Chris Bowen says he has made it ‘crystal clear’ to BHP and other big polluters they must cut emissions onsite
Summary
Australia’s climate change minister, Chris Bowen, has told major polluters like BHP to reduce emissions at their sites. Leaked documents show BHP has delayed and dropped some climate actions, despite previous commitments and government rules requiring cuts in pollution.Key Facts
- Chris Bowen expects big polluting companies, including BHP, to cut emissions directly at their operations.
- Leaked documents revealed BHP stopped a major project to cut global emissions and delayed renewable energy projects in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.
- BHP also plans to postpone switching diesel trucks and trains to electric power for up to 20 years.
- The safeguard mechanism is an Australian policy making about 200 large polluters cut emissions intensity (pollution per unit produced) each year.
- Companies can meet targets by cutting pollution onsite or by buying carbon offsets, such as government-approved carbon credits or credits from emitting less than allowed.
- The Albanese Labor government improved the safeguard mechanism in 2023 by tightening emission limits for facilities.
- Minister Bowen wants all big polluters to reduce emissions onsite, not just buy offsets.
- Resources Minister Madeleine King says BHP is meeting its responsibilities and making commercial decisions.
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