New analysis released today by the Institute of Public Affairs on global emissions data shows:
- Every 12 days China emits more carbon than Australia does in an entire year. This means the annual effect on global emissions from Australia reaching net zero emissions would be cancelled out by China every two weeks.
- Australia’s carbon emissions per capita have decreased by 24.3% since 2004, while China’s have increased by 109%.
- China is responsible for 73% of the increase in global carbon emissions since 2004, while Australia is responsible for none of the increase as Australia’s emissions have declined over this period.
- China operates 66 coal-fired power stations for each one currently operating in Australia. This is up from 57 in 2021. Further, China is currently constructing 177 coal-fired power stations, with a further 226 in the pre-construction phase, while Australia has none in the construction or pre-construction phase.
- Australia’s share of global carbon emissions declined from 1.3% in 2004 to 1% in 2023.
- For every tonne of emissions Australia has cut, China has increased its emissions by almost 36,000 tonnes.
