Page 255 - Week 02 - Wednesday, 7 March 2007
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global issue facing the world today and, I would think, for the next century. In her motion, Dr Foskey has called on the government to take a number of measures in relation to greenhouse emissions and climate change. I will speak briefly to each of the points that Dr Foskey raises.
Firstly, in relation to the release of the greenhouse strategy: as members are aware, the ACT government is in the process, and has been for some time, of developing a climate change strategy following public consultation on a climate change discussion paper. The climate change strategy, which the government has been developing, will replace the current ACT greenhouse strategy. I know there has been some frustration at delays that have occurred in the development and release of that particular paper. I acknowledge that frustration. It is a matter of significant importance to the government and we are working to finalise it. A cabinet submission has been circulated but has not yet been dealt with by cabinet, but it is at that stage of its development.
With the climate change debate moving quickly and with significant information and work on climate change issues coming from COAG and other organisations and other jurisdictions, we have reviewed the draft strategy to ensure that it is relevant and that it is up to date. In that context, it needs to be acknowledged that we are not standing still; it is not a static issue; the government is continually pursuing initiatives and initiating matters, issues, discussion and programs to deal with the issue of emissions. We are at this stage achieving significant results.
The motion also asks for an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions. Accurate emission information targets most certainly are an issue and were a major challenge in the development of the previous strategy and continue to be so. Our most recent data is for 2004, when our emissions were estimated to be 4.295 million tonnes. Over 70 per cent of the ACT greenhouse gas emissions are caused by our heavy and increasing use of electricity and gas to heat, cool and light our houses, our offices and other buildings.
Emissions from transport fuels are the second largest and make up about 23 per cent of total ACT emissions. However, accurate data on transport emissions is currently not available and that has been creating a problem with the calculation of accurate and up-to-date emissions for the ACT.
It is relevant to note that 93 per cent, or thereabouts, of ACT greenhouse emissions come from those dual sources of electricity and gas and transport fuels, which is a very different configuration of the source of greenhouse gas emissions than any other place in Australia. With 93 per cent of all emissions coming from those two sources, it is a reflection of the difference and the different makeup of the ACT and the nature of our economy.
The ACT has, to date, relied upon indirect estimates based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics survey data on the average fuel consumption and distances travelled by ACT vehicles. It is seeking to achieve accurate data on transport emissions. The most recent ABS data is not currently available. The government recognises that, without effective and readily available data, it is difficult to keep track of this significant proportion of our emissions. Carbon dioxide emissions from the transport sector can
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