Australia On Track To Meet Kyoto Climate Targets

Australia’s Performance On Track To Meet Kyoto Climate Targets

A new report released today shows that Australia is on track to meet its Kyoto target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Releasing the latest report - Tracking to the Kyoto Target 2004, Australia’s Minister for the Environment, Senator Ian Campbell, said Australia was committed to meeting its internationally-agreed target constraining emissions in 2008-12 to 108 per cent of their 1990 level.

Senator Campbell said Australia's greenhouse policies and programmes were projected to reduce emissions by 94 million tonnes by 2010 — more than the equivalent of eliminating all transport emissions.

“This represents a tremendous effort by governments, industry and the Australian community.

“The Australian Government is investing around AUD1.8 billion in climate change measures and this investment is obviously delivering results.

“The Australian economy is continuing to grow, to the benefit of all Australians, yet its greenhouse intensity is declining. The economy is projected to almost double between 1990 and 2010, while emissions are projected to increase by only 8 per cent.”

“The Australian economy will grow from approximately AUD500 billion to AUD1000 billion in this timeframe. This demonstrates that it is possible to achieve strong economic expansion on a smaller environmental footprint,” he added.

“Strong economic growth driving investment in technology and its rapid application to developing countries is the pathway to seriously addressing climate change.”

Senator Campbell said Australia was taking a substantial first step in contributing to the global response on the climate change threat.

“Industry, governments and the community have accepted the challenge, and while these latest results are pleasing, we need to maintain focus on practical efforts to achieve our Kyoto target by the end of the decade.

“The measures which the Government outlined in this year's budget and its energy white paper, Securing Australia's Energy Future, provide continuing impetus for long-term technology change and emissions reductions.”

Senator Campbell said he would highlight Australia's success in reducing its domestic greenhouse emissions at next week's international climate change conference in Buenos Aires.

“I will also continue to work with my international colleagues on a future global response that is more environmentally effective, economically efficient, and involves all major emitters,” he said.

Canberra
06 October 2004

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