The Australian Government has appointed Chief Scientist Dr. Cathy Foley to lead a panel focused on enhancing the accuracy and transparency of methane emissions and greenhouse gas reporting.
This decision is part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to strengthen environmental monitoring and reporting practices.
The announcement comes as the Government releases its response to the 2023 review of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) scheme, conducted by the independent Climate Change Authority (CCA).
The review, which focused particularly on methane measurement integrity, was requested by Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen.
Minister Bowen said Foley’s role was a vital part of the government ensuring the continued integrity of Australia’s emissions reporting, particularly in relation to methane emissions.
“The Climate Change Authority has found Australia’s emissions reporting scheme is performing well and supporting Australia’s net zero transformation delivery,” Bowen said.
“Methane is among the world’s most powerful greenhouse gases. It is essential that our measurement approaches continue to improve, based on sound science and expert analysis, as technologies provide additional opportunities for increased accuracy and integrity consistent with Paris Agreement emission reporting rules.
“By listening to the expert advice we are ensuring Australia remains a world leader in emission estimation, which is crucial to delivering emissions reductions as well as unlocking our potential as a renewable energy superpower.”
In its response, the government has accepted 24 out of 25 CCA recommendations, either in full or in principle.
A key outcome is the establishment of an expert panel led by Foley to advise on potential atmospheric measurement approaches for fossil methane emissions estimation.
To support this effort, the government will commission a scientific study to test various atmospheric measurement techniques.
In a move towards greater transparency, the government has mandated the publication of methane emissions for each Safeguard facility.
Plans are also in place to implement further transparency measures, including the disclosure of methods used by coal, oil, and gas facilities for each source of fugitive methane emissions.
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