As delegates gather in Madrid for the 25th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, the latest government estimate released with the June 2019 Quarterly Update of Australia’s National Greenhouse Gas Inventory confirms the importance of Australia’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports for reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.
“It’s important to recognise the global appetite for energy is growing, with more than 1.1 billion people lacking access to electricity. Substituting LNG for more emissions-intensive fuels allows importing countries to satisfy growing demand while reducing emissions,” said APPEA Chief Executive Andrew McConville.
“Australia’s LNG projects will deliver decades of economic growth, jobs and exports as well as strong regional and global environmental benefits.
“The latest government figures show Australia’s LNG exports have the potential to lower emissions in importing countries by around 159 million tonnes by displacing coal consumption in those countries.”
This estimate equates to nearly 30 per cent of Australia’s total annual emissions and is more than the entire emissions from the Australian transport and waste sectors combined.
“Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution, delivered through a national approach,” Mr McConville said. “Changes in the energy mix that result in the greater use of cleaner fuels such as natural gas and renewables is an important way to meet growing demand without increasing global emissions.”
Mr McConville said the negotiations in Madrid this week present an important opportunity to finalise the rules for implementation of the Paris Agreement, assisting the world in coming together to address climate change.
“Natural gas has a key role to play as part of Australia’s solution to a global challenge,” Mr McConville said.
