The final report from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s Sixth Assessment Cycle is the final-hour warning before the clock runs out on 1.5°C, and we must pull every lever to achieve the globally agreed objective, says Greenpeace Australia Pacific.

The IPCC AR6 Synthesis Report, which integrates findings from the six reports the IPCC has published since 2018, lays out the extent to which climate change has already damaged the planet and life on earth, with further future damage now unavoidable and potentially irreversible. 

IPCC AR6 key findings:

• The world’s existing fossil fuel infrastructure without additional abatement would exceed the remaining carbon budget for 1.5°C and with every additional increment of warming, changes in extremes continue to become larger
• Current national climate commitments make it likely that warming will exceed 1.5°C during the 21st century and make it harder to limit warming below 2°C.
• However, in certain scenarios and pathways, global warming declines back to below 1.5°C by the end of the 21st century with immediate, deep and rapid emissions reductions
• Current scenarios and pathways have us on track for a range from 1.4°C  for the very low emissions scenario through to 4.4°C for the very high emissions scenario 
• All global modelled pathways that limit warming to 1.5°C with no or limited overshoot, and those that limit warming to 2°C, involve rapid and deep and, in most cases, immediate greenhouse gas emissions reductions in all sectors this decade
• Some future changes are unavoidable and potentially irreversible, with sea level rise unavoidable for centuries to millennia
• For any given future warming level, many climate-related risks are higher than previously assessed, and projected long-term impacts are up to multiple times higher than currently observed

QUOTES

David Ritter, CEO of Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said this report is a screaming siren calling us to action.

“The emergency is upon us. We can see the impacts climate damage is having every single day – the floods, fires, storms, heatwaves, droughts, and rising seas that are overwhelming whole communities. 

 “But the great source of hope is that we know the causes of this crisis and we have the solutions. We must cut emissions faster, and overcome the vested interests that corrupt our democracy and stand in the way of deploying vital solutions at vast speed and scale, to secure the survival of millions of people, whole ecosystems and innumerable species.

“In these times of emergency, we must hold our leaders to their words. At COP27, Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen called for the ‘strongest possible action’ to limit global heating to 1.5°C. As this report is handed down, in Australia this means no new coal, oil, or gas projects, like Woodside’s monstrous Burrup Hub, and a much stronger Safeguard Mechanism than currently proposed. 

“Launching the government’s wildlife protection plan, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said she will not ‘accept environmental decline and extinction as inevitable’. Nothing could be clearer – there can be no new coal, oil, or gas and we must see an end to deforestation.

“We still have agency in this planetary crisis. Great historic change is invariably nonlinear – we know the solutions and people, working together, can achieve practically anything. 

“Political and business leaders have no excuses and must be held to account in this hour of supreme planetary need. Now is the hour, there must be action to reduce emissions at emergency speed and scale.”

Prof. Dr. Carl-Friedrich Schleussner, Head of Climate Science at Climate Analytics, stressed that despite the grave risks in failing to act, this report shows the Paris Agreement long term goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C is still within reach.

“1.5°C refers to human-made global warming and is calculated as a long-term average over 20 years or more. This is why if one year hits 1.5°C, or even several years in a row, this doesn’t mean we’ve reached that long-term average yet. At 1.5°C global warming we would expect that every second year would be above 1.5°C and we would only be able to say this with certainty in hindsight, probably up to 10 years after.

“The focus on 1.5°C being dead or gone is an unhelpful distraction from what needs to happen now, which is rapid emissions reductions this decade and a shift away from fossil fuels.”

Shiva Gounden, Pacific advisor, Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said despite suffering the worst impacts, Pacific island nations demonstrate climate leadership that must be followed. 

“1.5°C is still alive – but our last possible path to reach it is lit by those on the frontlines of the climate crisis. We must follow their light to survive.

“Pacific island nations suffer the worst impacts of the climate crisis, such as the recent devastation wreaked by twin Category 4 cyclones Judy and Kevin, but have historically contributed the least. This final report is resoundingly clear on the scale of the crisis facing the Pacific and the urgency needed, with low-lying coastal areas already reaching the limits of adaptation. 

“The peoples of the Pacific continue to confront the devastating reality of the climate crisis with hope, determination and courage. But we do more than deal with the consequences. These proud people know that our lands and ways of living are worth saving – and have the conviction and plan to do so. 

“Pacific island nations demonstrate global climate leadership from the frontline. The world must stand with them, starting with voting yes at the UN General Assembly next week on Vanuatu’s landmark bid to prevent climate harm through the world’s highest court.”

Reverend James Bhagwan, General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, said the report further codifies the Pacific’s leadership on climate action from the frontline.

