We are running out of time to tackle the climate crisis. This MOMENT is our chance.
The election result sent a clear message, voters want to see more action on climate.
People don’t want to be represented by an MP who supports more coal and gas projects in the middle of the climate crisis, and after nine wasted years of the Morrison government making the climate crisis worse, we know how important it is that we take action.
IMPROVING THE CLIMATE LEGISLATION
The Greens wanted to improve and pass the bill and by pushing for important changes, we have got Labor to agree to do more.
Our Greens team has worked hard over the past few weeks to push Labor and secure improvements to the climate bill.
We have ensured that:
- 43% is a minimum target | The target can now be ratcheted up over time and is not a ceiling on climate ambition
- The Bill is “Dutton-proofed” | The target can not go backwards or be altered below 43% by a future government
- Making it harder to fund coal and gas | The targets will also be applied to many government agencies. Significantly agencies such as Export Finance Australia, Infrastructure Australia and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund will now find it harder to back new coal and gas.
- Greater transparency | There will be greater transparency, accountability and strengthened requirements on the Climate Change Authority which will review and advise on climate targets and policy.
- Supporting coal and gas communities | The Government will also consider Greens proposals to support coal and gas workers and communities, including creating publicly funded Transition Authorities to empower local communities to develop and finance plans to create new jobs and diversify their local industries.
Strong action on the climate crisis, Means no more coal & gas
Coal and gas are the major causes of the climate crisis.
You can’t put a fire out by pouring more petrol on it. If we continue to mine and burn coal, oil and gas, we’ll experience further economic losses, food, insurance and health costs will go up, and we’ll pay much higher energy bills. Over a million jobs in industries including tourism and farming are at risk.
We must stop new coal, oil and gas projects, ensuring we can transition our economy to zero carbon energy while maintaining a safe climate.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
We are in solidarity with First Nations communities, climate scientists, the global community, with our neighbours in the Pacific. And we will continue the climate fight at every opportunity. This is the critical decade. We have to stop coal and gas.
We will continue the climate fight at every opportunity.
The next election could deliver a climate parliament, with the Greens in balance of power in both houses. The only thing standing in the way of more action is Labor and their fossil fuel donors.
Using our numbers in the Parliament we will turn to putting further limits on coal and gas pollution. We will be pushing for the governments reform of the SafeGuard mechanism to include new coal and gas and will fight for a climate trigger in our national environment laws.
Around the country we will be joining First Nations people, farmers and community activists fighting giant new coal, oil and gas projects on their lands and water.
THIS WILL TAKE ALL OF US
This is a battle to save our country, communities and indeed our whole civilisation from the climate and environmental crisis. We need everyone.
The climate crisis is not a future threat anymore. It’s here, it’s right in front of us.
England just experienced 40 degree days. Thousands of people died this summer in Europe from heat waves. Western Australia had its driest 6 months on record. The east coast and parts of NSW are flooding over and over. Thousands of people are living in makeshift accommodation from the floods and fires of the Morrison era.
It’s going to take all of us, showing up, speaking up and demanding an end to coal and gas.