Quarterly Update of Australia’s National Greenhouse Gas Inventory

The Albanese Government has today released the September 2022 Quarterly Update of Australia’s National Greenhouse Gas Inventory.

In the year to September 2022, 490.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions were recorded. This is 300,000 tonnes or 0.1 percent higher than the same period in 2021. This increase reflects the ongoing recovery from the COVID pandemic and widespread drought conditions.

Emissions in the September 2022 quarter were also 300,000 tonnes or 0.3 per cent higher than the June 2022 quarter on a trend basis, driven primarily by increases in the transport and agriculture sectors, and were partially offset by decreases across the electricity and industrial processes sectors.

Emissions from electricity generation were down 3.1 percent or 5.1 million tonnes, propelled by an increase in renewable energy.

Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions are now at 21 percent below June 2005 levels – the base year for our 2030 Paris Agreement target.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said unlike the Coalition, the Albanese Government is implementing robust, effective and orderly policies to decrease emissions while growing jobs and the economy, rather than relying on a drought and pandemic for emissions reduction.

This data represents the first full quarter of data since the May 2022 election, and it shows the large task we have to turn this cruise ship around.

“What we do between now and 2030 is vital. 2030 is 82 months away and Australia is well placed to achieve our climate targets if we all work together towards a common goal,” Minister Bowen said.

“While the Government has acted swiftly to introduce a 43% by 2030 legislated emissions reduction target, a $20 billion investment in Rewiring the Nation, and the 82% renewable electricity target, we still have a way to go to see these, and other reforms take full effect.

“It’s critical we progress swiftly with other major reforms like the Safeguard Mechanism and the National Electric Vehicle and National Energy Performance Strategies.

“We know that emissions for Safeguard facilities increased by 4% under the Liberals, and they will continue to increase unless these landmark reforms are passed by the Parliament.

“Our changes will see the Safeguard Mechanism deliver 205 million tonnes in abatement between now and 2030 – equivalent to taking two thirds of Australia’s cars off the road – we can’t afford to squander this opportunity.

“After 10 years of denial and delay, today’s data is further proof that Australia needs ambitious but achievable reforms to drive emissions down and deliver certainty across the economy towards net zero by 2050.

“That’s exactly what the Albanese Government is delivering."

“Our policies will also drive economic growth, and new industries such as offshore wind will unlock renewable energy jobs and energy security particularly in the regions,” said Mr Bowen.

The Quarterly Update of Australia’s National Greenhouse Gas Inventory: September 2022 is available at: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/publications/national-greenhouse-gas-inventory-quarterly-update-sept-2022