The Australian government's move to extend the life of Woodside's North West Shelf gas project by 40-years has landed at a critical juncture for its climate credentials.

Seven years after Woodside first applied to Western Australia's environmental regulator to continue operating its Pilbara gas export facility until 2070, federal Environment Minister Murray Watt gave the final green light on Friday.

The decision came one day after Vanuatu warned Australia that approving the extension could breach a landmark International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on climate change.

It also comes as the federal government prepares to announce a 2035 emissions reduction target and make its bid to host the 2026 COP climate summit.

The confluence of these events has magnified the government's determi

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