Comments attributable to Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO David Ritter:

“Labor won the last Federal election on a promise of delivering the urgent, decisive climate action Australians want and deserve. Minister King’s announcement today is not only a betrayal of that commitment, it is a step closer to a more unsafe future for us all. This is no better than a smoker saying they are giving up, but in reality just swapping one brand of cigarettes for another.

“Minister King’s so-called strategy might as well have been written by the fossil fuel lobby; it is full of measures to ease the way for new gas, and conveniently light on measures to protect the threatened species that will be harmed in the process. It reads like a blank cheque for the industry to drill as they please, no matter the cost to our communities, and our climate.

“At a time when the science is crystal clear that any new fossil fuels are incompatible with a safe future, and global leaders—including Australia—have agreed to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, this government is flogging fossil fuel furphies like “green gas” instead of proven and affordable renewable energy solutions. 

“Minister King’s reckless strategy is completely at odds with the Labor government’s progress towards its own Net Zero Emissions targets. It will deliver profits for gas exporters in the short term while saddling Australians with worsening extreme weather, more costly energy, redundant gas infrastructure and a less competitive economy. 

“This government must act in the best interest of the Australian people. For starters, we know that Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek will soon decide whether to let Woodside develop the most polluting parts of the Burrup Hub—Browse and the Northwest Shelf extension. We call on Minister Plibersek not to approve these proposals.

“The light on the hill cannot be powered by gas. Minister King is wrong on the science, doing wrong to the people of Australia, and is undermining the Labor government’s standing, at home and abroad. 

“The Australian people are watching closely, as are our Pacific family. We urge  Ministers Plibersek, Bowen and King to ensure that this government’s legacy is not broken promises; but rather, a safe and thriving future for us all.”

Comments attributable to Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific:

“For our people in the Pacific, today’s news is a dagger in the back. At the COP28 summit, Minister Bowen referred to the Pacific as ‘our brothers and sisters’. But to truly be a family, you need to stop making the same mistakes again and again. What the Pacific needs right now is a stop to all expansion of fossil fuels – that means gas as well.”

“While Minister King courts Japanese investment, Minister Bowen will need to meet Pacific Island communities face-to-face at future COP meetings: will he stand by and allow this to happen? This Government knows that Australia’s fraught relationship with the Pacific relies on real climate action, not rhetoric.

“If the Australian government is serious about supporting its Pacific vuvale, it must uphold its commitment made at COP28 in Dubai to transition away from all fossil fuels. You can’t transition away by opening new fossil projects. It makes no sense.”

You’ll find a copy of Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s own submission to the Future Gas Strategy (November 2023) here.

—ENDS—

For more information or to arrange an interview:

• With David Ritter, please contact Vai Shah on 0452 290 082 (Sydney)

• General enquiries: Lisa Wills on 0456 206 021 (Melbourne)

Woodside, Australia’s polluter-in-chief, had a terrible day at its annual general meeting.

Shareholders and concerned Australians voted down Woodside’s ‘climate’ plan simply because it wasn’t going far enough to tackle the climate crisis.

This is a massive blow to Woodside’s credibility – banks, super funds, institutional investors and thousands of shareholders have said its ‘climate’ plan isn’t worth the paper it is printed on.

Communities here in Australia and the Pacific deserve a safe climate future.

Woodside’s Burrup Hub is the most polluting fossil fuel project currently proposed in Australia today. Approving new fossil fuel projects will endanger countless lives and recklessly lock Australia into more fossil fuels as the rest of the world shifts to cleaner, cheaper renewable energy.

We’ve spent the past 2 years fighting to stop Woodside from going ahead with its disastrous plans in WA. And now the finish line is in sight. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has Woodside’s plans on her desk right now and we know she cares deeply for the environment and our oceans. Let’s make sure Plibersek receives an avalanche of emails opposing Woodside’s Burrup Hub.

You can use our simple tool to email Plibersek in just a few clicks.

