The Australian government’s 'gas led recovery' indicates deafness to a clear and present danger for all Australians: the rapid pace of global heating and the driving greenhouse force of methane, especially over the next critical decade.

Australia’s fugitive emissions, which are methane emissions from coal, oil and gas extraction, production and distribution, are our fifth largest source of emissions, reportedly around 10% of total emissions.

Growth in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports has been a driver of growth in fugitive methane emissions. However, coal mining, domestic gas and oil extraction are an ongoing source. Abandoned unproductive coal mines and gas wells can release significant methane emissions.

This short report highlights the extent of Australia’s methane problem, how it is set to grow if gas and coal continue to be pursued for domestic use and export, and outlines some ready solutions.