The AEMO Energy Statement of Opportunities (ESOO) released today confirms Australia Institute Gas & Coal Watch analysis that shows that Victoria’s dependence on brown coal and gas is a serious risk to the state’s energy supply this summer.
Key points from AEMO Energy Statement of Opportunities:
by Richard Denniss
[Originally published on The Guardian Australia, 21 Augustr 2019]
The Australia Institute supports the Murray-Darling Basin Commission of Inquiry Bill 2019.
This submission considers the implementation of the Basin Plan from a financial auditing perspective.
by Richard Denniss
[Originally published in the Australian Financial Review, 20 August 2019]
Short-term thinking is often a feature of Australian domestic politics but when it comes to foreign policy, we’ve usually played the long game. Not any more. The Morrison Government is placing 1000 potential coal jobs ahead of its ‘Pacific Step Up’, announced in 2017 to counter China’s growing influence in the Pacific.
Australia is the world’s third biggest exporter and fifth biggest miner of fossil fuels by CO2 potential. Its exports are behind only Russia and Saudi Arabia, and far larger than Iraq, Venezuela and any country in the EU. Yet Australia’s economy is more diverse and less fossil fuel intensive than many other exporters. Australia has an opportunity and obligation to decarbonise its exports in line with the Paris Agreement.
The climate impact of Australia’s fossil fuel (coal, oil, gas) exports ranks behind only Russia and Saudi Arabia exports in terms of global emissions, according to a major new report from the Australia Institute Climate & Energy Program.
The new research also finds that in absolute terms Australia is the world’s fifth largest miner of fossil fuels, ranking behind only China, USA, Russia and Saudi Arabia. On a per capita basis, Australia is on par with Saudi Arabia.
The analysis, which compares emissions from burning fossil fuels mined and exported, also finds:
“More than any other state, Tasmanians live in and on the edges of the bush,” said Leanne Minshull, Director of the Australia Institute Tasmania.
“As the severity of fires increase, so does the impact on our homes, our communities and our economy, we need to look at this problem holistically to have any chance of dealing with it.”
"Our research shows us that there is a lack of understanding in the community when it comes to undisturbed forests and fires. The science shows us that undisturbed rainforest assists in slowing down the spread of bushfires.
Australia’s use of controversial Kyoto carbon credits to cut its Paris Agreement target in half completely undermines Pacific climate action.
If a ban or limitation of coal is not in today’s 50th Pacific Islands Forum communique, it will be because Australia has bullied its Pacific Island neighbours into taking it out.
“This Government’s fixation on coal puts Australia in direct conflict with Pacific leaders fighting for the future of their nations,” said Richie Merzian, Climate & Energy Program Director at the Australia Institute.
“Being a partner with our Pacific neighbours means listening to them and working with them – not bullying them.
The Australia Institute made a submission to the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee's inquiry into the Coal-Fired Power Funding Prohibition Bill 2017. The submission highlights our existing research on Australia’s energy market and coal-fired power generation.
