CRC for Greenhouse Accounting

Australia

The role of sinks in Australia's greenhouse gas reduction objectives

Most recent statement from the World Meterological Organisation on Global Climate in 2001

Australia is the only developed country where there is, on balance, a significant emission of greenhouse gases from vegetation and soils. We have excellent opportunities to reduce these emissions whilst at the same time improving the sustainability of our agricultural and forestry industries. This is the major challenge for the CRC for Greenhouse Accounting.

The uncertainty associated with emissions and sinks from our terrestrial biosphere is high and threatens the ultimate inclusion of such activities in international treaties. It is important that Australia demonstrates that it is feasible to measure and verify such emissions and sinks and to argue this accounting position in the global arena. The Centre's establishment illustrates the urgency of the global greenhouse issue and the vital role for Australia in tackling it.

The Centre is developing accurate accounting rules to underpin future trade in carbon credits by individuals, companies and nations. Trade in carbon as a new commodity has the economic potential to be a multi-billion dollar activity world-wide and it is essential that these activities result in real reductions of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

It is often argued that concentrating on "sinks" to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere will detract from efforts to reduce our national dependence on fossil fuels and decrease the speed with which we move towards newer, more innovative and sustainable sources of energy. However, better management of our vegetation and soils will reduce greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere just as surely as reductions in fossil fuel use. Nevertheless, there is a natural limit to what can be done by these means and Australians face an ongoing challenge to adopt a more energy-efficient way of life. All sectors of industry must eventually understand that the use of carbon sinks will only assist, and not ensure, a transition away from fossil fuel dependency.

Useful Resources

Net Ecosystem Exchange - download our 2001 publication
Third Assessment Report, Climate Change 2001 (IPCC)
Australian Natural Resources Atlas (NLWRA)
National Carbon Accounting System; NCAS Publications (AGO)
Climate Change Projections (CSIRO)
Climate Change Impacts on Australia (CSIRO)