Australian government urged to action on HFCs and climate change

In August 2015, Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s cabinet announced plans to phase-down HFCs by 85% by 2036 and greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2030.
On 11 August 2015, conservative Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s cabinet announced plans to phase-down HFCs by 85% by 2036 and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2030.

Government received 498 submissions from businesses and industry stakeholders with an overwhelming majority urging it to take clear, firm action.

Australia represents just 0.3% of the world’s population but accounts for 1.5% of its carbon emissions, due largely to the nation’s extensive coal-fueled mining industry.

However, Australia is using 2005 as a baseline rather than 1990, the UN standard base year. The Australian government’s proposal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 26% by 2030 equates to just an 18% reduction based on 1990 levels.