Annual Climate Change Statement

The Annual Climate Change Statement is a requirement under the Climate Change Act 2022, and must report on:

1. the progress made during the year towards achieving Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets
2. international developments during the year that are relevant to addressing climate change
3. climate change policy
4. the effectiveness of the Commonwealth’s policies in contributing to the achievement of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and reducing emissions in the sectors covered by those policies
5. the impact of the Commonwealth’s climate change policies to achieve Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets on rural and regional Australia, including the social, employment and economic benefits being delivered by those policies in rural and regional Australia
6. risks to Australia from climate change impacts, such as those relating to Australia’s environment, biodiversity, health, infrastructure, agriculture, investment, economy or national security.

The Climate Change Act 2022 also requires that the Climate Change Authority provide independent advice to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy relating to the Annual Statement. Annual Statements must be prepared having regard to the Climate Change Authority’s advice.

The 2022 Annual Climate Change Statement

The first Annual Climate Change Statement was tabled in Parliament on 1 December 2022 with:

• The Climate Change Authority’s First Annual Progress Report
• Australia's Emissions Projections 2022
• Australia's National Greenhouse Gas Inventory: June 2022
• Minister for Climate Change and Energy’s speech to Parliament delivering first Annual Climate Change Statement