KATHMANDU: Australia has unveiled plans to escalate its extraction and utilization of gas "until 2050 and beyond," despite growing global calls for the phasing out of fossil fuels. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government asserts that this step is necessary to bolster domestic energy supply while facilitating a transition to net zero emissions. However, critics view this decision as a dismissal of scientific recommendations, highlighting the International Energy Agency's urging for significant reductions in coal, oil, and gas usage to meet climate goals.
As one of the largest exporters of liquefied natural gas, Australia justifies its policy by emphasizing its commitment to maintaining reliable trade partnerships. The strategy, released on Thursday, outlines the government's intentions to collaborate with industry and state leaders to amplify both fossil fuel production and exploration efforts. This includes support for the expansion of existing gas projects, predominantly managed by major companies like Chevron and Woodside Energy Group in Western Australia.
The government contends that these measures are essential for Australia's energy security as it progresses towards its targets of achieving 82% renewable energy by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions by 2050. Currently, gas fulfills 27% of the nation's energy requirements, with a significant portion being exported to countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea. Despite its economic importance, gas contributes substantially to Australia's total emissions, accounting for approximately a quarter of the country's emissions, according to government figures.
The policy announcement has sparked vehement criticism from environmental organizations and detractors who argue that it prioritizes the interests of influential fossil fuel companies over environmental concerns. Critics emphasize that fossil gas exacerbates global warming and has been a major contributor to CO2 emissions in recent years. While successive Australian administrations have positioned gas as a crucial "bridging fuel," some scientists caution that anchoring a net zero policy around gas could lead to catastrophic consequences, potentially locking in 2.7-3C global warming, well beyond the targeted limit of 1.5C agreed upon by world leaders in 2015.
.jpeg)
