Climate Change

24 June 2005

NT’s greenhouse shame

The NT has seen an extraordinary 72% increase in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 to 2002, according to a report just released by the Australian Government Greenhouse Office.

The report, The Northern Territory Greenhouse Inventory 1990, 1995 and 2002, presents the latest available figures and reveals that the NT is responsible for emitting almost 90 tonnes of greenhouse gases per person compared to the Australian average of 27.5 tonnes.

“ Put another way, the NT is responsible for more than three times the average Australian per capita emissions,” said Environment Centre of the NT Coordinator, Mr Robertson.

“ Comparing the NT’s average emissions per person to other states paints an even worse picture, showing the NT is way out in front with its average emissions per person over twice that of the next worst emitter, Queensland, which is responsible for 39.1 tonnes of greenhouse gases per person.

“ A large proportion of the emissions come from savanna burning and other agricultural activities which account for an incredible 64%. Contributions from the production of electricity are also significant, and rising fast.

“ The figures in the report don’t even include all of the new gas projects which will see the Territory’s emissions sky rocket and our contribution to Australia’s overall greenhouse gas emissions increase even further.

“ The report shows that the NT government needs to work seriously to decrease the Territory’s emissions. This includes tackling savanna burning with more resources put towards better fire management practices.

“ Implementing strong energy efficiency requirements and increasing the Territory’s renewable energy supplies, including introducing a GreenPower scheme are also vitally important.

“ The re-elected Martin government must produce the long-promised NT Greenhouse Strategy so that Territorians and Australians can see we are doing something about the increasing harm we are doing to the planet’s atmosphere and climate,” concluded Mr Robertson.

The full greenhouse inventories are at:

http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/inventory/stateinv/index.html
or
http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/inventory/stateinv/pubs/ntinventory.pdf

For more information on Climate Change contact ECNT:
Peter Robertson 8981 1984 / 0409 089 020
Email: ecnt@octa4.net.au

Back to top