New Australian emissions data for the March quarter reveals climate pollution rose by 1.5 per cent, largely driven by transport which Greenpeace Australia Pacific says shows the need for a revved up commitment to fuel efficiency standards.
In the year to March 2022, emissions were 487.1 million tonnes – 7.4 million tonnes higher than the same period in 2021. Transport emissions were up 5.4 per cent, continuing a trend from the previous quarter, while venting and flaring from gas were behind a 1.2 per cent increase in fugitive emissions [1].
Lindsay Soutar, senior campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said the continuing trend of transport-fuelled emissions spikes demonstrates the need for firm Federal Government commitments to accelerate Australia’s clean transport transition.
“Seasons change, governments change, but sadly the grim reading from this latest emissions data remains resolutely the same. We said it three months ago, and a quarter later we’ll say it again. We urgently need to accelerate the clean transport and energy transition.
“We’ll keep saying it, louder each time. Minister Bowen’s announcement to explore introducing a Fuel Efficiency Standard is a welcome gear change, but we urge him to end this existential Groundhog Day and get moving on strong policy to tackle spiralling transport emissions by introducing a strong Fuel Efficiency Standard.”
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