Migrants to fuel emissions increase: researchers (ABC)

Researchers have warned that greenhouse gas emissions will increase dramatically as immigration increases Australia's population. The Federal Government is being accused of ignoring the role of population growth in Australia's increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Monash University researchers predict the population will grow to 31.5 million by 2050, with almost 10 million migrants making up the increase. That is despite industry groups warning the workforce is set to shrink as baby boomers retire. The researchers project emissions will grow to 800 million tonnes annually, about four times what the Federal Government hopes to achieve by 2050. Dr Bob Birrell has told ABC Radio's AM that population growth is the main driver of emissions. "It is a puzzle as to why the Rudd Government has made no reference, nor its adviser,... [read full story]