News

26 August 2024

Today Zali Steggall MP welcomes the government’s response to the Climate Change Authority’s Review of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) where it has accepted 24 of the 25 recommendations and is progressing policies to address Australia’s underreporting of methane.  

“While we now have a plan to improve methane calculations at the facility level and to build our sovereign monitoring capability, it's crucial that we act with urgency to execute that plan,” Steggall said.

Methane, 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide, poses a significant challenge for Australia in reducing emissions and limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees. Australia's methane issue is unique due to the high number of open-cut mines and the difficulty in measuring fugitive emissions from these sites. 

“Earlier this year, I joined scientists and public interest groups, to support the position of the United Nations as outlined in their open letter, to call for a controlled release methane study for open cut mines and better satellite monitoring of methane.

I’m pleased to see this being announced as a key area of focus, together with alignment with the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership for measurement in the gas sector.”

Steggall believes today's government response has incorporated stakeholder feedback, including her NGER Review submission, by adopting best practices and committing to further develop methane measurement through a Chief Scientist-led Expert Panel.

“However, the clock is ticking and I call on the government to make public a timeline for this work and commit to adequately resourcing the department and Expert Panel to ensure it is done as a priority.”

The Global Methane Tracker estimated that Australia has been underreporting methane emissions by up to 60%, undermining our climate targets and international commitments, particularly the Global Methane Pledge.

The National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting scheme is critical not only to providing the framework for Australia to meet and manage its emissions reduction targets but also to define liabilities under the Safeguard Mechanism – so it’s essential it’s as robust as it can be. Ultimately, Australia’s largest emitters must hold greater responsibility for accurately measuring their emissions.

“We are facing a climate crisis that cannot be addressed unless we reduce and manage our emissions as well as set ambitious climate reduction targets. Let’s measure accurately but the focus must be on reduction. 

I reiterate my calls for a strong of 75% emissions reduction target by 2035 as the floor of ambition as we set our next National Determined Contribution.”