[Greens-Media]
Garrett must explain why science guides 2050 target,
but not 2020 target
Hollo, Tim (Sen C. Milne)
Tim.Hollo at aph.gov.au
Wed Sep 5 14:54:36 EST 2007
Garrett must explain why science guides 2050 target, but not 2020 target
Hobart, Wednesday, 5 September 2007 Australian Greens Climate Change
Spokesperson, Senator Christine Milne, today called on Peter Garrett to
explain why his party could set a long-term emissions target based on
science, but that science could not help them set a short-term target.
Senator Milne said "In what little of substance he did say today, Peter
Garrett claimed that the ALP's long-term emissions target is 'based on
science', but that an interim emissions target needed to wait for
'cost-benefit analysis'.
"Mr Garrett was at pains to point out that climate science demands fast
action within the next decade. Why, then, will his party not set a
target based on that science?
"The science clearly demands reductions in greenhouse emissions of at
least 30% below 1990 levels by 2020 for countries like Australia if we
are to have any chance of constraining global warming to less than 2C
and avoiding runaway climate change. Mr Garrett knows that to be the
case. That is the science-based target that the Greens have set, giving
us the direction for developing the policy measures to achieve that aim.
"It should be noted that the ALP's target of 60% cuts by 2050 is based
on science which is embarrassingly out of date.
"Mr Garrett also took the opportunity to once again defer any
announcement of an updated Mandatory Renewable Energy Target, instead
announcing two small export-focussed commercialisation funds. That $35
million was the only substance in today's speech, which was almost
entirely devoted to attacking the Government's record.
"The question must also be asked whether the $35 million will be limited
to renewable energy. Rumours that Labor is getting ready to replace the
MRET with a Low Emissions Technology Target make it a real possibility
that some of the support will be diverted to so-called 'clean' coal.
"Mr Garrett confirmed today why Australians say there is essentially no
difference between Labor and the Government on climate change. While
Labor might speak the right language, they have nothing different to say
on the vital issues of logging Australia's forests, the future of coal,
or vital short-term targets to reduce emissions.
"It is clear that Australians who want serious climate change action
have no choice but to do everything they can to deliver the balance of
power in the Senate to the Greens.
Contact: Tim Hollo on 0437 587 562
Tim Hollo
Media and Communications Adviser
Senator Christine Milne
Phone: + 61 (0) 2 6277 3063
Mobile: + 61 (0) 437 587 562
Email: tim.hollo at aph.gov.au
Skype: timhollo
www.christinemilne.org.au
www.youtube.com/senatormilne
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