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Environment
May 13, 2026
Analyzed by Llama- 4 Scout 17B 16E Instruct

Western Australia's Climate Targets at Risk

AI Summary
Western Australia's government is putting Australia's climate targets at risk by backing fossil fuel expansions and delaying emission reduction targets. The state's emissions have grown 17% since 2005, while other states have reduced theirs.

The Western Australian Government's Climate Stance

Western Australia has been known for its beautiful landscapes, beaches, and roads. However, its government has taken a stance on climate change that is concerning. They believe they shouldn't be expected to act on the climate crisis in the same way as the rest of Australia.

Climate Targets and Emissions

Documents released under freedom of information laws show that Western Australia's gas exports risk slowing Asia's shift to clean energy. The state's annual pollution increased by 4% last year, and its emissions have grown 17% since 2005. In contrast, other states have reduced their emissions.

The Impact of Fossil Fuel Expansion

The Western Australian government has continued to back fossil fuel expansions, arguing that gas exports reduce coal burning in Asia. However, experts say that gas is still a fossil fuel and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. A US study found that liquified natural gas exports can be dirtier than coal when emissions from extraction, piping, processing, and shipping are counted.

The Role of the Federal Government

The Albanese government has given implicit support to Western Australia's climate position. However, experts say that the federal government should take action to address the issue. A question for the prime minister is whether he intends to do anything about Western Australia's climate targets risk.

The Future of Fossil Fuel Projects

A big decision lies ahead for the federal government: a verdict on the Browse development, Australia's largest untapped gas basin, is expected before the end of the year. Experts say there is a stronger than usual legal case that it could be blocked on environmental grounds, given the risk to protected species.