Major Australian companies are not following through with green commitments despite displaying public support for addressing climate issues, which is posing a threat to national climate targets, according to a think tank.
Data on corporate and peak body lobbying on climate policy showed that 87 percent indicated support for climate action, but only 35 percent went on to back high-level climate goals, and merely 10 percent supported specific emissions reduction policies in federal consultations.
Lead author Jack Herring said most of corporate Australia had perfected using double-speak when addressing climate.
He explained companies and industries were making positive statements at a broad level to deflect scrutiny for their real agenda on climate action.
“Our research shows many of these statements are not followed through with tangible support for climate policy,” he said.
He added the loudest corporates support the continued use of fossil fuels that contradict scientific advice.
The researchers said corporate influence is a crucial reason for the current federal government’s “lack of ambition” on climate issues, noting federal Labor’s plans don’t align with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
This international treaty requires countries, including Australia, to limit temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to preindustrial levels, and Australia must update its contribution to the global target for 2035 by 2025.
The researchers said Australia’s 2030 emissions target remains inconsistent with the recommended carbon speed limit, and if all countries followed the nation’s approach, global temperature increases could reach up to 3 degrees C.
Research Unveils ‘Net-Zero Greenwash’
Further, the research found evidence of “net-zero greenwash,” where false claims and unclear statements slowed progress.Independent Senator David Pocock notes that companies “talk the talk” about climate while actively lobbying against climate action.
“We see companies like Santos and Woodside claiming they’re aiming for net-zero emissions while continuing to progress new fossil fuel developments. We also know this extends to their lobbying behind the scenes,” he said.
He said Santos influenced the government’s introduction of the “Sea Dumping” Bill passed in November, allowing gas companies to export emissions using carbon capture and storage.
“These companies are putting the future of the people and places we love at risk,” the ACT senator said.
Santos is working with the Timor-Leste and Australian governments to create a carbon storage hub under the Timor Sea, promoting it as a safe and proven technology vital for achieving worldwide climate goals.
Gas companies like Woodside Energy and Inpex said the passage of the legislation was required to meet climate goals, and federal Labor stated that the Bill is essential for unlocking $30 billion (US$20 billion) in investments.
Responsible Energy Transition
Concerns were also raised about potential “pro-fossil fuel advocacy” from companies such as Woodside Energy, AGL Energy, BP, Shell, BHP, Rio Tinto, and Whitehaven Coal.The investor-driven Carbon Market Institute and the renamed Australian Energy Producers (formerly the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association, or APPEA) were at the forefront among industry organisations.
Lately, Woodside has played a crucial role in shaping the federal government’s Future Gas Strategy, advocating for a transitional role for fossil fuels amid global decarbonisation.
They stated that Australia has the natural resources to support “renewable and non-renewable energy developments,” which they believe will be necessary with increasing populations and rising energy consumption.
“But we must get the policy settings right to embrace the opportunities presented by a strong Australian gas industry.”
At the same time, federal Labor approved Santos’ expansion of coal seam gas in Queensland’s Surat Basin, offshore oil and gas exploration covering nearly 47,000 square kilometres of Australian waters, and a metallurgical coal mine in the Isaac River area.
According to the research, those with strong ties to the fossil fuel industry were more actively working to influence the government than other sectors.
Senior ethics analyst at Australian Ethical, Persephone Fraser, said the strong influence of the fossil fuel industry in climate policy discussions is a significant worry for many investors.
“The interests of these few are dominating over the interests of other businesses, investors, and the community who all benefit from effective climate policy that limits warming consistent with the Paris Agreement,” she said.
“We need science-based climate policy, and we need to hear voices from across the economy talking to government about what they stand to lose if we don’t limit warming.”
The research looked at 179 public opinions on 10 climate and energy policies during the first year of the Albanese government.
