Surge in WA emissions puts Australia’s net zero targets in doubt

Unlike others states, Western Australia does not have its own 2030 target for reducing carbon emissions. Photograph: Planet Observer/UIG/Getty Images/Universal Images Group

Western Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions are rising with little sign that the main power grid can decarbonise rapidly, leaving other states to make bigger cuts if Australia’s legislated carbon reduction goals are to be met.

Modelling results presented to the state government late last year and obtained by Guardian Australia showed that the state’s carbon emissions in 2024 are on track to reach 91.5m tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent, or about 20% above 2005 levels.