SYDNEY, Aug 19 (NNN-XINHUA) — Australia is the world’s third-largest exporter of fossil fuels behind Russia and Saudia Arabia, Xinhua news agency reported citing a report released on Monday by the Australia Institute Climate & Energy Program.
The report showed that Australia’s exports of coal, gas and oil make up 7 per cent of total fossil fuel exports globally, which is equal to 74 per cent of fossil fuel exports from the entire European Union.
Parties involved with producing the report, as well as climate change advocates, have used the figures to call for a rethink of Australia’s role in global carbon emissions.
“Many argue Australia’s emissions are small on a global scale, but this research shows the complete opposite: our domestic emissions are large and our exported emissions are even larger,” Climate and Energy Program Director at the Australia Institute Richie Merzian said.
“Beyond the economic and national security self-interest in replacing Australia fossil fuel exports with alternatives, Australia has a profound global obligation to reduce emissions,” he said.
In absolute terms, Australia is the fifth biggest miner of fossil fuel carbon in the world, and per capita produces 10 times the global average.
“Australia has a unique opportunity and obligation to face up to the climate crisis through policies to manage a decline in its carbon exports,” added Merzian.
— NNN-XINHUA
