2025-04-14
Following the Prime Minister's announcement that he would put Adelaide in the bid to host COP31 next year, the Greens have encouraged the Government to use this conference as a deadline to stop new coal and gas mines and stop taxpayer funded fossil fuel subsidies.
Comments attributable to Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens Senator for South Australia and Spokesperson for the Environment:
“It’s great to see the Prime Minister recognise what South Australians have always felt — Adelaide is the city of clean, green power and climate action.
“Adelaide and Australia have the opportunity to lead on the next crucial steps of combating dangerous climate change, but we must stop making climate pollution worse.
“We can’t put the fire out, if we keep pouring fuel on it. Australia can lead the way on getting rid of fossil fuel subsidies and opening new polluting mines.
“After a jam packed few months with the Fringe, WOMADelaide, the Adelaide Festival and Gather Round, it seems only right that Adelaide is put forward as Australia’s host city for COP31.
“South Australia has led the country on investment and transition to renewable energy. Now we should lead on pushing for an end to new coal and gas projects.
“Not only is South Australia home to some of the best beaches, wineries and landscapes in the world, we lead the charge in the transition to renewable energy, with 75% of South Australian electricity already generated from renewable energy.
“Globally, 2024 was the hottest year on record and South Australia is feeling the impacts of climate change from droughts to extreme heat and bushfires.
“To be a leader in our region Australia must stop ignoring the pleas from our Pacific neighbours, who are clear in their calls for no new coal and gas.
“This election, a vote for the Greens will be a vote for real climate and environment action. With more Greens MPs in Parliament, we can keep Peter Dutton out and get Labor to take real action on climate change.
“It is no use hosting a climate change conference, if our government remains unwilling to take the strong action on climate change that we desperately need.”