[Greens-Media] Climate change film a call to action

[Claire ORourke]

Media Release							13 September 2006

Climate change film a call to action

Al Gore’s film is only inconvenient to the interests of the New South Wales Government, which is lagging behind other states in fostering a local clean energy industry, said Ian Cohen, Greens Upper House MP.

“An Inconvenient Truth, which opens in cinemas tomorrow, is a must-see for every member of the NSW Labor Government. The film’s horrifying picture of the future impacts of climate change should spark real action from a Government that has made no real efforts to promote clean energy sources such as wind, solar and tidal.

“Given the failure of the Federal Government to ratify the Kyoto protocol, it is now up to the states to take the lead to reduce greenhouse emissions and invest in renewable energy.
 
“New South Wales is Australia’s biggest energy user, the biggest greenhouse gas polluter. The Iemma Government refuses to rule out new coal fired power stations, is doing nothing to address coal expansion, and has watered down the BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) program. This is hardly leadership on climate change.

“The NSW Government is lagging behind other states, such as South Australia and Victoria, which have moved to promote clean, green energy and cut emissions.

“The Iemma Government must introduce a Mandatory Renewable Energy Target of 20 per cent by 2012.

“The Government must also introduce a moratorium on new coal-fired power stations and legislate cuts in greenhouse gas emissions in NSW of at least 20 per cent by 2020 and at least 60 per cent by 2050.
 
“The people of NSW have made the effort to reduce their water consumption. However their Government has refused to see the investment and jobs a renewable energy industry could bring while also benefiting the environment,” Mr Cohen said.


Further Information: Claire O’Rourke 0409 810 139 or 9230 3305