Climate change and Tasmania

Helen Gee

There is a day left for comment on the Tas Govt Climate Change Policy, (comment period closes 31 Jan).

This is part of my submission:
Comments on the Draft Climate Change Strategy for Tasmania
The Executive Officer
Climate Change Interdepartmental Committee
Strategic Policy Division

ClimateChangeStrategyComments@dpiw.tas.gv.au

It is very pleasing to see the current biparisan recognition of the magnitude of the impact that climate change will have on our world and, specifically,our island of Tasmania. It is only when the direct impact kicks in — so many kids with asthma, so many cancer deaths, unprecedented drought and its implications for biodiversity — that people begin to pay attention. The move to greater sustainability, for all of us, is now of quite ugent necessity and I like the slogan “acting now …”. We need fundamental changes to our technologies, our social institutions and our values.

My comment in summary:

1. National Leadership. Targets should be at least 30% below 1990 levels by 2020, and at least 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Through COAG, and all other avenues, the Tasmanian Government can influence the Federal government to; legislate strong National CO2 reduction targets, sign Kyoto, protect Australia’s old-growth & high conservation value forests, phase-out coal-fired power & coal exports, introduce a carbon tax and other greenhouse pollution levies.

2. The most important carbon sinks we have are our old-growth and high conservation value forests; we must end clearfell and burn logging operations, and legislate a rapid end to landclearing in Tasmania.

3. Tasmania’s public transport system is in urgent need of a more regular and affordable statewide bus service and bike lanes in Tasmania’s cities and major centres are an obvious necessity.

4. We should act to develop Tasmania as a centre of excellence in research and development of renewable energy & green technology.