2018-10-08
The IPCC's Special Report out today outlines a climate catastrophe of unprecedented scale and impact on our community and nature if global warming is permitted to rise by more than 1.5 degrees.
The scientific consensus found:
- all coral reefs would be unlikely to survive global warming of 2 degrees, including the Great Barrier Reef;
- sea level rise would be about 10cm less at 1.5 degrees; and
- an increased risk of long-lasting or irreversible changes at 2 degrees, including the loss of more species and ecosystems.
In terms of fossil fuels, the report finds coal use for electricity must be virtually eliminated by 2050 if the 1.5-degree limit is to be met.
Greens Energy and Resources Jeremy Buckingham said, "Today's IPCC Special Report is a call to arms -- the coming decade is critical in the fight to protect the people we love and our planet from dangerous climate change.
"That's why the Greens policy is to phase out coal mining in NSW in the next 10 years. The science of this report makes it clear that we cannot continue to burn coal and protect the climate.
"The failure by the Federal Government to have a credible climate or energy policy means that NSW must implement its own climate and energy policies. Victoria, Queensland, the ACT and South Australia all have credible climate and energy policies, while NSW has sat on its hands waiting for direction from the Federal Government. Meanwhile, Federal energy policy has descended into chaos and farce.
"The next few years will be history defining. This government and the next can either fiddle while the climate heats beyond our control, or they can transform our community, economy and natural world by phasing out coal and powering our world by 100% renewable energy.
"This transformation will bring with it great opportunities for new jobs and innovative technologies. Australia can transition away from being a quarry and lead the way on renewable innovation, exporting our science, know-how and clean solar power fuel to the world.
"The task of phasing out fossil fuels is now critically urgent. If the world had acted after the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the task would be easier, but Labor and Liberals, taking millions from fossil fuel donors, have squibbed it.
"Climate and energy policy will be at the top of the March 2019 state election, including seats where the Greens are challenging the Coalition such as Lismore and Coogee, and the seat of Barwon where the National's backing of coal seam gas is deeply unpopular.
"The Greens are the only party serious about dealing with the climate emergency in Australia. When will the other parties take steps towards the serious levels of carbon emission cuts we need and admit there is no future for coal or coal seam gas?" he said.
IPCC Special Report on impact of global warming of 1.5 degrees online here: http://www.ipcc.ch/report/sr15/
Greens NSW 10-year plan to phase out coal and protect the climate available here: https://jeremybuckinghammlc.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/phase-out-coal-policy.pdf