Victorian Climate Change Green Paper - message from the Premier
Green Paper - Message from the Premier (Printable version, PDF - 472 KB)
Climate change is the defining challenge of our times.
There is no doubt that we must take action now to avoid the worst effects of climate change and the damage and disruption it could cause to our economy, communities and environment.
Governments around the world need to act to stop the problem getting any worse. We have to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and shift towards becoming a low carbon economy - one that relies on low emissions forms of energy and that is much more effi cient in using energy resources.
The Victorian Government is already taking strong action on climate change. We were the first State to set a renewable energy target and we are making a major investment in renewable energy and low emissions technologies. We have introduced an innovative new scheme that will support households to become more energy efficient. We are also acting to secure Victoria’s future water supply.
We have been a national leader on climate change, but much more needs to be done. The Victorian Climate Change White Paper will set out a comprehensive new climate change strategy for the State, including immediate action in a number of areas. This Green Paper is an important step in that direction.
Irrespective of how successful we are in reducing emissions, some climate change will still occur: the damage has already been done. We will still face warmer temperatures, rising sea levels, lower rainfall and more extreme events such as storms and bushfires. We have to act now to make sure that Victoria is fully prepared to deal with these changes.
The task is not an easy one. It will require public and private investment insustainable infrastructure and industries, and in research and innovation. We will need to change the way we do things in almost every aspect of our daily lives – in our households and workplaces, in our communities and neighbourhoods, in business and industry, and in government. Some people and communities will be harder hit than others and will need help to cope with the impacts of climate change and with the rising energy prices that will occur as Australia moves to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
But climate change is not all bad news. The shift to a low carbon, ‘green’ economy brings with it some of the biggest opportunities we have encountered since the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century.
By being smarter in the way we tackle climate change, we will not only improve our quality of life, we will also develop new ideas, services and products that will boost our economy and create new jobs. Victoria has genuine opportunities to lead the world in a number of areas, such as carbon capture and storage, water technologies and solar power. The very substantial benefits generated from these opportunities mean that we cannot afford to let them slip by.
The current global economic downturn is not a reason for delay. While Victoria can expect lower growth in the short-term as a result of the financial crisis, global warming remains the biggest long-term threat to Victoria’s prosperity and will remain long after the downturn has passed.
Decisive action on climate change will stimulate new economic activity and underpin a strong Victorian economy into the future – irrespective of the fallout from the financial crisis. Now is not the time to be cautious. As a community, we need to find the courage to make bold decisions if we are to sustain our standard of living and create new economic opportunities. But more importantly, we have an obligation to our children and grandchildren to ensure that they inherit a planet that is not damaged beyond repair.
In developing Victoria’s new climate change strategy, the Government is determined to ensure that the legacy our generation leaves to future generations of Victorians is a sustainable, productive economy, strong and robust communities, and a healthy, resilient environment.
John Brumby
Premier
