Australia backs gas beyond 2050 despite climate fears
Australia has announced plans to increase its extraction and use of gas until “2050 and beyond,” despite global calls to move away from fossil fuels.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government argues that this is necessary to ensure domestic energy supply while transitioning to net zero emissions. However, critics view this as a rejection of scientific advice, pointing to the International Energy Agency’s call for significant reductions in coal, oil, and gas use to meet climate goals.
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Australia, a major exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), justifies its policy by emphasising its commitment to reliable trade partnerships. The government’s strategy, released recently, outlines intentions to collaborate with industry and state leaders to boost fossil fuel production and exploration. It also pledges support for expanding existing gas projects, primarily led by Chevron and Woodside Energy Group in Western Australia.
These measures are deemed crucial for maintaining Australia’s energy supply as it aims for 82% renewable energy on the grid by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050. Currently, gas meets 27% of the country’s energy needs, with most domestic production exported to countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. Gas usage contributes about a quarter of Australia’s total emissions, according to government data.
@zeefeed.com.au A deadly and expensive decision made by the federal government today. Gas is not a ‘transitional’ fuel — it’s a fossil fuel. The expansion of any fossil fuel is categorically *not* part of any evidence-backed plan to get to net zero by 2050 (which also requires a 75% reduction in emissions by 2030). Serious policy should see the reduction of our extraction and reliance on these resources, with an aggressive transition to a green economy… an econony Australia is nautrally well-placed to benefit from. Climate policies from both the ALP and Coalition guarantee our pathway to climate catastrophe. Audio from @tomorrowmvmt Parliament protest in 2022. #news #journalism #climatechange #australia