2019-03-11
The new electorate of Canberra is the 17th most at-risk electorate in the country in the face of climate change, according to modelling by the Australian National University and released by the Australian Conservation Foundation today.
But it is also one of the electorates most able to lead serious climate action, and most ready to take that lead.
The ANU / ACF modelling shows that, without serious action now, by 2050 Canberra will face:
- average daily maximum temperatures 3.8C hotter than the 1960-90 average;
- an astonishing 101 days a year above 30C - 72 more than the old average - as well as more days above 40C; and
- 19% less rain.
Greens candidate for Canberra, Tim Hollo, said: "Now that we know the scale of the risk we face, Canberrans are ready to act. Our community can elect a Green MP to the House of Representatives at this election to pull the next government towards stronger action.
"After Canberra's record-breaking summer, everyone I meet is raising climate change as their number one concern. It is overwhelmingly the biggest issue for our community at the upcoming election.
"With scientists telling us we have 11 years left to prevent runaway climate disruption, this next term of federal government must be when we put Australia on the right track.
"We have to kick out the environmental vandals currently on the government benches, but we know that, sadly, a Shorten government won't do what it takes unless there is a strong Greens presence in both Houses pulling them in the right direction. As someone who has spent the last 20 years working to tackle climate change, I will put every ounce of my effort into that.
"Canberrans can make this happen and, from the conversations I and my team have been having, are ready to do so."
Details of the ANU modelling of the Canberra climate can be found here. The Fenner electorate is expected to face daily maximum temperatures 3.9C degrees above the 1960-90 average, and Bean is expected to face daily maximum temperatures 3.7C hotter.