Page 581 - Week 02 - Thursday, 16 February 2017
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“(1) notes:
(a) there are consequences that climate change will have in the ACT and there is a need for action to mitigate climate change; and
(b) the ACT’s commitment to renewable energy as an important response to climate change;
(2) reaffirms its commitment to the ACT’s climate change mitigation targets of 100 percent electricity generated by renewable sources by 2020, zero net emissions by 2050 at the latest, and 40 percent reduction on 1990 levels of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020; and
(3) calls on the ACT Government to implement actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change factoring in reliability of electricity supply and affordability of power for all Canberrans.”.
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella—Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Minister for Planning and Land Management and Minister for Urban Renewal) (11.18): I thank Mr Rattenbury for his important motion today. I want to discuss the impacts that climate change is having on the ACT, the work we are doing to combat and adapt to climate change, including our 100 per cent renewable electricity target, and the need for stronger action from the federal government on climate change. I am pleased by how progressive the ACT has been in responding to the challenges of climate change and that we continue to be recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in the transition to a clean and sustainable economy.
Responding adequately and promptly to climate change is essential if we are to ensure that our way of life is available to future generations of Australians. Climate change is affecting our communities, our economy and the environment. Projected climate change impacts for the ACT include more heatwaves, changed rainfall patterns—with more frequent droughts and more high intensity rainfall events—and increased bushfire risk, with more days of high fire danger. With climate change, the events that the ACT experienced last Friday, with the stresses on the New South Wales electricity grid and record high electricity demand, are going to be a regular occurrence.
The ACT is responding to this threat by rapidly reducing emissions, preparing for climate change impacts and planning for zero emissions in the future. Responding now with a proactive approach will reduce our contribution to the problem of climate change and make our communities more resilient to its impacts. Taking action now is not only the most cost-effective and low-risk approach but also the way we can create new opportunities for businesses by growing the knowledge economy and encouraging an early transition to a zero net emissions economy.
A 2016 Climate Council report on bushfire threat to the ACT highlighted just some of the severe impacts of climate change. The report showed that recent severe fires in New South Wales and the ACT were influenced by record hot, dry conditions. The economic costs of New South Wales and ACT bushfires were estimated at
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