[Greens-Media] MEDIA RELEASE - SENATOR CHRISTINE MILNE - Dry winter points to need for urgent action on climate change

[Willis, Katrina (Sen C. Milne)]

MEDIA RELEASE

Friday, 1 September 2006

Dry winter points to need for urgent action on climate change

Low rainfall across much of the country during winter points to the need
for urgent action on climate change, the Australian Greens said today.

Greens climate change spokesperson Senator Christine Milne said the
winter conditions and forecasts of a drier than usual spring should be a
wake up call for Prime Minister John Howard.

"It's not good enough for Prime Minister Howard to don his Akubra and
visit parched, drought affected areas whilst failing to put in place the
policy measures that will mitigate against climate change becoming
irreversible," Senator Milne said.

"Climate change is not the only cause of the dry weather and extended
drought in parts of Australia but it is exacerbating the problem.

"Tasmania was drier than usual this winter while large areas of the
state had their driest winter on record or for many years.

"With the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting that dry weather is more
likely than not in spring, particularly in northern Tasmania, farmers
are worried about the outlook for their crops.

"Melbourne had its driest winter in 20 years and regional water storage
levels are low. Perth had a record low winter rainfall and much of NSW
remains in drought. Canberra water storages are low, and the scarcity of
water is south-eastern Queensland is featuring in that state's election
campaign.

"It's time the Prime Minister took climate change seriously. It is the
greatest security threat of our time, and failing to act now with a
sense of urgency will condemn Australia to economic and social
dislocation along with environmental disaster.

"Already farmers are leaving the land because of climate change. Perhaps
the Prime Minister should start talking to them."


Contact: Katrina Willis 03 6234 4566 or 0437 587 562


Katrina Willis
Adviser
Senator Christine Milne
Phone 03 6234 4566
Fax 03 6234 2144
Mobile 0437 587 562
www.christinemilne.org.au