Greenpeace Australia Pacific is currently taking Woodside to the Federal Court for making previous statements that we believe were misleading or deceptive about its plans to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. 

This comes as experts this week warned that the Great Barrier Reef may be suffering its ‘most severe’ bleaching on record with damage extending up to 18 metres below the surface, and coral mortality beginning to unfold.

2023 saw the hottest ocean temperatures ever recorded — “astounding” levels of heat which supercharged freak weather events around the world. Bleaching-level heat stress, fuelled by the climate crisis, continues to be extensive across the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. 

David Ritter, CEO at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said that following on from what was the hottest year on record, news of a worldwide coral bleaching is another red alert for Earth, and all the life it sustains.

“Mere days after researchers confirmed the most severe coral bleaching on record for the Great Barrier Reef, international agencies have announced that the world is experiencing its fourth global coral bleaching event. 

“The blame for the existential danger facing our reefs lays squarely with the main culprits fuelling global warming: fossil fuel companies, and the governments who prop up this industry.

“The science is crystal clear that climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, is warming our oceans and leading to increasingly severe and frequent coral bleaching events worldwide. Corals die when bleaching events are too prolonged or severe.

“Every government decision to allow more coal, oil, and gas to be extracted and burned is a deadly blow to the future of the Great Barrier Reef, and reefs worldwide. The loss of reefs would have devastating ecological and economic consequences for billions of people worldwide — including our Pacific neighbours whose very culture and identities are intrinsically entwined with the ocean.

“We are running out of runway to avoid irreversible climate disaster, and must act quickly to ensure an immediate end to new fossil fuels. Governments and decision makers simply cannot allow new fossil fuel projects to go ahead if we want to address climate change and give the Great Barrier Reef and all reefs a fighting chance at survival.”

—ENDS—

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact Kate O’Callaghan on 0406 231 892 or kate.ocallaghan@greenpeace.org

“Gas companies have fuelled Australia’s cost-of-living crisis, with profiteering leading to federal government intervention in 2022. Companies like Woodside have made historic profits while Australians suffer.

“This deal cannot become an excuse to give Woodside what it wants from the federal government, which is approval for Australia’s biggest new fossil fuel project, the Burrup Hub. Woodside has a history of pursuing its profits over the best interests of Australians, and Greenpeace is worried Woodside will use this deal to bully the federal government into approving its fossil fuel expansion plans.

“Gas is a fossil fuel that is driving dangerous climate change, and it’s already costing Australians in climate impacts and high energy prices. There’s no place for Woodside’s dangerous gas expansion plans if we want a safer climate future. The cheapest new energy in Australia is clean, green renewables in wind and solar – lowering costs for ordinary Australians while protecting our planet.”

—ENDS—

The announcement comes as Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen arrives in Dubai for Week 2 of COP28, where fraught battles over fossil fuel phase out and climate finance are set to be waged.

Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, Shiva Gounden, said that “to meet its responsibility to ‘the Pacific Family’, Australia must take action to phase out fossil fuels and to make fair contributions to the Loss and Damage fund.”

“I am frustrated by another piecemeal announcement from the Australian government that does not go far enough to address the climate-driven loss and damage that is devastating communities across the Pacific.

“$150 million barely scratches the surface of what Pacific communities need to deal with the impacts of the climate crisis — peanuts, considering the billions of taxpayer dollars poured into the fossil fuel industry as subsidies every year, which could be channelled towards supporting our Pacific family.

“As the third largest fossil fuel exporter in the world, we can not shirk our responsibility to help pay for the climate damage we have helped to create. The funds committed today will not save the Pacific from the climate destruction it is facing — we must tackle the root causes and stop approving new fossil fuel projects now.

“Australia has a responsibility under the UNFCCC process to help fill the Loss and Damage Fund, operationalised on Day 1 of this year’s COP. Instead, we are seeing unilateral side deals which are not in the spirit of the COP process, nor our obligations under the international agreements to which we have signed up. Australia must do better.”

