PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Australia’s Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor is optimistic that the country has beaten its 2020 emissions reduction target.

The Minister on Wednesday said that while figures were yet to be finalised, Australia is estimated to have beaten its Kyoto-era target by up to 430-million tonnes, around 80% of a full year’s emissions.

He added that Australia’s track record of meeting and beating its global commitments is something it should be proud of, and Australians can be confident of meeting and beating the country's 2030 Paris target.

“Australia has overachieved on our Kyoto-era commitments, this is something all Australians can be proud of. The end of the Kyoto-era and start of Paris commitment is an important milestone in global action to reduce emissions.

“Unlike the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement includes commitments from all countries and all major emitters, not just developed nations. Australia is committed to playing our role to reduce global emissions and we will do this without imposing new costs on households, businesses or the economy.

“The government believes the pathway to meaningful impacts on global emissions is through development and deployment of new technologies, not taxes.

“Our Technology Investment Roadmap will play an important role in reducing emissions, creating new jobs and supporting Australia’s Covid-19 economic recovery.

“Our commitment is clear: lower prices, keep the lights on, while doing our bit to reduce global emissions without wrecking the economy – and we are seeing results.”

The federal government has a clear plan through a A$3.5-billion Climate Solutions Package to continue its strong track record and meet the 2030 Paris commitment.

Since 1990, Australia’s national emissions have declined by 13% and Australia’s emissions per person are at their lowest levels in 30 years.