Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Treasurer, upon notice, on 18 August 2011:

With reference to the Treasury Carbon Tax modelling, Strong growth, low pollution: Modelling a carbon price:

(1) Is it correct that Treasury modelling envisages that the bloc 'Other south and east Asia' will reduce its emissions by around twice as much in 2020 in percentage terms, from 2001 levels, as either the United States of America or the European Union.

(2) What probability does Treasury attach to this actually occurring, and where does this bloc's emissions stand currently, at the half-way mark between 2001 and 2020.

(3) Is it a correct interpretation of Table 3.9 of the Treasury modelling that this bloc is projected to reduce its emissions by more than 100 per cent by 2050, relative to 2001 levels, under the medium global action scenario; if so, how is this possible.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Treasurer has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) Table 3.9 of the Strong growth, low pollution (SGLP) report shows that Other South and East Asia's percentage emission reduction from 2001 levels in 2020 is approximately 1.8 times that of the United States and the European Union. This includes net emissions from land use change and forestry (LUCF).

(2) Other South and East Asia's projected emission reduction in the modelling reflects their ability to abate cost-effectively, for example, through LUCF. According to the latest data available from Climate Analysis Indicators Tool (CAIT) database, Other South and East Asia's CO2 emissions including LUCF are around 12 per cent higher in 2005 than 2001 levels.

(3) Table 3.9 of the Strong Growth, Low Pollution report shows that Other South and East Asia provides a net sink of emissions by 2050. This is possible because of LUCF activities in the region.