Environment groups have invited Premier Steve Bracks and Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu to speak to a crowd of thousands this weekend at the Walk Against Warming – so long as they announce a policy to cut Victoria’s greenhouse pollution 20% by 2020.
Walk Against Warming organisers Environment Victoria and Greenpeace have issued a challenge to both major parties to address the crowd – a prime opportunity for a positive announcement – if they commit to introduce legislated targets to cut Victoria’s greenhouse pollution 20% by 2020 based on 1990 levels.
Marcus Godinho said; “Thousands of Victorians concerned about climate change will be taking to the streets on November 4 to call on all parties to take more action to cut our greenhouse pollution. The community is sick of politicians’ hot air on climate change. We’re not interested in waffle, we’re interested in a clear commitment to cut greenhouse pollution and we’re happy to hear from either major party willing to do it.’’
“Global warming is the most pressing environmental issue of our time and the environmental credibility of political parties will be judged on their efforts to tackle global warming,’’ Mr Godinho said.
Greenpeace Energy campaigner Mark Wakeham said: “Leading scientists across the world agree on the problem and the solution – cutting fossil fuel use. The only thing missing is the political will to act.
“As it stands, neither Labor nor Liberal have committed to legislate to reduce Victoria’s growing greenhouse pollution. ‘’
“Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu has made some promising comments about cutting our greenhouse pollution in the long-term but what we really need is a commitment from both parties to legislated targets. This will guarantee swift action to minimise the devastating impacts of climate change,’’ Mr Wakeham said.
Walk Against Warming is part of a global day of action on climate change with events happening in cities on every continent.
“In the twelve months since the first Walk Against Warming, global warming has become a major social and political issue with ordinary people now convinced and concerned about climate change,” Tricia Phelan, event organiser and Environment Victoria Climate Change Campaign Director said.
“The thousands of people that are expected to take part in walks across Australia will be sending a very strong message to our state and Federal governments that they cannot afford to sit back and watch while global warming starts to impact on our water supplies, our lifestyles, our farming land, our coastlines and our weather.”
Walk Against Warming, 1.00pm – 3.00pm, Saturday 4 November.
Starts at Melbourne Town Hall and ends at Birrarung Marr with speakers and entertainment including the Counterfeit Gypsies and the Sustainability Circus.
Speakers at the Melbourne event will include actor Jane Turner, Rob Gell, VCOSS CEO Cath Smith; community member Anna Mazetti who has rallied locals in her area concerned about climate change; plus representatives from Greenpeace and Environment Victoria.