[Greens-Media] Debus was right: NSW greenhouse targets are too little, too late

[John Kaye]

Debus was right: NSW greenhouse targets are too little, too late
 
Media Release: 19 July 2007
 
The NSW government’s decision to renege on former NSW Environment
Minister Bob Debus’ promise to review the state’s greenhouse targets is
a massive loss of faith with the people of this state, according to
Greens NSW MP John Kaye.
 
Dr Kaye said: “The current targets are close to meaningless. Limiting
2025 emissions to 2000 levels and reducing emissions by 60% by 2050 will
leave NSW lagging behind in the effort to control global warming.
 
“In the lead up to the last election, Mr Debus promised the environment
movement the targets would be reviewed. His successor, Phil Koperberg,
is wimping out.
 
“It looks like the ‘browns’ faction in Cabinet had yet another victory.
Led by Treasurer Michael Costa, they are fixated on building another
coal fired power station and driving up emissions.
 
“Mounting scientific evidence makes it clear we have to massively
reduce emissions and do it fast if we are to hold temperature rises
below 2 degrees.
 
“If the rest of the world did as the Iemma government is proposing, we
would be condemning the world to a climate disaster, with unacceptable
social, economic and environmental costs.
 
“Climate science is fast moving as more is understood about the impacts
of greenhouse gases on the trapping of heat and its effects on
temperatures, rainfall and wind patterns. 
 
“Targets should be reviewed regularly to make sure they are in line
with the science and on track to hold temperature rises  to safe
levels.
 
“Environment Minister Koperberg knows that the existing targets are
inadequate but lacks the numbers in cabinet to deliver on his
predecessor’s promise.
 
“It’s time for Premier Iemma to step in and get control over Michael
Costa and his mates. 
 
“NSW needs science-based targets, not coal-driven dogma,” Dr Kaye said.

 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455 
 
 
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John Kaye
Greens member of the NSW Parliament
phone: (02) 9230 2668
fax: (02) 9230 2586
mobile: 0407 195 455
email: John.Kaye at parliament.nsw.gov.au
 
mail: Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000