21 February 2020
EMBRACING RENEWABLES, THE MOST PRACTICAL BUSHFIRE MITIGATION STRATEGY
Farmers for Climate Action has called on the Federal Government to accelerate progress towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions, with the release of the Black Summer Bushfire Royal Commission’s terms of reference.
The terms of reference acknowledge the risks that climate change presents, noting that seasons are becoming longer, hotter and drier.
Farmers for Climate Action spokesperson, Harden farmer, and volunteer firefighter Peter Holding said: “The Prime Minister and the terms of reference both recognised climate change as a driving force behind this summer’s bushfire crisis.
“As climate change increases bushfire danger in Australia, we certainly need to review the way we prepare for, and fight fires, and invest in technology and resources to handle worsening conditions.
“But we absolutely must go beyond adaptation and building resilience to climate impacts, and tackle the problem at its source.
“Without turning up the throttle on our greenhouse gas emission reduction efforts, fighting fires and growing food is going to be like using a toothbrush to clean out your drought feedlot.
“Delays in transitioning from coal, oil and gas are costing us money and putting lives and livelihoods at risk. Embracing renewables is the most powerful practical step we can take to ensure that summers like the one we’ve just had do not become the norm.”
Farmers for Climate Action is a movement of more than 5000 farmers working to ensure that farmers, who are on the frontlines of climate change, are part of its solution.
ENDS
Media contact:
Fiona Davis, 0434 505 188, [email protected]
