Climate wars are heating up again as emissions and power bills fall

May 29, 2026 — 12:01am

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While climate wars are heating up again in the halls of parliament, the latest data shows that emissions are falling at significant rates and power bills are coming down on the back of the renewable rollout.

A climate-driven clash has sharpened in federal politics as the opposition aligns with One Nation on ditching goals to cut carbon emissions, walks away from its nuclear power ambitions and pledges instead to boost coal-fired power.

Energy Minister Chris Bowen on Friday released official figures that show Australia’s carbon emissions fell by 10 million tonnes in 2025, driven by the uptake of electric vehicles and renewables in the electricity grid. This represents a cut of 2 per cent for the year and a significant boost on recent achievements.

“The latest quarterly update is further proof that what’s better for the planet is better for your pocket, more of the cheapest form of new energy, more storage to back it up and lower emissions as a result,” Bowen said.

Australia’s 2025 greenhouse gas figures show the cut in annual emissions, the most significant since the COVID pandemic halted travel and slashed pollution, was driven by cuts in two of the........

© The Sydney Morning Herald