The Energy sector produces a higher proportion of national emissions in most developed countries. In contrast to many other developed countries, Australia also has relatively higher emissions from activities on the land such as agriculture, forestry, and land clearing. For example, Australia is a significant supplier of aluminium, steel and agricultural products. Emissions from the manufacture of these products and the energy supplied to make them are attributed to Australia, though the goods are often used elsewhere. Most of Australia's electricity supply comes from coal fired power stations.
Coal produces more emissions per unit of energy than does natural gas.
Australia also has no nuclear power and limited hydroelectric power, sources of energy that produce relatively low emissions of greenhouse gases per unit of energy produced. Other unique features for Australia include our high population growth, which leads to growth in energy demand, and emissions from electricity generation, transport and waste. The National Greenhouse Gas Inventory is compiled under the Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Inventory covers emissions and sinks of greenhouse gases arising from human induced activities for all sectors. The accounting rules for measurement of emissions under the Kyoto Protocol are still being worked out.