MEDIA RELEASE: COALITION GREENWASHES AND DELAYS ON CLIMATE ACTION
7 December, 2020
Zali Steggall MP is calling on the COP26 Climate Ambition Summit to only offer Australia a speaking spot on Saturday if the Morrison government commits to Net Zero by 2050.
“We have heard a lot recently from the Coalition about the importance of strong climate change policies, but see little action,” Ms Steggall said.
“If the Prime Minister does not have sufficient authority in his party room to step up to Net Zero by 2050, then open it up to a conscience vote.
“I urge the COP26 Climate Ambition Summit to only offer Australia a speaking spot if the Morrison government commits to meaningful climate action.
“As the rest of the world moves forward in drastically reducing their emissions, the government appears unable to commit to anything other than not cheating by counting carryover credit – and this still has to be passed in the party room.
“My office is regularly contacted by traditional Liberal voters from other electorates dissatisfied by the Government’s lack of commitment and action on climate change.
“Both the United Kingdom and the United States have called on leaders to commit to ‘ambitious’ new climate commitments. In the UK we have seen Prime Minister Boris Johnson set a new target to cut emissions by at least 68% by 2030. It’s
worth noting that the UK only contributes 1.1% of global emissions.
“The government needs to switch to Net Zero by 2050 and legislate clear climate change policies as set out by the Climate Change Bill, which is currently before a Parliamentary inquiry and is the first inquiry to examine the merits of legislating Net Zero by 2050.
“There has been a very high number of submissions by businesses, organisations and individuals calling on the government to support the Bill. I look forward to the public hearings to examine such arguments.”
The Climate Change Bill is currently before a Parliamentary Inquiry.
See www.climateactnow.com.au and the APH committee link
For media requests call Sarah Whyte on 0407 790 892
Do you like this page?