Leslie Massey
Australia has been described as one of the world's worst polluters, with the country's per capita CO2 emissions being among the highest in the world. In 2009, a report by UK risk assessment company Maplecroft found that Australia had overtaken the US as the country with the highest per capita emissions of CO2, with an average output of 20.58 tonnes of CO2 per person per year, compared to 19.78 tonnes in the US. Australia's heavy reliance on coal has been cited as a major contributing factor to its high emissions, and the country is the world's top exporter of thermal and metallurgical coal, accounting for about 29% of global coal trade in 2016. Despite some efforts to reduce emissions, such as the introduction of a carbon tax in 2012, Australia has faced criticism for its lack of commitment to addressing climate change, with international rankings reflecting its poor performance in this area. If current trends continue, Australia could be responsible for a significant proportion of global emissions in the coming years, underscoring the urgent need for more effective policies and actions to reduce its carbon footprint.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Per capita CO2 emissions | Among the world's highest |
| Per capita CO2 emissions compared to China | Five times higher |
| Per capita CO2 emissions compared to the US | 5% higher |
| Per capita CO2 emissions compared to India | 37 times higher |
| CO2 emissions in 2012 | 371 million tonnes |
| CO2 emissions in 2005 | 1.5% of world emissions |
| CO2 emissions by 2030 | 1.1% of world emissions |
| CO2 emissions by 2100 | 1% of world emissions |
| CO2 emissions from coal and gas exports in 2017 | 2.9% and 0.6% of global CO2 emissions |
| CO2 emissions from fossil fuels and cement production (excluding LULUCF) | 18.18 billion tons out of the world's 1.65 trillion tons (1.1%) |
| Global contribution to CO2 emissions from exports and domestic emissions | 5% |
| Ranking in international climate change performance index | 57 out of 61 |
| Energy generation from coal | Over one-third of Australia's energy |
| Major emitter of greenhouse gases | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Australia's per capita CO2 emissions are among the world's highest
Australia's per capita CO2 emissions are among the highest in the world. In 2009, a UK risk assessment company, Maplecroft, found that Australia had the highest per capita emissions of CO2, with an average output of 20.58 tonnes of CO2 per person per year, compared to 19.78 tonnes in the US. This heavy reliance on coal means that Australia's carbon footprint, including exports, is nine times higher than China's, four times that of the US, and 37 times that of India.
In 2018, The Guardian reported that Australia was the worst carbon emitter per capita among major Western nations. The Global Carbon Project, which draws data from climate researchers in ten countries, found that Australia was failing to reduce carbon emissions at a rate comparable to the US or the European Union. The country emitted 371 million tonnes of CO2 in 2012, consistent with the levels seen over the previous decade. By contrast, US emissions in 2012 were down 3.7% on 2011.
In 2023, Climate Analytics reported that Australia is on track to become one of the world's major climate polluters. When emissions from Australia's current coal, oil, and gas exports (3.6% of the global total) are added to domestic emissions (1.4% of the global total), Australia's contribution to the global climate pollution footprint is about 5%. This is equivalent to the total greenhouse gas emissions of Russia, the world's fifth-biggest carbon dioxide emitter.
Australia's high per capita emissions are partly due to its heavy reliance on coal. Coal is the most polluting of all fossil fuels and the single greatest threat to the climate. In 2021, AGL, Australia's biggest domestic energy provider and climate polluter, produced more than twice the emissions of the next biggest domestic polluter through its three ageing coal-burning power stations in Victoria and New South Wales. AGL has been criticised for its empty words and corporate laziness in failing to commit to closing its coal-burning power stations and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Furthermore, the Australian government has been criticised for its decisions to scrap the carbon price, limit the emissions reduction target to 5% by 2020, and not send a minister to the UN climate talks in Warsaw. If current government and industry projections for fossil fuel expansions are realised, Australia could be responsible for up to 17% of global emissions by 2030.
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Australia's coal exports
Australia has been ranked as one of the world's top polluters, with its per capita CO2 emissions being among the highest globally. The country's heavy reliance on coal has resulted in an average output of 20.58 tonnes of CO2 per person per year, surpassing that of the US. Coal exports play a significant role in Australia's contribution to global pollution.
Australia is a major exporter of coal, ranking second globally for total coal exports, including black and brown coal. In 2021-22, Australia exported 10,173 PJ of coal and coal products, accounting for about 57% of its total energy exports. The country's coal exports have grown at an average annual rate of 1.8%, with export volumes reaching 359 Mt in 2021-22. Australia's coal exports are primarily destined for Asia, with Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, and other Asian countries being significant importers.
The revenue generated from coal exports is substantial for Australia. In 2021-22, export earnings from black coal alone totalled $113.8 billion, a significant increase from the previous year. Coal exploration expenditure has also been on the rise, with a nearly 7% increase from 2021 to 2022.
