Planned export coal emissions dwarf ETS cuts

'Kevin Rudd is trying to burnish his reputation as a climate hero,' said Greenpeace Head of Campaigns Steve Campbell. 'But this is a highly implausible moniker for an unrepentant carbon pusher.'

According to a new Greenpeace briefing paper released today, current and proposed coal port expansions would take Australia's export capacity from 332 to 730 million tonnes per year, equating to over one billion extra tonnes of carbon pollution.

If the Rudd Government commits to a 25% domestic reduction, Australias emissions should be 182.7 million tonnes below their current levels by 2020. Yet the planned expansion of just one location the tripling in size of the New South Wales port of Newcastle - could generate an extra 510 million tonnes of pollution annually.

Compounding the damage to the environment, coal is also becoming a millstone for the Australian economy. In 2009/10, the Queensland government alone is spending a staggering $1.3 billion on the coal industry, amounting to over 90% of their total expected coal royalties. 

The revelations will come as particularly unwelcome news to Pacific Island leaders arriving in Cairns for the 4-7 August Pacific Island Forum. The leaders will be hoping for Australian backing for their demands for 40-45% emissions reductions.

'The Pacific Islands are already feeling the worst impacts of climate change,' said Campbell. 'For them it makes little difference where Australia's coal is burned. Carbon pollution has no borders. Unless Kevin Rudd starts to back up his words with action, his name is going to be a dirty word. '