Scorecard Summary: Fulfilment of Rio Conference Commitment - Red
Current Government Position on Climate Change - Red
Per Capita CO2 Emissions - Red (15.24 metric tons per person in 1992)
National CO2 Emissions - Green (267 million metric tons in 1992)

OVERALL ASSESSMENT:
Recalcitrant, very late implementing even "no regrets" measures, could do much better.

NATIONAL CLIMATE PROTECTION GOAL:
Australia aims to "stablise greenhouse gas emissions (not controlled by the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer) based on 1988 levels by the year 2000 and to reduce these emissions by 20 percent by the year 2005...subject to Australia not implementing response measures that would have net adverse economic impacts nationally or on Australia's trade competitiveness, in the absence of similar action by major greenhouse gas producing countries" (Commonwealth of Australia, 1992). The target is not legally binding.

SPECIFIC FEATURES:
Australia has a higher proportion of energy-intensive industries than most other OECD countries because of its strong natural resource base and competitive prices. It has therefore comparatively high emissions of CO2 tons per unit of $1000 (0.94) gross domestic product (GDP). Australia has a relatively high dependence on fossil fuels (compared to other OECD countries), does not utilise nuclear power, and has limited opportunities for hydro-electricity generation. This limits options to reduce CO2 emissions. However, there are large reserves of natural gas and their is considerable opportunity for fuel switching. The land use and forestry sector account for 30 percent of current CO2 emissions.

NEGATIVE FEATURES:
According to the government, "...despite measures in place in 1994 for both emission reductions from sources and increased uptake by sinks, a considerable gap remained between projections and stablisation at 1990 levels by 2000. Based on current measures, the likelihood of reaching the 2005 interim planning target is quite remote... Emission levels in 2000 will be about three percent above those needed of stablisation at 1990 levels." (Australia: State of the Environment, 1996) "Several measures identified in the National Greenhouse Response Strategy as satisfying a 'no regrets' requirement have not been implemented. Mechanisms are in place to address a number of these deficiencies, but only limited progress has been made." (Australia: State of the Environment, 1996). "Although all (state) governments had adopted the national strategy for Ecologically Sustainable Development, by mid-1995, there has been no indication that they paid close attention to the application of its basic principles in major initiatives, such as the operation of the national electricity grid and the extension of reticulated electricity grids." (The Commonwealth Government has limited constitutional powers to implement measures). Australia has so far neglected developing its large potential for solar and wind power.

POSITIVE FEATURES:
A voluntary initiative launched in 1995 between the Commonwealth Government and individual companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions shows some promise, but it is too early to make a firm assessment. Sources: Australia: State of the Environment, 1996; National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Committee, 1994; Report on the in-depth review of the national communication of Australia, FCCC/IDR.1/AUS Dec 1995.