Australia’s carbon emissions increased by 0.8% last year as COVID restrictions were eased, according to the latest government data. Our emissions fell by 5.3% in the year to March 2021 as many things ground to a pandemic-induced halt, but that was reversed after transport, agriculture, manufacturing and gas production revved up late last year. Australia’s emissions are down 21.4% on 2005 levels, primarily due to significant falls in land use/forestry emissions. Earlier this month, the Albanese Government raised our 2030 emissions reduction target to 42% on 2005 levels from the Coalition’s 26-28% target. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek declared the environment is “back front and centre” of federal priorities as she addressed the United Nations’ ocean conference in Lisbon. She said Oz would unveil 5 new blue carbon projects later this week, which will address ocean restoration, marine biodiversity, flooding mitigation, and assistance for developing nations. Get your goggles on to keep your eyes open for that…