2023-07-13
Minister for the Environment, Rebecca Vassarotti, has welcomed the introduction of the first national statement on climate change and agriculture.
Minister Vassarotti said that the statement will enable the ACT to continue being a leader in climate action by acknowledging the impact of agriculture on global warming.
"We are in a climate crisis and this statement empowers the ACT to step up, grab the baton, and confront the urgent issue of greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture sector," Minister Vassarotti said.
"This statement has been developed and endorsed by Agriculture Ministers from all states and territories. Because of this, I am looking forward to a united effort across the country in the years ahead.
“As we move towards net zero-emissions by 2045, the ACT will need to address the impact of food production on our response to the climate crisis.
“Using climate-smart agricultural practices that improve adaptation and resilience in the face of a changing climate will be paramount to achieving this.”
The announcement comes as earlier this month, the ACT Government launched a new partnership with ‘Grow it Local’ to empower climate resilient communities through education on local gardening practices.
“The ACT is already beginning to address the impact of agricultural practices on climate change. Community gardens will have an important role to play in increasing our community’s resilience to a warming climate.
"Getting more people involved in growing their own food will significantly mitigate emissions in comparison to conventional supply chains. This approach eliminates various contributors to environmental impact, such as transit emissions, fertiliser emissions, and emissions from food processing.”
Explore the free Grow it Local online platform at: www.growitlocal.com.