This morning, the State Government released its Climate Change White Paper Implementation Plan. Environment Victoria’s analysis of the Plan shows there are still significant gaps and questions on climate change policy that need to be answered before the state election.
Environment Victoria Campaigns Director Mark Wakeham said today:
“While we’re supportive of many of the initiatives in the White Paper our analysis suggests that Victoria will have real difficulty meeting its target to reduce emissions by 20 percent by 2020. This is because the State Government is proposing a slow start to emissions reduction between now and 2014.”
“This approach leaves the hard work of reducing emissions until 2014 – 2020 and risks missing the target. It is like a cricket team chasing a target of 300 runs in a 50 over match and scoring less than 3 runs an over for the first 20 overs. Its not a winning strategy. Its particularly worrying when Victoria will likely need to increase its emission reduction target for 2020 in coming years in line with the climate science.”
“Environment Victoria urges all political parties to make further announcements ahead of the State election to deliver greater emissions reductions and be sure of achieving Victoria’s legislated target.”
“In particular they should commit to replacing all of Hazelwood power station, which could reduce Victoria’s emissions by 12 percent as soon as 2012. They also need to achieve greater progress towards their target to achieve a 5 star average across Victorian homes by 2020.”
For further information or comment:
Environment Victoria Campaigns Director Mark Wakeham on 0439 700 501 or 03 9341 8127