Friends of the Earth has welcomed the State Government's recognition of the seriousness of the climate problem contained in the Green Paper, released today, but has warned the paper fails to plot a path away from coal.
Media Release : June 3, 2009
Green paper highlights need for stronger climate action but fails to deliver
Friends of the Earth has welcomed the State Government's recognition of the seriousness of the climate problem contained in the Green Paper, released today, but has warned the paper fails to plot a path away from coal.
“The dire warnings on what climate change will mean for Victoria contained in the Green Paper reinforce the need for strong action. But such strong action is missing from the paper.â€
“The overdue recognition that pollution reduction targets need to be strengthened to more than 80% by 2050 is also welcome but the proposals contained in the paper will not get us there.â€
“Once again the government is gambling on Victoria's future on the pipe dream of carbon, capture and storage technology that won't work.â€
“We need a real plan for the La Trobe Valley that can deliver a just transition for workers and their communities and a clean energy future for Victoria.â€
“The reliance on the polluter-friendly Federal Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme will not drive the shift to large scale renewable energy.â€
“We need large scale public-led investment in renewable energy, particular solar thermal, and extensive investment in domestic and commercial energy efficiency. â€
“The dropping of a target for Victoria while proposing a stronger Federal target is buck passing.
The Victorian Government should set goals for carbon reductions and put in place a plan to met them.â€
Contact: Damien Lawson 0419 253 342 or 03 9419 8700