Greenpeace Calls for Clear Reduction Plan
On Tuesday, 5 May 2026, Greenpeace raised concerns about the Western Australian Government's reported plan to abandon interim emissions reduction targets. This criticism arises as the Cook Government plans to address carbon emissions through green exports, carbon capture, and renewable energy production.
These initiatives, according to Greenpeace, fall short of effective climate action compared to other states and territories in Australia, with the Northern Territory being the only other exception. The lack of a Renewable Energy Target is also a point of contention, as it is crucial for phasing out fossil fuels.
Geoff Bice, the WA Campaign Lead at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, expressed his concerns, stating, "If this leaked climate plan were to be applied in its current form, it would be the most confused attempt to deal with climate change by any Labour Government in the country." He emphasised the urgency of implementing a clear emissions reduction plan.
Concerns Over Carbon Capture Strategies
The reliance on carbon capture and storage by the Cook Government has been questioned. Greenpeace pointed out the limited success of similar strategies, referencing Chevron's Gorgon facility, which captured only 25 per cent of its promised CO2 levels in the last reporting year.
Bice further discussed the importance of renewable energy targets, saying, "WA needs a clear plan to reduce our carbon pollution starting now. Interim emissions reduction targets and a strong renewable energy target of at least 82% by 2030 on the South West Interconnected System grid are essential."
The Cook Government has delayed action on emissions reduction for too long. This is a critical decade in which emissions need to decline, with WA's coral reefs and forests already experiencing the impacts of climate change.
Greenpeace argues that the Cook Government’s credibility should be sharply questioned if it plans to address emissions through carbon dumping. This method has been deemed a false solution due to its ineffectiveness, as demonstrated at Chevron’s Gorgon facility.
WA has a pathway to economic resilience if it decisively moves towards renewable energy. This transition is vital as the region faces an energy crisis. Greenpeace advocates for ambitious climate plans that rapidly reduce emissions and set WA up for a clean, prosperous future.
The Cook Government has not yet responded to these criticisms. Meanwhile, Greenpeace continues to push for a comprehensive and effective approach to emissions reduction and renewable energy transition.
Last updated: 6 May 2026, 1:49 am
