Ann: WOODSIDE WELCOMES PROPOSED NWS EXTENSION APPROVAL, page-7

The Australian Labor Party's (ALP) decision to approve the North West Shelf (NWS) gas project extension reveals a complex and contested approach to climate change policy, it is NOT Climate Change OR Fossil Fuels it is BOTH. That is the way policy should be decided////////////////////////balancing economic priorities with environmental commitments. Here’s what the decision tells us about the ALP’s climate strategy:

1. Contradiction Between Climate Goals and Fossil Fuel Expansion

The ALP has committed to reducing emissions by 45% by 2030 (from 2005 levels) and achieving net zero by 2050 2. However, approving the NWS extension—which could emit 4–6 billion tonnes of CO₂ over its 50-year lifespan—undermines these targets 1713. Critics argue this locks in long-term fossil fuel dependence, conflicting with the International Energy Agency’s warning that new gas projects are incompatible with limiting global warming to 1.5°C 13.

2. Gas as a "Transition Fuel" Justification

The ALP defends the decision by framing gas as essential for energy security and a "smoothing fuel" during the renewable transition 515. Prime Minister Albanese emphasized that net zero "does not mean no emissions," suggesting gas will back up renewables 15. However, critics, including the Greens and Climate Council, counter that Australian gas often displaces renewables—not coal—in export markets 713.

3. Weakness in Safeguard Mechanism and Policy Gaps

While the ALP tightened the Safeguard Mechanism to cap emissions from major polluters 2, the NWS approval highlights loopholes:

• The mechanism lacks a "climate trigger" to block high-emission projects 13.

• It exempts scope 3 emissions (from exported gas), which account for most of the NWS’s carbon footprint 17.

• The ALP has not ruled out using Kyoto carryover credits, a practice it previously criticized 2.

4. Political Compromises and Industry Pressure

The decision reflects Labor’s reliance on gas industry lobbying and state-level economic demands. For example:

• WA Premier Roger Cook backed the project for jobs and energy security 7.

• Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt (a pro-industry figure) fast-tracked approvals, echoing his support for Adani’s coal mine in Queensland 13.

• The ALP avoided alienating unions tied to fossil fuel jobs, despite backlash from climate advocates 113.

5. Broader Climate Policy Shortcomings

The NWS approval aligns with other ALP climate policy gaps, such as:

• No explicit phase-out plan for coal and gas exports 2.

• Limited focus on climate adaptation (e.g., flood/drought resilience) 2.

• Rejecting a ban on native forest logging and stronger environmental reforms 13.

Conclusion

The NWS decision signals that the ALP prioritizes short-term economic and political stability over rapid decarbonization. While it advances renewable energy (e.g., 50% renewables by 2030) 2, its support for fossil fuels undermines credibility. The move risks alienating climate-conscious voters and could embolden opposition from the Greens, who may push for stricter safeguards in future legislation

DeepThink (R1)

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