In Parliament today the Greens will call on the State Government to set aside our forests as carbon sinks to mitigate climate change.
“WA’s south west forests are rich not only in biodiversity but also in stored carbon. Recognising their wealth is a responsibility this Government must take seriously,” Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren said.
“Our precious south west forests are a cost-effective carbon store to mitigate dangerous climate change,” Robin Chapple MLC added.
A signed statement from 36 eminent scientists will be tabled, spelling out exactly how endemic flora and fauna are at risk through habitat loss and how we can prevent species extinction.
“Not only is current logging stripping away critical habitat for threatened species, it is releasing very large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere,” Ms MacLaren said.
“The recommendations of eminent scientists must be incorporated in the new Forest Management Plan. The public has yet to have an opportunity to see the results of this semi-secretive process.”
The scientists statements are available here.
For more information please contact:
Hon Lynn MacLaren MLC Mobile 0403 721 951
Media liaison: Shane Guthrie Mobile 0428 207 007
Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255
