2024-08-30
The latest quarterly emissions data shows that pollution has risen 2.5% from December to March, and is even higher than it was in the final days of the Morrison government. Emissions aren’t coming down, putting a safe climate out of reach.
438.4 million tonnes of emissions were released in the year to June 2022, the last quarter of the Morrison Government, and they sit at 440.2 million tonnes per annum in the quarterly report released today showing no real progress.
Emissions in electricity are up for the quarter and are worrying, because increased energy demand was driven by living in a hotter climate. Modest changes to electricity emissions over the year driven by renewables is not enough to decarbonise. The government needs to drive out fossil fuels everywhere.
Under Labor more coal, oil and gas means more pollution. Labor has approved 23 more coal and gas projects since coming to office. Fugitive emissions from coal are up 0.8% for the quarter.
LNG exports have driven the largest sectoral increase in emissions, a tragic 23% increase since 2005 and still the Albanese Government pushes a Future Gas Strategy beyond 2050.
Transport emissions are continuing to rise rapidly with a 2.6% increase. Labor must do more to drive the uptake of electric vehicles and public transport including more incentives, rapid charging infrastructure and targets for the phase out of new petrol cars.
The figures show that at the current rate, there is no prospect of Australia cutting its pollution consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5 or 2 degrees, the goals enshrined in the Paris Agreement.
Even Labor’s weak targets - which blow out past 2 degrees - are under threat from stubbornly high gas pollution. Emissions would need to decline an average 14.5 million tonnes a year to meet even Labor’s inadequate 2030 target, with the easiest, steepest cuts occurring right now. Instead, the data shows emissions reductions have stalled since Labor has come to office.
To make these emissions figures worse, the Albanese Government is seeking to expand coal and gas past 2050 as part of their Future Gas Strategy and Future Made in Australia plans.
Quotes from Australian Greens leader in the Senate, Senator Larissa Waters:
“This emissions data spells disaster.
“Emissions aren’t coming down, and Labor’s commitment to coal and gas will see Australia blow any chance of meeting safe climate targets.
“At this rate, Labor won’t even meet its own unscientific climate targets, let alone what is needed to tackle the climate crisis.
“Gas is as dirty as coal. Climate pollution from gas is rising, but instead of cutting it, 23 coal and gas projects have been approved as part of Labor’s future gas strategy to run beyond 2050.”