While Tru Energy has committed to reducing its emissions, their targets are not based on the latest climate change science, so will not be enough to avoid dangerous climate change. Reduction targets of at least 30% by 2020 and 80% by 2050 are required.
Environment Victoria today welcomed Tru Energy’s initial steps to reduce its carbon emissions in the absence of a federal government target, but warned scientific recommendations must be followed if we are to avoid dangerous climate change and protect our quality of life.
“Climate change is a critical issue and everyone in the community needs to do what they can to reduce Australia’s greenhouse pollution. But to protect our quality of life we need to follow the targets our leading scientists recommend,” said Kelly O’Shannassy, Chief Executive Director of Environment Victoria
Climate Change Campaigner Louise Morris said that while Tru Energy had committed to reducing its emissions, their targets were not based on the latest climate change science, so would not be enough to avoid dangerous climate change. “The federal government must lead the way in implementing these crucial reductions through legislating scientifically supported greenhouse pollution reduction targets of at least 30% by 2020 and 80% by 2050.”
“It is only with federally legislated targets that the private and public sector can make the necessary inroads on climate change, to protect our economy, water, agriculture and way of life,” said Ms Morris.
“Environment Victoria is also concerned Tru Energy has placed too many eggs in a basket that is yet to be woven. A heavy reliance on untried and undeveloped technologies such as carbon capture and storage means the reduction targets are not guaranteed. Although Environment Victoria applauds Tru Energy for taking a stand on climate change, we strongly encourage them to set strong renewable energy targets for their business and tie their greenhouse reduction targets to climate change science.”
“In this federal election year, we have an opportunity to shift Australia from its reliance on dirty and polluting fossil fuels to a renewable energy future, setting us on the path of much needed legislated emissions reduction targets of at least 30% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. With federal support renewable technologies such as wind and solar can provide a clean green power future,” concluded Ms Morris.