Greenhouse gas emissions deep cuts welcomed -strong renewable energy targets now needed
The Conservation Council of SA and Greenpeace Asia Pacific today welcomed the Liberal Partys Greenhouse Policy committing to deep cuts in SAs greenhouse gas emissions.
We are pleased to see the Liberals commitment to our Election policy charter for greenhouse gas cuts of 20% on 1990 levels by 2020, on the way to 60% cuts by 2050. This is vital if South Australia is to make its contribution to avoiding the devastating effects of climate change , said Michelle Grady, CEO, Conservation Council of South Australia.
This target is what scientists are saying is required. This is the strongest target for reducing greenhouse gas pollution that a major party has committed to going into an election in Australia, but must be underpinned by a rock solid commitment to renewable energy , said Catherine Way of Greenpeace Asia Pacific.
If SA wants to keep its growing renewable energy industry it must legislate a target which will provide clean energy industries with the long term incentive to set up shop and stay in SA , said Ms Grady.
The Conservation Council of SA and Greenpeace Australia Pacific call on all Parties this election to further commit to:-
a legislated renewable energy target of 25% by 2020
the creation of an Energy Efficiency and demand management Fund
halting and then reversing the growth of electricity consumption in SA
setting a price on carbon through emissions trading or a carbon tax
an immediate moratorium on new coal generation
increasing the use of public transport to 20% of weekday travel by 2015
supporting the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.