Head of Advocacy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, Dr Susie Byers, acknowledged the finance package as a good first step, but urged the Australian government to go much further.

“This finance package, while welcome, is a down payment on the real action required to meet our responsibilities as a major contributor to the climate crisis globally.

“It does not negate our obligation to make fair payments to the Loss and Damage fund, a hard-fought victory at COP27 that will help support those countries least responsible for creating the climate crisis to deal with its impacts.

“Of course we must help the world prepare for the climate disasters that are already coming towards us, but we must also stop making the problem worse. By expanding, subsidising and exporting coal and fossil gas, we are exporting climate harm to our Pacific neighbours and to the whole world.

“We can not afford another COP without radical action and a commitment to phase out fossil fuels globally. Australia must help fill the Loss and Damage fund and outline a clear, ambitious plan to phase out fossil fuels for good.”

—ENDS—

Greenpeace Australia Pacific is on the ground in Dubai during COP28 and can provide a range of COP delegates, experts and Pacific climate leaders for interviews and commentary.

“Greenpeace welcomes the announcement that Australia will join over 100 countries at COP28 in support of a global push to triple renewable energy generation capacity by 2030 — a critical step if we have any chance of limiting temperature rises within 1.5 degrees.

“This follows on from last week’s important commitment by the Albanese government to fast-track the federally supported expansion of domestic renewable energy capacity to 32GW.

“With abundant sunshine and wind, Australia is in prime position to reap the economic benefits of the green energy transformation — creating jobs, providing cheaper and cleaner energy to all Australians, and driving down our emissions. But without concurrent action to phase out coal and gas, this commitment is just dealing with one side of the equation.

“The Australian government continues to drag its heels on fossil fuels. New data compiled by Greenpeace shows that if all the coal and gas projects currently undergoing federal approvals went ahead they would release a 22 billion tonne emissions bomb, severely undermining global efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees.

“The science is crystal clear that to keep 1.5 degrees alive, we must keep fossil fuels in the ground. For Pacific communities dealing with the compounding impacts of the climate crisis, a commitment to stop new fossil fuels is a statement of support for Pacific survival.

“I urge Minister Bowen to come to Dubai next week with an ambitious plan for ending coal and gas — this would send a strong signal that Australia is listening to our Pacific family and is serious about its climate responsibilities.”

—ENDS—

“We welcome the pledge from COP28 host country the United Arab Emirates to the new Loss and Damage Fund, a vital first step towards ensuring communities facing climate harm get the support they desperately need.

“For too long, those least responsible for causing the climate crisis have borne the brunt of climate impacts. We’re seeing this play out across the Pacific in real time as sea level rise, severe storms and cyclones, and warming oceans threaten livelihoods, security, and the unique and irreplaceable Pacific culture. 

“Now, the Fund needs to be filled. Finance must come from those most responsible for creating the climate crisis — the most polluting nations including Australia, as well as the fossil fuel industry, who for too long have made eye-watering profits from fuelling climate destruction and must now pay for the harm they have caused.

“As the third largest fossil fuel exporter in the world and a major contributor to global emissions, the Australian government has a responsibility to step up and make significant contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund. 

“If coupled with a serious commitment to phasing out fossil fuels, this would go a long way towards repairing our relationship with Pacific nations and being taken seriously as a climate leader on the international stage for a COP31 co-bid.

“We look forward to hearing from Minister Bowen on these critical issues when he arrives in Dubai next week.”

—ENDS—

The new data from Greenpeace shows that the predicted emissions from Woodside’s Burrup Hub are far greater than all other proposed fossil fuel projects currently undergoing federal environmental approvals.

The Burrup Hub’s emissions are bigger than the combined total of the next two largest proposed fossil fuel projects in Australia: the Beetaloo Tamboran and the Peak Downs Extension.

