Scientists Warn on Climate as Australia Unlocks Giant Gas Region

  • Northern Territory plans to allow onshore gas developments
  • Opponents say projects would add massively to global emissions

A wildfire ravaged landscape in New South Wales, Australia, in 2020.

Photographer: Mark Graham/Bloomberg
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Scientists warned about the potential climate impact of shale gas production in Australia’s Northern Territory as the region — which had previously banned fracking — confirmed it will allow developers to seek approvals for projects.

The territory aims to exploit a sub-basin estimated to hold about 100 times Australia’s existing natural gas production after implementing a series of recommendations made when it lifted curbs on hydraulic fracturing in 2018.