“The IPCC synthesis report is the science to our lived realities. As the world looks at the rapid trajectory to and beyond 1.5°C, the Pacific is already suffering from the sin of high-emitting countries. Yet we persist; battered by extreme weather, our island nations are joining the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. But right now we are in the fight for our right to exist. We need rapid transitions to truly renewable energy and increased finance to support our efforts to be resilient, to live.”

Anjali Sharma, 18yo climate activist and lead litigant in Sharma v Environment Minister, the landmark court case which called for a duty of care to protect children against the impacts of climate change, said:

“This report is not only a damning indictment on the polluters and governments of generations past, but a wake up call for leaders now to drastically scale up their efforts to combat climate change if the world is to save the future for generations to come.

“The reality of the climate crisis is already devastating and this report lays clear the scale of the devastation future generations face, with some changes like sea level rise unavoidable and potentially irreversible.

“This is the world being handed to my generation, in which we are expected to construct our lives. We do not have the privilege of time, the bliss of ignorance, the safety of desensitisation. But with 1.5°C still alive, we must act – radically, urgently, and together – to force governments through the crack in the window of opportunity to secure a liveable future for generations to come.”

The IPCC synthesis report comes on the eve of a historic vote at the United Nations General Assembly to ask the International Court of Justice – the highest court in the world – to issue an advisory opinion on climate change.

—ENDS—

We recently uncovered that Woodside has dumped a rusty, dilapidated oil tower near UNESCO World Heritage listed Ningaloo reef off the West Australian coast – and it’s now sinking into the ocean. 

The oil tower from Woodside’s decommissioned Nganhurra oil rig is full of toxic chemicals such as plastic and polyurethane. These chemicals could leak into the pristine marine environment of Ningaloo Reef, famously home to whale sharks, pygmy blue whales and other spectacular and endangered ocean creatures. 

The truly shocking thing is that Woodside doesn’t have a credible plan to prevent a potential environmental disaster.

Investigations by the environmental movement last year found that Woodside’s original “plan” was to sink the toxic oil tower to create an artificial reef at Ningaloo. This dodgy plan, which flouted Australia’s international ocean protection obligations, was abandoned after it attracted public outrage.

Then in January of this year, Greenpeace found correspondence between Woodside and the offshore oil and gas regulator that shows that the oil tower is slowly sinking into the sea, and Woodside’s plans are inadequate to deal with this potential environmental emergency.

Woodside’s failure to clean up its trash poses unacceptable risks to Ningaloo Reef, one of the world’s most precious and unique reef systems

Ningaloo is a marine biodiversity hot-spot, that could be devastated by a chemical spill. It’s home to whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean, and the site of some of the world’s most  spectacular coral spawning events. It’s also home to more than 300 documented coral species, over 700 reef fish species, roughly 650 mollusc species, as well as around 600 crustacean species and more than 1,000 species of marine algae. It’s an ocean paradise we can’t afford to damage. 

Woodside needs to get its oil and gas trash out of our oceans. Join the growing opposition to Woodside’s toxic plans, and sign our petition to tell them to cut it out.

Woodside’s Climate Report, released alongside its Annual Report today, revealed that the company has made almost no progress on plans to reduce emissions from its gas and oil operations, despite having set an “aspirational” net-zero by 2050 target.

Glenn Walker, Head of Advocacy and Strategy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said that Woodside’s investors should be concerned by the company’s continued failure to mitigate climate risk.

“Woodside’s Climate Report is a schoolboy effort, essentially a rehash of its previous year’s plan that betrays the company’s lack of genuine commitment to emissions reduction,” he said.

“Woodside has once again failed to account for the vast Scope 3 emissions from its fossil fuel exports, which account for around 90% of the company’s climate pollution, and is taking an equity only approach to its Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

“Woodside is betting the farm on a fantasy future increase in gas use that is utterly at odds with modelling from credible energy analysts such as the International Energy Agency. Woodside is cherry-picking data to suit its own narrative.

“Woodside investors should be incredibly nervous about the company’s cavalier approach to climate risk. They’re clearly not taking this seriously, and have no alternative vision for a climate constrained future. Shareholders roundly rejected Woodside’s Climate Plan last year and it’s disappointing to see the company has once again failed to pick up its socks.”

Woodside is facing increasing pressure about its controversial Burrup Hub gas project, which is set to release over six billion tonnes of climate pollution, making it the highest-emitting project currently proposed in Australia.

The company also faces scrutiny from other industrial sectors over the enormous emissions contribution its Burrup Hub project will make to proposed Safeguard Mechanism baselines, which would see the Burrup Hub exceed the allocated liquified gas emissions budget by 2030.

