Australia is third largest exporter of fossil fuels behind Russia and Saudi Arabia

Australia Institute says claim Australia is only responsible for 1.2% of emissions hides real contribution to climate crisis

Australia's role as a leader in the global fossil fuel trade is underscored by a report that finds it is the world's third biggest exporter and fifth biggest miner of fossil-related emissions.

While political debate sometimes emphasises that Australia is responsible for 1.2% of global emissions at home, the analysis by progressive thinktank the Australia Institute says it trails only Russia and Saudi Arabia in exporting fossil fuels.