Page 5237 - Week 14 - Wednesday, 18 November 2009
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We have long championed the need to address climate change and the government has built a strong momentum through: the establishment of the Legislative Assembly inquiry into greenhouse gas reduction targets; Minister Corbell announcing yesterday the government’s ambitious yet achievable greenhouse gas reduction targets of being carbon neutral by 2060 and a target of ACT per capita emissions peaking in 2013; the significant work underway across government to revise the climate change strategy weathering the change and associated action plan 2, to be released in 2010; and a government commitment to introduce legislation on greenhouse gas reduction targets by 2010.
While the government can set the parameters for what needs to be achieved, for example in setting targets, policies and programs, it is only through the combined effort of government, business and the people of the ACT that success will be achieved. Indeed, it is at the suburb, household and individual level that the real change is taking place. I acknowledge that effort is taking place and I congratulate those who are being productive and committed to changes that we must all make. Cities across the world are already making great gains, often in advance of national governments. Increasingly, it is recognised that cities, local and regional authorities play a critical role in designing and implementing energy infrastructure guidelines, investing in promotion and consumer awareness campaigns necessary to combat and address climate change.
Copenhagen, where world leaders will meet for next month’s critical UN Climate Change Conference, is a good demonstration of what cities can do. It has reduced its CO2-e emissions by more than 20 per cent over the last 10 years. We are looking to learn from leading sustainable cities such as Copenhagen and Freiburg in Germany, which share many features with Canberra and are widely regarded across the world as benchmarks in sustainability and uptake of solar energy. Canberra is ideally placed, of all Australian cities, to be a benchmark of sustainability, especially in showing the way to a realistic and low carbon future. Of course, our main challenge in the ACT is reducing the emissions caused by our built environment and transport.
As we move forward towards this low carbon future we will be seeking buy-in from business, community groups and all ACT residents to do what they can—for example, to use more renewable energy through solar hot water, solar panels or purchasing GreenPower; to use energy more efficiently in our homes by replacing light bulbs, sealing draughts and improving insulation; to purchase energy and water efficient appliances; and to reduce our carbon impact from travel, choosing to walk or ride more often.
Social equity is a key objective of the government’s climate change policy, given the inevitable increase in energy prices over the coming years. We know that electricity prices will rise as a result of Australian government policies such as the carbon pollution reduction scheme and the renewable energy target and ACT-specific energy policies. The impact of price rises will be assessed and addressed through the development of programs with a focus on low income households and combined with increases in the community service obligations.
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