Climate change
As one of the hottest and driest continents, Australia’s economy and environment are particularly vulnerable to climate change.
Australia’s greenhouse emissions in 2007 were estimated to be 585 million tones or 106 per cent of 1990 levels. On a ‘business-as-usual’ scenario, Australia’s emissions for 2020 are projected to reach 120 per cent of the 1990 level.
Under the Kyoto protocol, Australia has agreed to limit emissions to 108 per cent of 1900 levels between 2008 and 2012.
The Australian Government’s long-term target is to reduce emissions by 60 per cent of 2000 levels by 2050.
In 2008-09, the Australian Government budgeted $2.3 billion over four years to help business, communities and individuals meet the challenge of climate change.
Australia has a $220 million International Forest Carbon Initiative to support international efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation in developing countries are included in a future international climate change agreement.
Australia has committed $150 million from its international aid budget to assist our Pacific neighbours to adapt to climate change.
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