—ENDS—

Notes to editors

Please find a briefing on Woodside’s investor and climate risk, and detailed analysis of Woodside’s Burrup Hub’s contributions to Safeguard Mechanism baselines below for your information.

• READ: Greenpeace Australia Pacific Woodside Investor Briefing  

Treasurer Matt Kean said he will introduce a bill to legislate the existing Offshore Exploration and Mining Policy in New South Wales waters in the next session of Parliament.

Richard George, senior campaigner for Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said the new law is important recognition of the destructive nature of offshore gas drilling.

“This new law is a win for marine life, but also for everyone who works in and loves the beautiful oceans off New South Wales – and now it’s time for other Australian states to step up and protect our waters,” he said.

“Offshore gas drilling is catastrophic for our oceans. The gas extraction process involves drilling into the sea bed, conducting seismic blasting that can injure whales and laying hundreds of kilometres of undersea pipes, seriously disrupting fragile marine environments.

“The offshore gas industry has a terrible environmental track record, with oil and gas producers currently facing a $56 billion clean-up bill for the decaying decommissioned oil and gas rigs that they have left littered in Australian waters. These gas cowboys simply can’t be trusted with our oceans.

“It’s make or break for Australia’s oceans. Gas companies are gearing up to drill in oceans all around the country, including Woodside’s enormous Burrup Hub project off the coast of Western Australia. Woodside wants to drill directly into a coral reef to extract gas so it can make a fortune selling it overseas. We can’t afford this damage to our oceans, and it’s time for governments around the country to follow New South Wales’ lead.”

—ENDS—

The details of the Bill, announced today by Climate Action Minister Reece Whitby, will be introduced to WA parliament this year, and will put the state on track to slash emissions in the coming decades.

Jess Panegyres, Head of Clean Transitions at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said while the move by the government was welcome, the continued expansion of the gas industry – including Woodside’s Burrup Hub project – are jeopardising the state’s clean future. 

“Greenpeace welcomes the plan to legislate the net zero by 2050 target and set five-yearly targets, but the state government needs an urgent plan to transition away from gas in order to meet these goals,” she said.

“This move brings WA in line with other states which have legislated net zero, and is important in creating policy certainty. WA has incredible opportunities in the clean energy economy – the biggest opportunities in Australia. However, the continued expansion of the gas industry is short-sighted and will undermine WA’s ability to meet this important goal.”

Ms Panegyres said the next urgent priority is a plan for the state’s orderly transition out of gas.

“Gas is a fossil fuel that drives dangerous climate change. The McGowan government has already vowed a transition away from coal by 2030, and now it’s time for Western Australia to move away from dirty gas projects, and make meaningful headway on their new and ambitious clean future targets,” she said.

—ENDS— 

The details were announced by Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen in Gladstone today, following a consultation process beset by heavy-handed lobbying from the fossil fuel industry.

Glenn Walker, Head of Advocacy and Strategy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said the Safeguard Mechanism must be significantly strengthened and rule out handouts to the fossil fuel industry.

“While it’s an improvement on the Coalition’s failed policy, the revised Safeguard Mechanism is still a licence to pollute. There’s a lot of work to be done to make it fit for purpose, including closing some loopholes you could drive a coal train through,” he said.

“We need the Federal Government to raise its ambition and bring Australia’s big corporate polluters to heel. This includes capping the use of offsets and setting a zero emissions baseline for new entrants. 

“It’s imperative that Minister Bowen does not give any of the $600 million earmarked for ‘trade exposed’ industries to fossil fuel companies. Coal and gas companies got us into this mess and Australian taxpayers should not pay to bail them out of it.

“It’s good that the Federal Government has ruled out use of dodgy international offsets, but we’re concerned about the proposed unfettered access to Australian offsets, which have serious integrity issues. This means corporate polluters can buy carbon offsets to avoid and delay actually reducing or removing harmful greenhouse gas emissions in their own operations.

“Massive new entrant gas projects like Woodside’s Burrup Hub could blow Australia’s emissions baseline out of the water under the current policy proposal. This places an unfair burden on other Australian businesses and sectors, which would need to do more heavy lifting to reduce emissions.”

Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s recommendations for a strong, effective Safeguard Mechanism:

1. Set an ambitious emission reduction target to 2030, falling year-on-year: In order to meet the Paris Agreement 1.5 degree target, the Safeguard Mechanism emission reduction target must be set to a baseline of 57Mt in 2029-2030. 
2. Zero emissions baseline for new entrants: To ensure an equitable and effective policy, the emissions baseline set for new facilities entering the scheme must be set to zero.
3. No special treatment or complex arrangements: There should be no favourable treatment or complex special emissions calculations for specific companies like Woodside Energy, including multi-year monitoring. The coal and gas industry should not receive any “trade exposed” assistance.
4. Disallow Australian carbon offsets (ACCUs) for coal, gas and oil companies: Fossil carbon kept underground is far more stable than carbon actively cycling between the land, ocean and atmosphere. The priority should therefore be to keep the fossil carbon in the ground and not equate this with land-based carbon offsets. For this reason coal, gas and oil companies – the primary global drivers of climate change – should not be permitted to use Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) as part of the scheme and should be forced to use Safeguard Mechanism Credits (SMCs) instead.

