GREENS TABLE CLIMATE CHANGE AMENDMENT BILL

Strengthens 2050 Target, and Introduces Interim Targets

The Tasmanian Greens today tabled their Private Members Bill, Climate Change (State Action) Interim Targets Amendment Bill 2011, which seeks to strengthen the State’s greenhouse gas emission reduction target for 2050, as well as introduce an interim target for the year 2020.

Greens Member for Denison, Cassy O’Connor MP, said that in order for the State to do its part to deliver a safe climate for future generations the State must set a target for Tasmania to be carbon neutral by 2050, and set an interim greenhouse gas emission reduction target of at least 40% below 1990 levels by 2020.

“On behalf of the Greens, I am proud to table this Private Members Bill to introduce a stronger 2050 target as well as an interim of at least 40% greenhouse gas emission reduction below 1990 levels by the year 2020,” Ms O’Connor said.

“These targets are what the climate science demands, and what our planet requires. Tasmania has an opportunity to play a meaningful part in delivering a safe and sustainable future for this beautiful island.”

“It is crucial that Tasmania be carbon-neutral no later than 2050 in order to help limit the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to 350ppm or below, and an interim target is an important sign post on the road to achieve this target.”

“The Greens believe that without an interim target, and without a strong commitment to reduce emissions from now on, we would be effectively leaving the mortgage for our grandchildren to pay off.”

“If we invest in emission reduction opportunities now and capitalise on our renewable energy advantages Tasmania can reap the benefits by taking early action in a global community that is being forced to transition to a low carbon economy whether it wants to or not.”

“Tasmania, with our renewable energy and huge potential forest-carbon resources has a great opportunity to achieve these targets, and should commit to working with community, business and industry – sector by sector to develop tailored transition plans that have good outcomes for jobs, community and the planet.”

“Tasmania’s emissions are currently at about 25% below 1990 levels, and with a good, strategic plan we can definitely achieve a 40% reduction by 2020.”

“The current Climate Change (State Action) Act 2008 states that the Tasmania’s 2050 target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the 31st of December 2050 to at least 60% below 1990 levels.”

“We are aiming for zero emissions by 2050. It’s achievable and it’s the right things to do,” Ms O’Connor said.

Download: Copy of the Climate Change (State Action) Interim Targets Amendment Bill 2011, Tabled by Cassy O’Connor MP:
Nov24_Climate_Change-Interim_Targets_Amend_Bill_C_OConnor_ATTACH.pdf

An MP3 of Cassy O’Connor talking about the bill will be available on the Greens website. TT technol doesn’t support it
Cassy O’Connor MP Greens Member for Denison