Oxfam welcomes Labor’s commitment to take a steeper cut in emissions to the 2016 election.
The cut – 45% below 2005 levels by 2030 – is significantly higher than the Government’s current 2030 target.
Oxfam Australia’s Chief Executive Dr Helen Szoke said:
“Greater ambition and leadership is needed now more than ever, so Labor’s commitment is a much-needed challenge to the Australian Government on the eve of the Paris climate talks.
“Those who have most at stake in Paris are the 3.5 billion poorest people in the world.
“Climate Change is forcing them into a life of hunger and having a devastating effect on their lives. Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, loss of land, and other impacts are making it harder for families to feed themselves.
“However, while the announcement is a positive step, the target of 45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, still falls short of what is needed to protect vulnerable communities around the world.
“Countries must make much steeper emissions cuts to keep the average temperature rise below 2 degrees.
“Remaining below 1.5 degrees, the level that many vulnerable countries are demanding for their very survival, will require even stronger action. Australia should aim to reduce its domestic emissions by at least 65 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve zero emissions well before mid-century.”
This weekend tens of thousands of Australians will join millions around the world for the People’s Climate March to demand stronger climate action as world leaders gather in Paris for the United Nations climate summit.
For interviews or more information, please contact Roslyn Boatman on +61 409 549 049 or roslynb@oxfam.org.au
Comments are closed.