissions across different sectors are rising, which they are, we simply won’t meet the targets. The government is lying to the Australian people.’
“If the government is serious about tackling climate change and reducing Australia’s carbon pollution footprint, they need to act. To reduce transport sector pollution, that means prioritising public transport, accelerating the shift to electric vehicles and investing in safe cycling and walking infrastructure.”