Can you cut 1 Tonne of carbon pollution out of your life?
Take the challengeHave you seen the news? Australian business, environmental and industry groups have joined the global call for long term commitment and certainty on climate policy and action.
"What's so important it brings us all together?"
This is the strong call-to-action from some unlikely partners who today joined forces in an unprecedented alliance of peak bodies calling on the Abbott government to dramatically ramp up Australia's emissions reduction commitments from 2020 onwards.
The Australian Climate Roundtable, made up of 10 major business, industry, environment, energy, investor, research, union and social groups, has formed in the hope of overcoming Australia's polarised political stand-off on climate action.
To get Australia's climate policy on track, people from all walks of life must be involved. These groups have never before come together. Their actions will show our politicians there is more that unites us than divides us.
It's an unlikely alliance, but an important one.
"This is highly significant for Australia, and yet another significant signal to the world in this critical year."- said Nigel Topping, CEO of We Mean Business.
The Australian Climate Roundtable discussions have involved the Australian Aluminium Council, the Australian Conservation Foundation, the Australian Council of Social Service, the Australian Council of Trade Unions, the Australian Industry Group, the Business Council of Australia, The Climate Institute, the Energy Supply Association of Australia, the Investor Group on Climate Change and WWF Australia.
They want to make it clear that so many people from different walks of life want our country to cut pollution and support clean energy – there is no excuse for inaction.
"Delayed, unpredictable and piecemeal action will increase the costs and challenge of achieving the goal."- said the group.
Australia's major political parties support the global community's goal of limiting climate change to less than 2°C above preindustrial levels. Australia should play its fair part in these efforts while maintaining and increasing its prosperity.
Delayed, unpredictable and piecemeal action will increase the costs and challenges of achieving the goals and maximising the opportunities. We also know that policies won't work if they don't last and stay on investors' radars. The foundations of climate policy need broad and durable support, and we all have a role in building it.
We are 100% behind the Australian Climate Roundtable. They will continue to work together to ensure that climate policy meets our nation's economic, environmental and social needs, and we intend to support them every step of the way.
Australia should play its fair part in global efforts to avoid 2°C and the serious economic, social and environmental impacts that unconstrained climate change would have on Australia. Leave your comments on how we can all help achieve this!
Details about the Australian Climate Roundtable statement can be found at: http://www.australianclimateroundtable.org.au
