Hard slog ahead on climate with a weak CPRS
Date: 25-Nov-2009
The Australian Conservation Foundation says the Government and Opposition’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme deal is an inadequate response to climate change and will hold back Australia’s transition to a clean economy.
“While it is still possible for Australia to cut emissions by 25 per cent by 2020, the transformation to a low carbon economy will be undermined by this deal,” said ACF executive director Don Henry.
“The excessive long-term industry handouts will make the shift to a low carbon future slower and risk locking us into a heavy polluting economy.
“Every increase in the handouts to big polluters blunts the incentive for industry to clean up its act and eats up revenue that should be put towards climate change solutions and creating clean energy jobs.
“The CPRS is one part of Australia’s response to climate change. The weaker our emissions trading scheme is, the more we have to do in other areas.
“The government will now need to have national laws to make the economy highly energy efficient, mandate fuel efficient cars, introduce stronger renewable energy measures like a gross solar feed-in tariff, invest in public transport and protect our carbon-storing forests and savannahs.
“ACF is disappointed with this package and thinks the Senate should not pass it unless it is significantly strengthened.
“The science shows Australia needs to be cutting emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2020.
“Australia still has the opportunity to make a positive difference at Copenhagen by complementing our commitment to a 25 per cent cut by 2020 with support for strong international finance to help developing nations deal with climate change.
“ACF will continue to campaign vigorously for Australia to broaden and strengthen its action on climate change, at home and in the international arena.”