WA government admits emissions may rise as it abandons reduction targets

Lead

The Western Australian government has confirmed it will abandon plans for interim greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, a decision that could see the state's emissions continue to rise even as it pursues a "green energy future." The shift, revealed in internal government documents seen by the ABC, comes as the state prepares to replace its stalled Climate Change Bill with a new Clean Energy Powerhouse Bill.

Premier Roger Cook has acknowledged that the state's emissions "could potentially rise" as Western Australia plays what he describes as a "unique role" in helping reduce global emissions. "The globe's the winner, but it may mean that Western Australia's emissions increase relative to the rest of Australia, because of the important role that we'll play in the global push to decarbonisation," he told reporters.

Coverage comparison

The ABC's reporting highlights contrasting perspectives. One report focuses on the government's decision as a dramatic policy shift, quoting climate advocates and Greens who criticized the move. Another frames it as a concession by the government, with Premier Cook's remarks and support from Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, who defended the state's performance.

Both reports note that Australia has a nationwide target of net-zero emissions by 2050, legislated federally. They also point out that every state and territory except WA and the Northern Territory has its own interim emissions reduction targets before 2050.

Key claims

• The WA government is preparing to abandon its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and replace them with targets for green exports, carbon capture and storage, and renewable energy generation.
• Australia's net-zero by 2050 target is legislated federally, but most states and territories have their own interim targets; WA and the NT are exceptions.
• Premier Roger Cook says state emissions could rise as WA focuses on supplying green energy and critical minerals to help other countries decarbonize, framing it as a global responsibility.
• Climate scientist Bill Hare says tracking emissions is vital, warning that without direct targets, progress may be unmeasurable.
• The WA Greens and conservation groups, including the Conservation Council of WA, have criticized the government's stance, with concerns about carbon capture technology.
• Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen defended the WA government's approach, according to a report by the ABC.

Perspectives

Government perspective

Premier Cook and Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson argue that WA's role in exporting green energy and critical minerals to other countries justifies a different emissions trajectory. They emphasize a "global responsibility" to help reduce worldwide emissions, even if state emissions rise in the short term.

Climate advocates and Greens

Climate scientists and environmental groups, including the Greens' Sophie McNeill and the Conservation Council's Matt Roberts, argue that without explicit emissions targets, the state's new measures may fail to deliver meaningful reductions. Bill Hare stresses that tracking emissions is essential to verifying progress, and carbon capture is described by some as "failing technology."

Federal perspective

Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen has expressed support for WA's efforts, according to an ABC report. Australia's national net-zero target remains in place, but the federal government has not commented on whether WA's approach is consistent with national efforts.

The WA government's decision marks a notable departure from the approach taken by most other Australian states and territories, which have set interim targets to progressively reduce emissions before 2050. The new bill, the Clean Energy Powerhouse Bill, is expected to be introduced in parliament in coming months.