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Australia's government policies on emissions
Australia has been criticised for its poor performance in reducing carbon emissions. In 2018, it was labelled the worst carbon emitter per capita among major Western nations. In 2009, a report by a British company stated that Australians were the world's biggest carbon dioxide polluters, with an average output of 20.58 tonnes of CO2 per person per year. This heavy reliance on coal has contributed to Australia's high emissions.
The Australian government has introduced some policies to reduce emissions, particularly in the power, transport, and industry sectors. The Safeguard Mechanism (SGM), reformed in 2023, is the government's main policy for reducing industrial emissions. It applies to large industrial facilities emitting more than 100 ktCO2e per year and imposes declining limits on facility net emissions. The government has also introduced the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which sets emissions intensity targets for suppliers across the fleet of vehicles they sell each year.
However, these policies have been accompanied by continued support for coal and fossil gas production. The government has also been criticised for its decision to scrap the carbon price and limit the emissions reduction target to 5% by 2020. Australia's climate targets, policies, and climate finance have been rated as "Insufficient" by the Climate Action Tracker, indicating that substantial improvements are needed to align with the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C temperature limit.
To improve its rating, Australia needs to set more ambitious 2030 targets for emissions reductions and establish policies to achieve these objectives. If current government and industry projections for fossil fuel expansions are realised, Australia could be responsible for up to 17% of global emissions by 2030. This highlights the need for urgent and meaningful emissions reductions across the economy.
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Australia's energy sector emissions
Australia has been described as one of the world's worst polluters, with per capita CO2 emissions among the highest in the world. In 2009, a UK risk assessment company, Maplecroft, ranked Australia at the very top for per capita emissions of CO2, with an average output of 20.58 tonnes of CO2 per person per year. This is in part due to Australia's heavy reliance on coal.
Australia's energy sector is a significant contributor to the country's emissions. Electricity generation is the biggest contributor to Australia's national greenhouse gas emissions, currently accounting for about a third of the country's emissions. However, it is important to note that the energy sector is not just limited to electricity generation and includes other components that contribute to Australia's total emissions.
The Australian government has set emissions reduction targets and is working towards a net-zero future. The government's Powering Australia plan aims to boost renewable energy, create jobs, reduce pressure on energy bills, and lower emissions. Australia's current national emissions reduction target is net zero by 2050, with an interim target of a 43% reduction by 2030. The government also aims to reach a clean electricity target of 82% renewable energy by 2030.
To achieve these targets, Australia is undergoing a rapid transition away from fossil fuel-based energy dependence. This shift is driven by emissions reduction targets, innovation, aging coal-fired power stations, consumer preferences, and the industry's desire to reduce costs. The energy sector is witnessing a significant increase in the shares of wind and solar power, with the deployment of renewables on a large scale and in homes becoming the norm.
However, Australia's energy sector emissions remain a challenge due to the sector's complexity and the presence of emissions-intensive industries. If current government and industry projections for fossil fuel expansions are realized, Australia's contribution to global emissions could be significant. It is estimated that by 2030, Australia could be responsible for up to 17% of global emissions, with the largest growth coming from coal exports.
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Australia's agricultural sector emissions
Australia is a major agricultural producer and exporter. In 2021, the country's agricultural sector contributed 1.8% of global agricultural emissions. In 2018, agriculture was responsible for about 13.5% of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions.
Australia's agricultural sector is a significant source of carbon emissions. The sector covers 55% of the nation's landmass and accounts for 24% of water extractions. It is responsible for nearly half of Australia's methane emissions, with livestock and manure being the dominant source. Methane is a harmful greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 28 times that of carbon dioxide.
Rice farming is another source of emissions from Australian agriculture. The traditional method of growing rice in flooded paddy fields creates ideal conditions for methane-producing bacteria. However, around 60-70% of rice farmers in Australia are now using a different sowing method, which delays flooding and has been found to reduce emissions by over 50%.
Diesel accounts for almost 85% of the energy used on Australian farms. However, some farmers are switching to electric farm vehicles, reducing fuel bills and emissions.
The Australian agricultural sector is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Catastrophic droughts, bushfires, and floods have caused significant hardship for farmers. There is a growing consensus within the community that action must be taken to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Australia is a big polluter. It is the world's top exporter of thermal and metallurgical coal, accounting for about 29% of the global coal trade in 2016.
Australia's contribution to global emissions is about 5% when emissions from its coal, oil, and gas exports (3.6% of the global total) are added to domestic emissions (1.4% of the global total).
Australia's per capita CO2 emissions are among the highest in the world. Its carbon footprint, including exports, is nine times higher than China's, four times that of the US, and 37 times that of India.
Coal is Australia's biggest source of pollution. The country is the world's top exporter of coal, and coal use accounts for over one-third of Australia's energy.
Australia introduced a carbon tax in 2012, requiring businesses with high carbon emissions to purchase emissions permits. However, this tax was repealed in 2014. There have been calls to re-implement the tax, and Australia has also explored other methods of reducing emissions, such as the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS).
