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Fact sheet
Fact Check: We fact checked Barnaby Joyce on the relative size of fossil fuel exports.
Publisher
Greenhouse gas mitigation
Coal
Liberal–National Coalition
Oil
Fossil fuels
Exports
Natural gas
Economic growth
Australia
Description
The looming Glasgow climate summit has intensified the focus on the Coalition's plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Some Nationals MPs have expressed concern about the impact that cutting emissions to zero in net terms by 2050 would have on Australia's resources industries, particularly coal.
In an interview with ABC TV's Insiders program, Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce suggested Australia could not afford to "shut down" fossil fuels.
"You've got to remember, fossil fuels are your nation's largest export," Mr Joyce said.
"If you take away your nation's largest export ... then you have to accept the lower standard of living."
Is it correct that fossil fuels represent Australia’s largest export? RMIT ABC Fact Check investigates.
Verdict: Mr Joyce's claim doesn't stack up.
Publication Details
Copyright:
Australian Broadcasting Corporation 2021
License type:
All Rights Reserved
Access Rights Type:
open
Post date:
26 Oct 2021
