The United Nations and the IEA have been clear that there can be no new coal, oil or gas projects if we are to avoid dangerous climate change. There is no 'clean energy transition' while governments keep approving highly polluting new fossil fuel projects
Key Points:
- A series of new offshore gas and sea dumping exploration permits have been granted by the Federal Minister for Resources, The Hon Madeleine King, today.
- The projects are off the coast of Western Australia and Victoria.
- Sea dumping (described by the gas industry as CCS) increases emission by enabling new fossil fuel projects. Just three Australian coal fired power stations emit more carbon pollution than the entire world's current CCS capacity.
"This government was elected to take action on climate change and reduce emissions, but they are opening new fossil fuel projects instead," said Mark Ogge, Principal Advisor at The Australia Institute.
"Expanding Australia's gas production in the middle of a climate emergency is not just short-sighted: it treats our Pacific Island neighbours and future generations with contempt.
"Sea dumping is a failed technology that is now little more than a delaying tactic for the fossil fuel industry. The fact that these permits are being issued to major fossil fuel companies, so that they can supposedly offset their emissions from other highly polluting projects, is a farce of the highest order.
"This has nothing to do with supporting renewables, it is about producing more gas for export.
"The Government should distance itself from the fossil fuel industry and act in line with the science by committing to no new coal and gas developments in the country."
