Today, the Greens will be tabling motions in the Victorian Parliament, calling for recognition that we are in a climate emergency.
This follows a summer of unprecedented temperatures, extreme weather events and devastating mass animal death events. With thousands of people now regularly taking to the streets demanding action on climate change, urgent action must be taken if young people are to have a future.
Following the lead of Parliaments here in Australia and around the world, notably the ACT, UK and Scottish parliaments, we are calling on the Victoria parliament to acknowledge the urgency of acting to avoid the devastating effects the climate crisis will have across Victoria.
As stated by Victorian Greens Leader, Samantha Ratnam:
“Climate change is already impacting our health, food production, fresh water, plant and animal species and the liveability of our cities and towns.
“Working with communities, governments can address the climate crisis is a way that is fair. We must deliver justice for First Peoples and ensure our coal community in the Latrobe Valley can capture the economic opportunities and job creation of a low carbon economy.”
As stated by Acting Greens spokesperson on climate change, Tim Read:
“Yesterday’s budget missed the moment on the climate crisis. Investment in solar is great, but it’s not enough. Our state can and must rapidly reduce our burning of coal and gas. Yet this was completely missing from the Government’s budget.
“Burning coal causes climate change and contributes to serious health conditions. Victoria must keep coal and gas in the ground for the health of our environment and communities.”
Text of Motions:
DR READ
I give notice that, on the next day of meeting, I will move –
That this House –
(1) notes globally, nationally and locally, human induced climate change is contributing to droughts, bush fires and heatwave deaths; and
(2) declares that we are in a climate emergency requiring urgent action across all levels of government, including a plan to keep coal and gas in the ground.
DR RATNAM
I give notice that, on the next day of meeting, I will move –
That this House –
(1) notes
a. globally, nationally and locally, human induced climate change is contributing to record breaking temperatures, extreme weather events, and more regular and intense bushfires and drought.
b. climate change will have a devastating effect across Victoria on public health, food production, water availability, loss of animal and plant species and biodiversity, and the liveability of our cities and towns.
c. the global temperature must be limited to 1.5 degree to minimise the risk of the worst impacts of climate change, a task the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says requires urgent and unprecedented action.
d. mitigating the impacts of climate change requires a shift to 100% renewable energy and a plan to ensure coal, gas and oil reserves stay in the ground.
(2) declares that we are in a state of climate emergency and that there is a moral imperative to act swiftly to prevent the harm of a changing climate.
(3) calls for all levels of government to work with communities to urgently respond to the climate emergency in a way that is fair including ensuring justice for First Peoples; capturing the economic opportunities and job creation of low carbon economy; providing investment and jobs for coal-reliant workers and communities; delivering a circular, zero waste economy; and restoring the natural environment including ending native forest logging to preserve carbon stores and our water supply.
