The Palaszczuk Government is encouraging Queenslanders to join millions of people across the world for Earth Hour tonight.
Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said Earth Hour was an important time to reflect on how we support and protect our planet as we face the challenges of climate change.
“Australia has just faced its hottest summer on record and there is no hiding from the fact that our climate is changing,” she said.
“We need to act now, and one way that Queenslanders can take action in their own homes is to switch off their lights for 60 minutes from 8.30pm tonight.”
Ms Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government was taking action on climate change, which is the biggest threat to the Great Barrier Reef.
“We have committed to a target of zero net emissions by 2050, with an interim target of 30 per cent reduction on 2005 levels by 2030,” she said.
“We have also committed to a renewable energy target of 50 per cent by 2030. Minister Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government is also investing in tools and resources that can support Queenslanders to adapt to the impacts climate change.
“One of those resources is the new which features the latest .
“The portal includes the which allows users to explore, visualise and download the latest Queensland-specific climate modelling data across regions.
“This dashboard is a world-leading example of how climate projections data can help us to better understand climate change.”
Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) began Earth Hour in Australia in 2007 and each year thousands of Australians and businesses show their commitment to our environment by turning off their lights.
Dermot O’Gorman, CEO, WWF, is urging Queenslanders to participate in Earth Hour 2019 to show their support for Australia to meet its international climate change commitments.
“Last year, a record 18,000 landmarks in 7000 cities around the world participated as part of their activities to call for action to reduce the causes of climate change,” Mr O’Gorman said.
“In signing the 2015 Paris Agreement, Australia committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 26 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030 and events such as Earth Hour provide a symbolic show of solidarity to make a difference against climate change.
“Each year around one in five people who participate in Earth Hour are Queenslanders, which shows they are deeply concerned about the impact of climate change on the environment, food production and our way of life,” Mr O’Gorman said.
