The Department of the Environment and Energy has released its latest quarterly report on Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The report shows that the emissions were at their lowest levels in 29 years.
It found that emissions per capita in the year to December 2018 had fallen by 38.2 per cent since 1990, while the emissions intensity of the economy had fallen by 61.4 per cent.
It also found that national emissions were 14.2 per cent below the peak recorded in the year to June 2007 and 11.9 per cent below emissions in 2005 (the baseline year for the Paris agreement).
According to the report the strong growth in Australia’s emissions-intensive traded commodities more than accounted for this outcome, including growth in LNG exports that had the potential to lower emissions in importing countries by displacing coal consumption.
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor said LNG exports made a substantial global contribution to be proud of.
“The Government is not going to trash successful Australian export industries that are reducing global emissions in order to reduce Australian emissions,” Mr Taylor said.
He said the Government’s $3.5 billion Climate Solutions Package was a fully costed plan to deliver on its 2030 emission reduction commitments.
“We have mapped out, to the last tonne, how we will achieve the 328 million tonnes of abatement needed to meet our Paris 2030 target,” Mr Taylor said.
“Our national target is achievable, balanced and responsible,” he said.
“We will meet our international commitments while keeping power prices down, keeping the lights on, and keeping our economy strong.”
The Department’s 59-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
