To the House Standing Committee on the Energy and Environment regarding the Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation and Mitigation) Bill 2020 and Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation and Mitigation) (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2020
Via email: Environment.Reps@aph.gov.au.
Dear Committee Secretariat,
I am a resident of Surrey Hills in Melbourne. We renovated our house in 2001 to improve its energy efficiency and we added solar panels and a battery system. I feel very strongly that climate change must be tackled as the primary threat confronting our country and a safe climate across Earth.
The Climate Change 2020 Bill put forward by Zali Steggall is a genuine attempt to break the political deadlock that has thwarted meaningful action to tackle climate change in Australia across 3 decades.
The Bill is an authentic proposal to build a legal and policy framework for national action on climate and energy policy.
The bill proposes to legislate a national net zero emissions target by 2050 and set five yearly emissions budgets and emissions reduction plans, consistent with limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
I consider this to be bare minimum policy settings for establishing a safe climate. I consider that a target for net zero emissions by 2030 would be more likely to secure a safe climate.
The guiding principles for decision makers in the Bill will ensure decisions are efficient, effective and equitable, informed, risk-based and integrated and fiscally responsible.
In addition, provision is made in the Bill for fair employment transition for workers, industries or regions affected, community engagement and self-determination, and national and international cooperation.
I support this Bill for the following reasons:
- Reducing carbon emissions is vital for restoring a safe climate. Setting a target for net zero emissions and progressive targets to achieve this is essential.
- The increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events including bushfires, floods, cyclones and droughts, is having a major negative impact on Australia and elsewhere.
- There are opportunities to develop new technologies in energy efficient, electric vehicles and renewable energy and to provide employment opportunities in a new clean energy economy.
- Informed decision-making based on science will provide the best policy and programs for achieving a safe climate.
- Community consultation and engagement is essential for involving all Australians in the roadmap and actions towards net zero emissions.
- International cooperation is necessary to ensure there is consistent and effective global action on climate change.
- Development and implementation of emission reduction plans is essential.
- The Climate Change Commission in the Bill will provide appropriate oversight and information and advice on climate action and emission reductions.
- Establishment of a Parliamentary Joint Committee on Climate Adaptation and Mitigation will provide oversight and information on adaptation and mitigation measures.
I respectfully request that the Climate Change (National Framework for Adaptation and Mitigation) Bill 2020 be endorsed by the Australian Parliament.
Yours sincerely,
Peter Campbell
<Name and address supplied>