The data comes as Western Australian experts and campaigners join today’s roundtable discussion on the Burrup Hub hosted by West Australian MPs Kate Chaney and Josh Wilson, including the Conservation Council of WA, Environs Kimberley, Doctors for the Environment WA and Greenpeace.

The delegation will highlight the staggering climate threat of Woodside’s Burrup Hub, alongside evidence of the devastating nature impacts.

The Browse field, the most polluting part of the Burrup Hub, would see up to 50 gas wells drilled around the stunning Scott Reef, which is home to endangered pygmy blue whales and green turtles.

*Graph verified by Greenpeace, emissions data sourced from Sunrise, Climate Analytics and Greenpeace.

Jess Panegyres, Head of Clean Energy Transition at Greenpeace Australia Pacific said:

“This data proves that Woodside’s massive Burrup Hub project is far and away the most polluting fossil fuel proposal in Australia – it’s a disaster in the making for our environment and our climate.

“We know that Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek will soon decide whether to let Woodside develop the most polluting parts of the Burrup Hub – Browse, and the Northwest Shelf extension.

“Browse, part of the Burrup Hub, would see gas wells drilled near the stunning Scott Reef, in a Biologically Important Area for endangered pygmy blue whales and turtles. We are asking Minister Plibersek to protect Scott Reef and the endangered species that call it home from Woodside’s dangerous project.

“In the last few weeks we’ve seen Woodside pressuring the government to weaken federal environment laws to make it quicker and easier for Woodside to start seismic testing for the Burrup Hub.

“Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill knows that across Australia communities are increasingly pushing back against new fossil fuel projects, so is trying to rush this through as fast as she can – despite this project’s enormous environmental harm.”

Anna Chapman, Fossil Fuels Program Manager, Conservation Council of Western Australia said:

“Off Australia’s Kimberley coastline, the ecologically vital Scott Reef, the country’s largest standalone coral reef, faces severe threats from Woodside’s Browse to North West Shelf gas project. This venture, part of the controversial Burrup Hub, plans to extract gas from directly beneath the reef.

“The delicate ecosystem of Scott Reef, already endangered by climate change, confronts further risks, including seismic blasting, and the potential for a catastrophic gas well blowout if Woodside’s project proceeds.

“This is a crucial climate and environmental decision for Australia. Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and State Environment Minister Reece Whitby must reject these proposals.”

Dr Richard Yin, Deputy Chair Doctors for the Environment Australia said:

“Climate care is health care. If the Burrup Hub project proceeds, emissions from the project will fuel further devastating heatwaves and bushfires such as those that Perth has recently experienced which has threatened homes and lives.

“Across our state, from floods and extreme heat in the north, through to droughts and bushfires in the south, we are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. For the sake of our children and their future health, the Burrup Hub project must not proceed.”

Martin Pritchard, Director of Strategy, Environs Kimberley said:

“Communities in the Kimberley’s Fitzroy Valley were devastated by the biggest recorded floods in Western Australia’s history earlier this year and what the science tells us is that opening new oil and gas fields is going to lead to these catastrophic events happening much more often.

“If fossil fuel proposals like Woodside’s Browse Basin gas project at Scott Reef are approved then future temperature projections show us that the Kimberley will be unliveable by the end of this century because it won’t be possible to live a healthy life here, it will be too hot.

“Risking Scott Reef and the Kimberley coast to oil and gas pollution is strongly opposed by the community and a spill there would devastate the globally significant marine hotspot and multi-million dollar tourism industry.”

CONTACT: 

Dylan Quinnell 0450 668 350

Kimberley Bernard (in Canberra on the day) 0407 581 404

Event details:

PHOTO OPP: 8.50AM-9.15AM, PARLIAMENT HOUSE LAWN.

Campaigners, experts and politicians on the lawns of parliament and banners and signs.

