Delayed government data shows greenhouse gas levels continue to rise

Australia's latest greenhouse gas data shows emissions are continuing to rise, with Labor saying it's a "fantasy" that the nation will meet reduction targets.

Climate experts say the UK should cut greenhouse gases to zero by 2050 to end its contribution to global warming within 30 years. Source: AAP

Labor says it's a government "fantasy" that Australia is on track to meet its emissions reduction targets, after delayed data showed greenhouse gas levels continue to rise.

After missing a parliamentary deadline to report on greenhouse gas levels for the December quarter by last Friday, Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor released the data on Thursday.  

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The December quarter figures show a 0.8 per cent increase compared to the previous quarter and a 0.7 per cent rise from the same time last year.

Despite the increase, Mr Taylor maintains Australia is on track to meet its Paris Agreement targets to reduce emissions by 26-28 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030. 

"Our plan is laid out to the last tonne," Mr Taylor told ABC radio on Friday.

Energy Minister Angus Taylor is not concerned by the increase in pollution.

AAP

LNG exports are largely behind the country's increasing emissions, but Mr Taylor believes credit should be given for exporting a less carbon-intensive power source to other nations.

"What we're seeing is gas playing a bigger share in the fuel sources for electricity grids across Asia and the world and that's a good thing," he told ABC radio on Friday. 

Mr Taylor took over responsibility for emissions reduction from former environment minister Melissa Price after the election. 

He says Australia is now almost 12 per cent below its 2005 levels and emissions have decreased by 9.5 per cent in 30 years.