A senior government minister has faced criticism for asserting that greenhouse gas emissions from a major fossil fuel project in the Northern Territory would be fully accounted for and offset, despite new research suggesting that 95% of the emissions produced over this decade would not require offsetting. The comments, made during a speech at the National Press Club, came as the minister defended plans to expand the Beetaloo gas basin, raising questions about the project’s climate impact and its alignment with national emissions reduction goals. Critics are now demanding clarification on whether the government’s position accurately reflects the scale of unmitigated emissions tied to the development. The debate highlights growing tensions between economic priorities and climate commitments in Australia’s energy sector.
Madeleine King told press club emissions from NT fossil fuel basin ‘are accounted for and offset’ but research found 95% of emissions this decade would not have to be offsetSign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter hereThe resources minister, Madeleine King, is facing calls to correct her claim in a major speech that all greenhouse gas emissions from developing a massive fossil fuel basin in the Northern Territory will be offset to limit their impact on the climate.Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday, King defended her support for the development of the Beetaloo gas basin south of Darwin after being asked if she was comfortable with the impact that the emissions from the gas would have on Australians. Continue reading...
