Emissions Drop Nothing To Celebrate
NEW FEDERAL GOVERNMENT data shows Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions fell slightly in 2019, but without meaningful action on climate change the drop is likely to be temporary.
“The record roll out of renewable energy has reduced emissions, but as the Renewable Energy Target ends this year, forward investment has collapsed,” said the Climate Council’s CEO, Amanda McKenzie.
“The drought, driven by a hotter climate, has led to thousands of farmers being forced to significantly destock their properties. Fewer cattle has led to a decline in methane emissions,” said Ms McKenzie.
“Without proactive policy Australia’s climate pollution will continue to be significantly higher than most other countries. We are the 14th largest polluter of greenhouse gases in the world,” she said.
“The Black Summer shows us why it is so important to act on climate change. The data shows pollution from gas is rising. Gas is a fossil fuel that drives climate change when mined and burnt. We can’t afford to consider any new gas projects,” said Ms McKenzie.
“This temporary downturn in emissions means nothing in the face of the continued growth of polluting gas,” said the Climate Council’s Senior Researcher, Tim Baxter.
Also, significantly, the Federal Government data fails to take into account the emissions from the catastrophic summer bushfires.
“Australia’s annual official emissions are 531 million tonnes. Federal government data shows the bushfires spewed an extra 830 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere,” said Mr Baxter.
