PERTH, Tuesday 5 May 2026 — Greenpeace has voiced alarm over reports that the WA Cook Government plans to backpedal on its commitment to state emissions reduction targets, and called again for a clear plan to urgently reduce carbon pollution.
Reports state that a leaked revised climate plan from the Cook Government would attempt to address carbon emissions solely through initiatives like green exports, carbon capture and storage, and renewable energy production, rather than emissions reduction targets — something all other states and territories aside from the NT have. Greenpeace has highlighted the Cook Government has also failed to set a Renewable Energy Target, an essential policy lever for phasing out fossil fuels.
Geoff Bice, WA Campaign Lead at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “If this leaked climate plan were to be applied in its current form it would be the most confused attempt to deal with climate change by any Labor Government in the country. Now is not the time for half measures, false solutions and beating around the bush. We are reaching dangerous climate tipping points, with WA’s treasured coral reefs and forests already wearing the impacts.
“The Cook Government has delayed action on emissions reduction for too long already. This is the critical decade in which emissions need to be declining. WA needs a clear plan to reduce our carbon pollution starting now — interim emissions reduction targets and a strong renewable energy target of at least 82% by 2030 on the South West Interconnected System grid.
“The Cook Government’s credibility should be sharply questioned if it is seriously planning to address emissions through carbon dumping — a false solution that has been spectacularly unsuccessful at Chevron’s Gorgon facility with only 25% of the promised CO2 being captured in the last reporting year.
“WA has a clear pathway to sustained economic resilience if we pivot clearly and decisively towards cheap, reliable and homegrown renewable energy — more important than ever as we face an energy crisis. This is the time for ambitious climate plans that rapidly reduce emissions and set WA up for a clean and prosperous renewable energy future.”
-ENDS-
Contact details:
Emma Sangalli on 0431 513 465 or [email protected]
