HANNAH AULBY, Climate Action Hobart
Local community climate group Climate Action Hobart today supported the Senate’s vote against the Federal Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, stating if the legislation was passed it would have been a climate disaster.

Climate Action Hobart spokespeople Hannah Aulby and Jess Wright said “We are facing a climate emergency. Australia and Prime Minister Rudd needs to take immediate steps to secure a safe climate by committing to stronger targets and immediate initiatives to reduce our emissions”.

“In order for a carbon pollution reduction scheme to have any effect on the global efforts to avoid dangerous climate change, Australia must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2020 [1]and move to zero net emissions by 2050 in line with the world’s best science” said Ms Wright.

“The current CPRS proposed by the Federal Government has extremely low targets; massive taxpayer funded subsidies to polluters and does not do enough to ensure a safe climate for Australians. We now have an opportunity to take a forward thinking approach and become a leader in the international efforts to mitigate climate change.” said Ms Aulby.

Climate Action Hobart believes that setting reductions targets alone is not enough they want Prime Minister Rudd to turn his governments plans into strong climate action.

“Prime Minister Rudd could announce large investments in renewable energies and sustainable industries and protect Australia’s natural carbon stores today and make massive reductions in our emissions.”

Climate Action Hobart, along with Climate Action Groups around the country, have called for a new national plan that supports a transition to a net zero emissions society by 2050, 100% renewable energy by 2020, protection of Australia’s carbon storing forests and investment in green collar jobs.

“A long-term plan needs to be put in place to ensure a secure economic, social and environmental future for all. Australia must go to Copenhagen committed to contributing to securing a safe climate.” Concluded Ms Aulby.

[1] Based on 1990 levels of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia.