Updated emissions data from Australia reveals some alarming trends, especially in Western Australia (WA). The state has seen rising emissions for the third year in a row. Since 2005, emissions have surged by nearly 20%, with the energy sector accounting for a staggering 63% of this increase. In 2024, WA reached a record high of 90.94 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, marking a rise of over 2% from the previous year.
Matt Roberts, Executive Director of the Conservation Council of WA, expressed his concern: “The community is facing real climate challenges, yet there’s a big gap between this crisis and the action taken.”
One notable aspect is that WA does not have a 2030 emissions reduction target, which contributes to its continuous rise in emissions. Recently, the WA Labor government shifted responsibility for emissions reductions to the Federal Government under the Safeguard Mechanism (SGM). However, it has yet to adopt a reduction target consistent with this mechanism or the federal goal of reducing emissions by 43% by 2030.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is currently reviewing 20 major WA emitters following the state’s controversial decision to relax emissions reduction regulations. Roberts wants the government to ensure strong emissions reduction conditions remain in place.
Statistical highlights from the SGM data are concerning:
- WA’s SGM emissions (47.23 Mt CO2-e) exceeded the baseline level by 2.29%.
- Emissions from 56 facilities in WA surpassed their established baselines.
- Some companies, like Shell, received millions in credits despite increasing their emissions.
Furthermore, WA’s energy sector alone produced 81.128 million tonnes of CO2-e. The gas industry plays a significant role in this surge. Historical context shows that emissions growth has occurred alongside lackluster policy responses. In 2024, the government found itself lagging on its net-zero targets by 2050.
Interestingly, 35 WA facilities reported increases in emissions over the last year. This comes despite a mechanism in place designed to encourage reductions. There’s a sense of urgency in the community and among environmental groups for the government to step up and take concrete actions against rising emissions.
These trends align with a broader global narrative. In many parts of the world, climate action remains insufficient compared to the rising threats from climate change. Citizens are increasingly vocal on social media about their frustrations, emphasizing the need for accountability from their leaders. As the conversation evolves, it’s clear that the time to act is now, not only for the environment but for the communities that depend on it.
For more detailed statistics on emissions, check the latest report from the Australian Government.
