Submission to the House Standing Committee on Environment and Energy review and report into 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.
I strongly support 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.
These two bills provide a framework for much needed sensible bipartisan legislation to lower Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions and legislate Net Zero emissions by 2050.
The science showing the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions and unfolding changes in global climate is unequivocal.
Locally, these changes were experienced as severe and unprecedented drought and water shortage in the New England region in 2019. The changes prompted recognition by Armidale Regional Council of the urgency of the need to act on climate and the declaration in October 2019 of a Climate Emergency.
Since this time I have been working with other committed community members to provide substantial input to a Framework for Climate Action adopted by the council, and to identify initial priority projects for funding allocation in Council’s 2020-2021 budget for this purpose. Allocation of this funding to specific projects to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support community adaptation to climate change was approved at the November 2020 meeting of Armidale Regional Council.
A consistent Federal legislative approach on Climate Change has been lacking. It has been contrary to the interests and wellbeing of Australian citizens that the scientific facts and urgency of the need to act have been undermined by misleading climate scepticism and political manoeuvring.
Severe drought and bushfires in 2019-2020 highlighted the importance of a federal legislative framework to underpin bipartisan action regarding long term climate policy.
The proposed legislation provides a basis for national leadership in committing to, and legislating net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Crucial to the meeting of this goal are provisions in the legislation for preparation of emissions reduction plans and setting out the policies and strategies for meeting emissions reduction targets. These will also assist the government in meeting international emissions reduction commitments
The legal framework proposed in the Climate Change bills will also assist every sector in assessing the risks and the adaptation and resilience planning that is needed.
I commend Zali Steggall MP and her team for introducing these bills to Parliament.
I am confident that the public inquiry will demonstrate the value and benefits to all Australians of legislating the proposed changes.
Yours Sincerely,
Helen Webb
Co-convener of Sustainable Living Armidale’s Climate Action Group
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