[Greens-Media] 'Re-energising Australia' fires up climate debate

[Manderson, Roland]

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'Re-energising Australia' fires up climate debate
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24 April 2007

Deb Foskey, Greens MLA, today gave her support to the Australian Greens
report, Re-energising Australia, which was released by Senator Christine
Milne earlier this morning.

"This report shows that the Greens are the only political party which
really understands the science of climate change and is prepared to put
workable solutions in place to combat it," said Dr Foskey.

"It contrasts strongly with John Howard's comment that setting targets
is irresponsible."

"The Greens believe that NOT setting targets is irresponsible, as is
setting targets in the too distant future; both are just ways of putting
off action."

"If we do not get our act together, both nationally and locally,
starting now, the impact of our greenhouse gases will destroy our
environment and our economy."

The Greens' policy calls for deep cuts of 30% over 1990 levels by 2020,
and 80% cuts by 2050. These goals are in line with the targets set by
progressive administrations in California and elsewhere, and would be
achieved through a range of initiatives outlined in Senator Milne's
report.

Dr Foskey also called on the ACT Government to act on climate change,
saying: "It's time for the ACT to respond to the climate crisis. We have
been nearly three years without a climate change strategy and every time
I ask if the impact of climate change on our economy and our
infrastructure has been assessed, I am told that no work has been done."

"I wonder if the government has read a study by Griffith University's
Urban Research Program which suggests that governments may be held
liable not only for what they have done - such as continuing to support
development approvals for polluting industries - but also for what they
have neglected to do- such as providing an effective public transport
system."

The study says: 'The issue here will be - have local governments, in
their licensing, authorising and emergency procedures, adequately taken
into account our growing vulnerability to the increasingly certain
impacts of climate change? If they have not, individuals affected by
their decisions - that is by their failure to take into account
reasonable foreseeable climate change impacts - may eventually seek
redress against them.'

"I believe that the ACT Government should be held accountable for its
negligent failure to provide Canberrans with viable alternatives to car
travel."

"Fortunately, there are some good models elsewhere for the ACT to learn
from. The City of Melbourne has adopted a Zero Emissions by 2020
Strategy, and California has adopted a renewable energy target of 20% by
2010 and 33% by 2020."

"It is painful for the Greens and other concerned people to see the
inaction of our own government in the face of this threat to our
children's future," said Dr Foskey.

ENDS

Media Contact: Jennifer Butterfield 6205 0841