Australia is the third-largest fossil fuel exporter after Russia and Saudi Arabia, according to a study by the Australian Institute. The study argues that Australia's claim of only 1.2% responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions masks its true impact on climate change. Australia's role as a leader in global fossil fuel trade is underestimated, with the study finding it to be the world's third-largest exporter and fifth-largest emitter of fossil fuels. Despite occasional political debates highlighting its 1.2% responsibility for global emissions, the left-leaning think tank, the Australian Institute, states that it lags behind only Russia and Saudi Arabia in fossil fuel exports. When exports are combined with domestic combustion, Australia's fossil fuel industry emits CO2 fifth, behind only China, the United States, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. The report's premise\u2014that Australia's role in the climate crisis is larger than suggested by global greenhouse gas calculation rules\u2014is not new, but it goes beyond simply comparing export emissions from different countries in previous analyses. [Chart: The Guardian; Source: Australian Institute] This report was released after Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison faced criticism at the Pacific Islands Forum in Tuvalu for his limited response to the climate crisis and refusal to commit to a rapid transition away from coal. Both the Australian government and the opposition have emphasized the importance of the coal export industry to the economy and jobs. Tom Swann, a senior researcher at the Australian Institute, has questioned this, arguing that Australia's economy is more diversified and less reliant on fossil fuels compared to most carbon-exporting countries. The report points out that Australia ranks 24th among all exporting countries, reflecting the wide variety of goods it trades. Based on its CO2 potential, Australia should be responsible for 7% of global fossil fuel emissions. Between 2000 and 2015, its coal exports doubled, now accounting for 30% of global exports. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) exports tripled during the same period, reaching 6% and continuing to rise. (Chart: The Guardian; Source: Australian Institute) The report states that because treaties focus on demand rather than supply for carbon-intensive products, climate change policies often downplay export trade. This neglect of increased supply and infrastructure could \"lock in\" increased emissions. The report says, \"The scale of exports from countries like Australia answers the question of whether emissions reduction efforts should simultaneously constrain demand and supply.\" Regarding domestic emissions, the report states that despite having only 0.3% of the world's population, Australia is the 14th largest emitter. It emits more greenhouse gases than 40 other more populous countries. Despite government commitments to reduce CO2 emissions, national emissions have increased year-on-year since the abolition of the carbon price scheme in 2014. As a member of the Pacific Islands Forum, Australia last week supported calls for countries to plan and publish long-term low-emission development strategies by next year. The forum's communiqu\u00e9 stated that this could include commitments and strategies to achieve emissions neutrality by 2050. Source: The Guardian (August 18, 2019) Compiled by: PIDC<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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