AUSTRALIA’S pollution levels continue to rise, with the latest release of data showing the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions increased – yet again.

The Australian National Greenhouse Gas Inventory’s quarterly update report shows national emission levels (excluding the land use and forestry sector), rose by 1.6 per cent during the March 2017 quarter. While emissions increased by a full 1 per cent in the year from March 2016 to March 2017.

Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie said the latest emissions data is yet another disappointing example of Australia’s failed climate and energy policy.

“There is one test of a climate policy, is pollution down? Under the Government’s policy framework pollution keeps going up and up,” she said.

“The Government’s lack of policy leadership is the core driver of rising pollution and rising power prices.”

“The situation would have been much worse if not for State government action. Most States and Territories now have a clear climate and energy policy framework that is driving down pollution and bringing on more renewable energy.”

“This data is just another alarm bell ringing that the Federal Government is choosing to ignore – all while Australia’s pollution levels soar, driving worsening climate change.”

The quarterly emissions update shows Australia’s emissions were 550 million tonnes over the year to March 2017.

“This is clear evidence that Australia’s climate policy isn’t working. Already in 2017, we’ve seen the second mass coral bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef, as well as record-breaking summer heat and rainfall across the nation. This is an urgent and critical issue that has been left to languish for years.”

McKenzie urged the Federal Government to end the political gridlock and to get on with the job of tackling climate change through transitioning from polluting, expensive and inefficient fossil fuels to renewable energy and storage technologies.

“We already know we can drive down our emissions and tackle climate change through affordable, clean and efficient renewable energy and storage technology – so what are we waiting for?”

For more information, please contact: Media Advisor Alexia Boland 0430 511 068 and Head of Communications Nick Hay 0417 939 953.