Victorian emissions reduction report demonstrates need to phase out coal

2019-06-06

The independent expert report on interim emission reduction targets endorses the Victorian Greens call for a planned and just transition out of coal.

It is clear from the report that the Yallourn coal power station will have to close within the next ten years.

The high end of the recommended targets in the report falls well short of what is needed. To meet the Paris target, we would need a 75-80% target for 2030.

“The Greens have long called on the Victorian Government to work on a planned and just transition away from coal. Today’s report endorses that call,” said Victorian Greens Leader Samantha Ratnam.

“If Dan Andrew’s doesn’t have a plan for coal, he doesn’t have a plan to address climate change. And without a just transition plan, Victorian communities and workers will pay the price for a government sleepwalking toward the inevitable.”

The report details the enormous impact climate change has already had on Victorian temperatures, rainfall and bushfires.

“This report should galvanise the Victorian Government,” said acting Greens climate change spokesperson Dr Tim Read.

“Heatwaves cause more deaths than any other natural disaster in Victoria and this report shows that heatwaves in Melbourne occur on average 17 days earlier and 1.5 degrees hotter than between 1950 and 1980.

“The top end of the recommended targets falls well short of what Victoria should be aiming for. It’s telling that the report calls for targets to be reviewed in 2023 because it anticipates further developments in climate science will increase the urgency of action.

“Even the lower end of the report’s emission reduction target range would require at least one coal fired station to close in the next 10 years. We need a plan to support workers and communities through this necessary transition,” Read said.