Labor accuses Coalition of relying on 'hope' to meet Paris emissions targets

Government criticised for relying on carryover credits from Kyoto to meet Australia's target

Labor senators have accused the government of relying on "hope" to meet Australia's emissions targets under the Paris agreement during questions about the country's progress toward its international climate commitments.

In a tense exchange in a Senate estimates hearing on Monday, senators Anne Urqhuart and Kristina Keneally asked the environment department and Coalition senator Simon Birmingham to explain the most recent emissions projections published by the government.