• Kate Chaney MP, independent member for Curtin
• Josh Wilson MP, Labor member for Fremantle
• Monique Ryan, independent member for Kooyong
• Graham Perret, Labor member for Moreton
• Zoe Daniels, independent member for Goldstein
• Anna Chapman, Fossil Fuels Program Manager, Conservation Council of WA (CCWA)
• Jess Panegyres, Head of Clean Energy Transition, Greenpeace
• Sophie McNeill, Senior Campaigner at Greenpeace
• Dr. Richard Yin, Doctors for The Environment WA
• Martin Pritchard, Director of Strategy, Environs Kimberley

ROUNDTABLE: 10AM PARLIAMENT HOUSE, 1R4

Hosted by Kate Chaney MP, independent member for Curtin and Josh Wilson MP, Labor member for Fremantle, featuring:

• Alex Hillman, Lead Analyst, Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR)
• Anna Chapman, Fossil Fuels Program Manager, Conservation Council of WA (CCWA)
• Jess Panegyres, Head of Clean Energy Transition, Greenpeace
• Dr. Richard Yin, Doctors for The Environment WA
• Martin Pritchard, Director of Strategy, Environs Kimberley
• Sophie McNeill, Senior Campaigner at Greenpeace will be moderating the event

NOTES:

Images and footage of the Scott Reef where Woodside is proposing to drill for gas available here

Images and footage of Woodside infrastructure available here.

Images and footage of the photo opp outside Parliament House will be available on Monday from 10.30am.

“Increasing federally-supported renewable energy growth to 32GW nationally signals major progress towards achieving Australia’s national renewable electricity target, a key pillar of our plan to shift our energy system away from coal, oil, and gas. 

“With this announcement, the federal government has demonstrated a genuine commitment to delivering a rapid transition to clean, affordable, and reliable energy in partnership with states, business and community—a welcome change after the previous government’s decade of inaction. 

“Australia is one of the sunniest and windiest countries on earth. Unlocking our potential to be a renewable-powered nation is not only good for energy affordability and reliability, but is also aligned with the scientific need to phase out coal, oil and gas at emergency speed and scale to avoid catastrophic climate impacts.

“Today’s announcement is a welcome step change in renewable energy uptake, and will help deliver another nail in the coffin in the case for new climate-wrecking coal or gas to meet our energy needs. The roll-out of this plan must deliver good jobs, community benefit-sharing, respect the rights of First Nations landholders, and protect nature.

“While Minister Bowen has firmly pressed the accelerator on Australia’s renewable energy growth with this announcement, it’s time now to absolutely gun it so that we can smash the 82% by 2030 target and go even further to unlock our potential to be a global renewable energy superpower.

“As the Australian Energy Market Operator has outlined, Australia has massive potential to become a renewable energy superpower with a thriving renewable exports industry, delivering lower emissions globally and at home. But this would require the energy system to deliver eight times as much energy as today. 

“A thriving renewables-powered economy and a safe climate are within reach. This government has shown with today’s announcement that it is capable of making the sensible policy decisions to get us there; it just needs to steer clear of dangerous new coal and gas while accelerating action on renewables to get us there.”

—ENDS—

“The $700-million dollar funding announced today by the Cook government in WA’s main electricity network is a fantastic investment that will help unlock the state’s ability to connect large-scale renewable energy generation to the grid.

“Similarly, the joint $19-million funding partnership between the Albanese and Cook Governments to help communities in the Kimberley install rooftop solar is a really welcome and helpful initiative.

“I agree with Premier Cook that WA can be a global clean energy leader and can help the world tackle climate change.

“But I strongly disagree with the Premier’s view that gas expansion is good. CSIRO has warned us that pushing gas into Asia could displace renewables.

“The IEA has warned that no new gas projects are needed to limit global warming to 1.5.

“The reality is that expanding WA’s gas exports will only keep our neighbours hooked on fossil fuels for decades to come, will delay their transitions and will contribute to devastating climate impacts for communities in WA and across Asia.

“I invite the Premier to spend less time listening to Meg O’Neill at Woodside and pay more attention to what the young school strikers outside the summit had to say.”

—ENDS—