—ENDS—

1 Climate Council. 2016. Land carbon: no substitute for action on fossil fuels.

Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen today released the findings of the review and the Federal Government’s response, which includes an in-principle agreement to adopt all recommendations.

Glenn Walker, Head of Advocacy and Strategy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said that while the review has recommended some welcome reforms to the governance and transparency of ACCUs, it overlooked serious concerns and evidence from leading scientists and experts showing that the key ACCU method for Human-Induced Regeneration was not actually delivering real carbon abatement.1

“Big polluting corporations, including coal and gas companies buy carbon offsets to avoid and delay actually reducing or removing harmful greenhouse gas emissions in their own operations,” he said.

“The Chubb Review into carbon offsetting has failed to address the scam of a key ACCU method. Until this sham is removed from the system or fundamentally overhauled, emissions won’t actually be going down.

“Without this necessary system overhaul, the integrity of the proposed Safeguard Mechanism will also come into serious question. The Federal Government is currently proposing unfettered use of scam carbon offsets under this scheme, which will simply enable big polluters to keep polluting.

“With the impending release of the Safeguard Mechanism, it’s imperative that the Federal Government constrain the use of ACCUs for big polluting companies.”

—ENDS—

1 https://law.anu.edu.au/news-and-events/news/australia%E2%80%99s-carbon-market-fraud-environment

The Federal Government’s Competition and Consumer Amendment (Gas Prices) Bill 2022 gained the support of the Greens and Independents to speed its passage through Parliament. It has been complemented by a package in next year’s Budget for electrification of low-income households.

Jess Panegyres, Head of Clean Energy Transition at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said that while the temporary measures are welcome, the Federal Government should extend gas regulation further to ensure power stays affordable.

“After years choking on gas, it’s a welcome breath of fresh air to see the Federal Government, backed by the Greens and Independents, finally standing up to an industry that has run rough-shod over the Australian national interest for years,” she said.

“These temporary measures to cap domestic gas prices will bring much needed relief for Australian households facing energy poverty, and enable businesses to keep their lights on. Support for low-income households to get off expensive polluting gas through household electrification will help peoples’ health and hip-pockets.

“Woodside and the other gas industry war profiteers showed their true colours this week. The government should also look at a long term plan to properly regulate the cowboy gas industry, and further accelerate the transition to cheaper, cleaner renewables.

“Measures such as a strong, effective Safeguard Mechanism that makes the big polluters such as Woodside do their fair share on emissions reduction, and a war profits tax on the gas industry to fund the energy transition, will help to ensure that the money being hoarded by the gas industry also flows into the pockets of Australians.”

—ENDS—

Following the Federal Government’s announcement of domestic gas price caps to alleviate the energy crisis, Woodside’s CEO Meg O’Neill has launched an extraordinary tirade, claiming that the intervention will damage gas investments.

Jess Panegyres, Head of Clean Transitions at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said that Woodside’s response to price caps betrays how out of touch the company is with the serious financial problems gas prices are causing for many Australians.

“It’s insulting that Meg O’Neill, a CEO on a multi-million dollar salary, thinks she can cry poor about measures to curtail rampant gas industry price gouging while Australians face energy poverty as a result of soaring gas prices,” she said.

“Woodside is making record profits off the back of the Ukraine war while our power bills skyrocket. The enormous tantrum being thrown by the gas industry in response to the Federal Government’s sensible price caps demonstrate very clearly that they’re motivated by greed, not Australia’s national interests.

“Western Australia, a state Meg O’Neill should be deeply familiar with, already has a system of price caps and a domestic gas reservation policy – and it doesn’t seem to have killed the gas industry dead. The national gas industry should be able to survive proper regulation, scrutiny and a sensible pricing structure. If it can’t, it raises significant questions about whether this is a viable industry for Australia at all.

“To add injury to insult, Woodside’s enormous profits are coming at the expense of the climate. Gas is a fossil fuel that is driving dangerous climate change, and it’s already costing Australians. The Insurance Council of Australia has calculated that the damage from this year’s climate-driven flooding alone will cost the country $5.56 billion, and that’s only set to increase unless we urgently reduce emissions. There’s no place for Woodside’s profiteering and dangerous gas expansion plans if we want a safer climate future.”

—ENDS—