14 May, 2012
The climate won’t wait for action on renewable energy
The latest report from the Climate Commission, released today, highlights the need for urgent action on climate change in NSW, according to the state’s peak environment group.
The report, Climate impacts and opportunities for NSW, finds that climate change impacts on people and the environment will be will be serious and far reaching, with an increasing risk of heatwaves, bushfires, changing patterns of drought and heavy rainfall.
“The Climate Commission’s latest report underscores the need for the NSW Government to exercise leadership on climate change, and seize the opportunities presented by a clean energy economy,” said Pepe Clarke, NCC Chief Executive Officer.
“The NSW Government has a vital role to play in driving investment in renewable energy, implementing energy efficiency programs and controlling the growth of polluting industry.
“This is the critical decade for action, yet the NSW Government has no plan for reducing our state’s contribution to climate change.
“Instead, the state government has slashed funding for proven power saving programs, delayed the release of its renewable energy action plan and called for the national renewable energy target to be abandoned.
“The NSW Government is pushing ahead with a state funded mine to deliver half price coal to polluting power stations, and is working with the federal government to accelerate approvals for export coal mines and gas fields.
“New South Wales deserves better. Our state should be a leader in renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.
“Energy efficiency programs are a win-win solution, making our economy more efficient and productive, with benefits for households, industry and the environment.
“There is strong public support for renewable energy in New South Wales. Renewable energy creates local employment, reduces carbon pollution and, unlike coal seam gas, does not place our land and water resources at risk.
“Every year we delay reducing the State’s carbon emissions brings us closer to paying the high price of coastal erosion, flooding and wildfire.”
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Climate and energy
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