Leeanne Enoch.
The federal government needs to show real leadership in the fight against climate change.
That’s the call from Queensland environment minister Leeanne Enoch who says her state is proceeding with electric vehicle infrastructure, carbon farming and best agricultural management practices.
“Unfortunately, though, at a time when the world’s leading climate scientists are telling us we need to tackle this global challenge head on, we have a government in Canberra that refuses to believe the experts and the scientific facts,” she says.
Her comments follow the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report calling for urgent action after suggesting only 12 years remain to keep maximum global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
“The Palaszczuk Government’s 2050 target of zero net emissions, and 50% renewable energy by 2030, closely aligns with the recommendations handed down in this latest IPCC report,” Enoch says.
Pointing to extended drought, more widespread bushfires and increasing cyclones, Enoch says a solid national framework for climate action is needed, with a “seismic shift” required in how Australia generates energy and reduces pollution.
“Yet, all we see from the federal government is denial and a disastrous lack of policy as they continue to dance around the issue, hoping it will just disappear.
“The Palaszczuk Government is proud to lead the way in combating climate change, with ambitious targets and initiatives to drive down emissions and restore our natural environment.
“Our $500 million Land Restoration Fund will reward Queensland landholders and primary producers for reducing emissions and encourages land restoration – work strengthened by stronger vegetation management laws, which we passed through parliament this year.
“We are also pushing ahead with carbon farming, electric vehicle infrastructure, best management agriculture practices – which should be seen as opportunities, not hurdles, to growing our economy while also protecting our planet.”
Enoch says if global climate catastrophe is to be avoided, Australians need to work together.
