Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions have risen by 2.2 per cent, according to new data released from the Clean Energy Regulator.

The data relates to emissions directly resulting from the operation of Australian corporations between 2015 and 2016, which account for around 60 per cent of total emissions across the country.

Climate scientist Professor Will Steffen said the jump in emissions has not come as a surprise, as the nation continues to fall behind when it comes to strong and supportive climate and energy policy.

“These results are very disappointing but not at all surprising. They reinforce the fact that Australia lacks a credible policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” the Climate Councillor said.

“We pledged at Paris to do our fair share to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius. This pledge increasingly looks like empty words as fossil fuel emissions continue to rise.”

As Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions rise, China’s National Energy Administration has released new research overnight showing the country’s emissions flatlined in 2016.

The National Energy Administration is now forecasting China’s emissions will fall this year as renewable energy continues to boom, while coal consumption declines for a third consecutive year.

Professor Steffen said the new data should serve as yet another urgent warning to the Federal Government to act swiftly and seriously to reduce Australia’s skyrocketing emissions in a bid to combat climate change.

“These latest results cement Australia’s position as the global laggard on climate change action.”

For more information please contact Media Advisor Alexia Boland on 0430 511 068 and at alexia@climatecouncil.org.au.