Australia has formally submitted its annual National Inventory Report to the United Nations.
This report covers Australia's emissions estimates for the financial years 1990 to 2021 and provides in-depth information on how Australia measures and reports its emissions.
It is Australia's - and the world's - first National Inventory Report that meets the emissions reporting requirements of the Paris Agreement.
For Australia to attract crucial investment to become a renewable energy superpower, we need to ensure the highest levels of transparency and accountability - and give policy certainty to trading partners and international investors.
Reporting our emissions and meeting our obligations under the Paris Agreement is an example of the Albanese Government's commitment to providing that rigour and accountability.
In 2021, Australia's net greenhouse gas emissions were 464.8 million tonnes (Mt) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e). The energy sector continued to be the largest source of national emissions, while the land sector continued to be a net sink for emissions.
The report reflects Australia's commitment to continuous improvement of Australia's national inventory. Updated emission estimation methods were applied to the energy, waste and land sectors. These improvements will be incorporated into the upcoming Quarterly Update of the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory for the year to December 2022, scheduled for release at the end of May.
The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said this report reiterates the Albanese Government's commitment to climate credibility.
"I welcome today's release of the first National Inventory Report to ensure we are meeting our obligations under Paris and upholding the highest levels of transparency", said Mr Bowen.
"One of our first acts in government was to reinvigorate the Climate Change Authority and deliver annual climate statements, to increase transparency of Australia's climate challenges and opportunities.
"Being the first country to submit a Paris Agreement inventory underlines our commitment to deliver climate transparency, which will help Australia attract the investment needed to become a renewable energy superpower."
The information in the report will be subject to independent technical review by the UN, keeping Australia accountable for the quality of emissions estimates that we report to the global community as well as our broader action on climate change.
The National Inventory Report 2021 is available through the Department's website at National Inventory Reports - DCCEEW and in an interactive format at Home | AGEIS (climatechange.gov.au)
