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Climate Change


Climate change is the most serious environmental problem facing the world. Leading international scientists agree that human activity is disrupting the planet's climate systems. Fossil fuels, used for energy and transport, are major contributors to the problem. Without significant action to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels we will cause catastrophic damage to Earth’s ecosystems, triggering social and economic upheaval.

Past fossil fuel use will continue to cause problems for decades to come but there are steps we can take today to reduce long-term damage. Everyone needs to play a part - from businesses through to individuals, families and communities, and government must show leadership. But the federal government and vested mining interests are taking Australia in the wrong direction.

Instead of propping up old polluting energy sources like coal-fired and nuclear power, we need to make Australia a low carbon economy, to place Australia on a sustainable footing for the future. You will find information and resources on these campaign pages to help you play a part in making this happen.

It’s time to get serious about climate change. The Australian government should take immediate measures to reduce greenhouse pollution, including:

  • Capping national emissions and establishing an emissions trading scheme;
  • Setting a national standard for new electricity generators to ensure investment in clean energy and rule out polluting coal;
  • Increasing the contribution of new renewable energy in Australia from less than 2% to 10% by 2010;
  • Setting an energy efficiency target and implementing projects that save both energy and money; and
  • Investing in safe, clean and reliable public transport.

 

 Polar Bears Vulnerable

For the first time in history, the majestic polar bear, the world’s largest land-based carnivore, has been listed as a ‘vulnerable species at risk of extinction’ by the World Conservation Union (IUCN).

Global warming is melting the Arctic ice that polar bears depend upon for survival.  If this ice continues to melt at current rates, the polar bear could be extinct by the end of the century.

Think about this more, view our animation here.

 

 

See Also:

Christine Milne on Rudd's Emissions Trading Scheme

Electricity industry 'must pay own way' - The Age

 

Climate Change - Latest Content

Garnaut's weak targets recipe for catastrophic climate change - Greens

Senator Bob Brown Senator Christine Milne
05/09/2008

Rudd must lead globe towards strict targets

The weak targets advocated in the supplementary report from the Garnaut review released today are based on outdated science, risk catastrophic climate change and will undermine global negotiations towards an effective climate treaty,  Australian Greens Senators Bob Brown and Christine Milne said today.

Turnbull illogical on forests - Brown

Senator Bob Brown
04/09/2008

Garnaut's advocacy of preserving forests 'spot on'

Opposition Treasury spokesman Malcolm Turnbull is being illogical by proposing overseas forests be preserved as a hedge against climate change while supporting logging in Australia, Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown said today.

Still Waiting for Garnaut

Senator Christine Milne
04/09/2008

Professor Garnaut must tomorrow recommend stringent 2020 greenhouse gas reductions targets to avoid catastrophic climate change, Australian Greens climate change spokesperson, Senator Christine Milne, said today.

Senator Milne said "The globe is poised on the edge of a number of climate change tipping points any one of which could send us into runaway heating.

Luxury Car Tax fails but reference to Henry Review stands

Senator Christine Milne
04/09/2008

Despite the failure of the Luxury Car Tax in the Senate, the Greens today urged the Government to move ahead with investigating a new tax incentive scheme to make green cars cheaper for all Australians.

Garnaut targets rumour would be climate catastrophe

Senator Christine Milne
03/09/2008

Australian Greens climate change spokesperson, Senator Christine Milne, today expressed hope that the rumours in today's Crikey email of a disastrously weak emissions reduction target in Professor Garnaut's Supplementary Draft Report are incorrect.

Infrastructure Australia's good start: actions must match words

Senator Christine Milne
01/09/2008

Australian Greens climate change spokesperson, Senator Christine Milne, today strongly welcomed the inclusion of climate change and greenhouse emissions as a goal and a strategic priority in Infrastructure Australia's discussion paper today.

Greens announce Light Rail Initiative to future-proof Perth's suburbs

Senator Scott Ludlam
29/08/2008

Senator Scott Ludlam has challenged the next State Government to construct a light rail system linking Perth's metropolitan suburbs to meet affordable transport needs and address climate change.

Time for Governments to draw line under Pulp Mill saga; Time for Tasmania to move on

Senator Christine Milne
29/08/2008

Australian Greens Senator Christine Milne today called on Federal Minister Peter Garrett to draw the same line under the Pulp Mill that Premier David Bartlett has promised, and to help Tasmania regain its global edge as a clean, green and clever state.

Garrett's Choice: Mega Coal or Shoalwater Bay

Senator Christine Milne
27/08/2008

The Australian Greens have called on Environment Minister Peter Garrett to use his existing powers to protect Queensland's beautiful Shoalwater Bay from the environmentally destructive Waratah Coal mine, pipeline, rail and port facility.

New Greens Senator puts nuclear issues, climate change at top of list

Senator Scott Ludlam
26/08/2008

New Western Australian Greens Senator Scott Ludlam was sworn in today in the Senate Chamber, pledging to put nuclear issues and climate change at the top of Australia's agenda.

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