A new report from Jubilee Australia Research Centre, Resisting the Gas Empire, exposes the true costs of gas expansion across the Asia-Pacific region.
The Asia-Pacific is the world’s largest importer and exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), spurred on by the seismic expansion of gas production in Australia and the enduring role of Japan in financing, enabling and greenwashing gas across the region.
Our new report charts the journey of the gas industry from points of extraction in the Northern Territory of Australia and Papua New Guinea, through to heavy industrial complexes in Thailand and South Korea, where this gas is utilised. Across five different case studies spanning this supply chain, we interviewed community leaders who are all resisting the expansion of the gas industry.
When woven together, these five case studies expose the systemic injustices and destruction imposed on these communities by the gas industry, with trends of human rights violations, environmental degradation, economic loss and health crises:
Key findings:
- People living near the gas industry report severe human health impacts, including increased rates of cancer and respiratory illness
- Communities are often left in the dark about the risks of gas, with issues around consultation and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) despite international law and governing standards
- Building and running gas infrastructure poses a severe threat to the natural environment and its biodiversity
- Local communities are not seeing the claimed economic benefits of gas and report negative impacts on their own local businesses and livelihoods
- Communities are advocating for a transition to renewable energy over gas, citing it as a cleaner, cheaper alternative for energy security
- The gas industry can’t foot its own bills, with taxpayer subsidies playing a key role in underwriting gas expansion
- Many regions that could be impacted by gas industry expansion are also acutely vulnerable to impacts from the climate crisis
- Downstream infrastructure remains underutilised, raising questions about the claimed need for more gas imports
This week, Gastech – the world’s largest exhibition and conference dedicated to gas – is taking place in Bangkok. Civil society and community voices are voicing their opposition to this event, concerned it could enable further gas expansion across Asia with new deals and investment decisions.
Meanwhile, on the supply end, the first pilot gas fracked from the Beetaloo Basin in Australia’s NT has started flowing, though questions remain as to the commercial viability of large scale fracking operations. This expansion is driven by a corporate and political agenda across the Asia-Pacific, as the true volatility and fragility of fossil fuel supply chains are being exposed by the US and Israel’s war on Iran.
Quotes
“The experiences of communities living on the frontline of gas expansion are startlingly similar across the Asia-Pacific. Gas corporations operate with a disregard for international law, as the rights of communities are frequently dismissed in an effort to expedite profits, with governments enabling the harms wrought by this industry. For Australia, this spans gas production domestically, which the government continues to expand, and the impacts of its exports overseas. The climate crisis is intensifying, and all nations have a legal and moral obligation to phase out fossil fuels. Action is desperately needed if we have any chance of passing a liveable planet on to future generations.” - James Sherley, Senior Climate Justice Campaigner, Jubilee Australia Research Centre
“While Japanese companies and financiers bloat the role of gas, communities around the Asia-Pacific are paying the price. Japan cannot call itself a partner in Asia’s energy transition while it is pitching more gas to a region that is dealing with worsening climate impacts and terminals running below capacity. Real energy security for the region means renewable energy, not more gas terminals built for Japan’s benefit.” - Mia Watanabe, Campaigner, Oil Change International
“Gas expansion in the Arafura and Timor Seas poses serious threats to our marine environment, and to the health, wellbeing and culture of First Nations people who share our Sea Country. And we represent just one part of the supply chain. All over the region communities are resisting the fossil fuel agenda imposed on us by corporations and governments seeking to benefit from the destruction of our country. We stand in solidarity with all people who are advocating for an end to gas expansion, and for the protection of their land and waters.” - Antonia Burke, Executive Director, Sea of Nations
Media spokespeople
The following individuals are available to speak to domestic and international media on a range of issues related to the content of this publication.
- James Sherley, Senior Climate Justice Campaigner at Jubilee Australia and lead author of the report, +61 450 499 638 (Sydney, Australia, AEST, GMT+10)
- Dr Louise Woodward, NT Paediatrician and founding member of Darwin Children’s Clinic and Community Healthy Air NT (CHANT), +61 405 531 576 (Darwin, Australia ACST, GMT+9.5)
- Marjorie Warisaiho, Coordinator, Community Legal Education and Awareness Raising program, Centre for Environmental Law and Community Rights (CELCOR) Inc., +67584241782‬, Papua New Guinea, (PGT, GMT+10)
- Bokyong Mun, Gas Team Policy Analyst, Solutions for Our Climate, +82 10 5542 1133 (Seoul, South Korea, GMT +9)
Download the full report here.
Image: The front cover art of our report was painted by Purrukuwayuwu Rusinya Brooks of the Jilamara Arts & Crafts Association of Milikapiti,Tiwi Islands. It depicts Ampiji, the rainbow serpent of the Tiwi Islands. Ampiji is a symbol of protection for Tiwi Islanders, and she is often invoked by Tiwi elders in their advocacy to protect water and country.