Monday, 26 September 2011
“The State government has shown an appalling record in relation to climate change action. It is unbelievable that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry have given the government 7 out of 10 on climate policy, said Robin Chapple MLC, Greens WA spokesperson on Climate Change.
The CCI today put out its scorecard on the WA Government, and rated the State government’s performance on climate change as 7 out of 10, up from last year’s rating of 5½.
“My questions to Ministers in parliament show this government is seriously failing to address the climate change challenge. The State government has no detailed knowledge of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly, there is no plan for the state to meet its commitment to 20% renewable energy by 2020.
“Meanwhile a review of EPA approvals and company reporting shows that in Western Australia our greenhouse gas emissions have reached a staggering 82.7 million tonnes per annum (mtpa). Plus, new approved projects are set to produce a further 80.9 mtpa, leading to total future emissions of 163.6 mtpa. We are continuing to double our emissions, when we need to reduce our carbon emissions.
“The Kyoto agreement set a benchmark for Australia, of 108% of our 1990 emission levels by 2012. In Western Australia in 1990 our emissions were 57.2 mtpa. Rather than sticking to 108% of 1990 levels, we are now at 144% and our currently approved projects could take us to 286% of 1990 levels.
“The CCI does a disservice to its members and the community when it rewards that State government for this failure to address climate change.”
For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255
