Australia Institute research shows the process of extracting and shipping all the coal and gas Australia exports is responsible for close to 18% of Australia’s total emissions.

That means that if Australia did not export such huge quantities of coal and gas, then the emissions target could be met a lot faster.

Australia exports over 10 times more gas than is used by Australia’s entire manufacturing industry.

Just days after approving an extension of one of the largest fossil fuel export projects in the world, the North West Shelf, the climate risk assessment revealed deaths caused by heatwaves will soar by more than 400% in places like Sydney and Darwin.

Pacific leaders have already warned Australia the decision to extend the North West Shelf extension could breach a landmark International Court of Justice ruling on the responsibility states have to address climate change.

“In order to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, global emissions must at least halve by 2030,” said Richard Denniss, Executive Director of The Australia Institute.

“A cut of at least 75 per cent by 2035 is what was required and it’s a missed opportunity for the government to show it is serious about climate change.

“In a short period of time, we have seen the government extend the North West Shelf, release the grim climate risk report, and announce a non-ambitious climate target.

“The government can’t have it all ways, and if it is serious about meeting climate targets, it will stop approving coal and gas.”