Surge in WA emissions puts Australia’s net zero targets in doubt

Exclusive: State's 2024 total on track to reach about 20% above 2005 levels, modelling obtained by Guardian Australia shows

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Western Australia's greenhouse gas emissions are rising with little sign that the main power grid can decarbonise rapidly, leaving other states to make bigger cuts if Australia's legislated carbon reduction goals are to be met.

Modelling results presented to the state government late last year and obtained by Guardian Australia showed that the state's carbon emissions in 2024 are on track to reach 91.5m tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent, or about 20% above 2005 levels.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup