Climate Change Green Paper
Fact sheet - Victorian communities
Fact sheet - Victorian communities (Printable version, PDF - 100 KB)
What is the Victorian Climate Change Green Paper?
- The Climate Change Green Paper is the next step in the development of a comprehensive new climate change strategy for Victoria out to 2020.
- We are seeking your feedback on:
- a) how we can adapt to the impacts of climate change that we can no longer avoid; and
b) how to capitalise on the opportunities our transition to a low carbon economy will bring.
- The Green Paper sets out five priorities for Victorian Government action. For Victorian communities the most relevant are:
- Support private action to adapt to a changing climate, and undertake adaptation actions on behalf of the Victorian community to protect the environment, key public assets and manage major public risks.
- Promote low emissions energy technologies as the key to Victoria’s energy future.
- Establish future-focussed transport, planning and building systems to support a low emissions future and accommodate a changed climate.
- Support private action to adapt to a changing climate, and undertake adaptation actions on behalf of the Victorian community to protect the environment, key public assets and manage major public risks.
- The science is telling us that climate change is happening now and has the potential to disrupt our economy, damage our environment and diminish our quality of life.
- Victoria must take strong action to avoid further irreversible climate change, develop a low carbon economy and prepare for the effects of climate change we cannot avoid.
- The impacts of climate change will vary across Victoria. For the latest information on what the projected impacts of climate change will be for your region see Climate Change in Victoria: 2008 available at www.climatechange.vic.gov.au
- The Green Paper contains important information for Victorian Communities.
- All communities across Victoria will be affected by climate change – although some communities will face more dramatic and damaging consequences than others.
- Action by communities is a powerful tool in promoting behaviour change. Communities across Victoria should be encouraged to design and deliver climate change projects that will generate significant and lasting benefits.
- Developing the capacity of communities to become more resilient, maintain their liveability and secure their economic futures in the face of climate change is critical.
- Mitigating and adapting to climate change will take action by governments, households, businesses and community groups.
- Action by communities is a powerful tool in promoting behaviour change. Communities across Victoria should be encouraged to design and deliver climate change projects that will generate significant and lasting benefits.
- There are many things we can all do in our homes and workplaces to reduce the impacts of climate change.
- We can change our: energy-use, water consumption and travel habits.
- We can change our approach to the natural environment
– by considering the effects of our actions on natural ecosystems, planting more trees on our properties or joining a LandCare or Coastcare group.
- We can contribute to changes in our local community
– consider shopping locally more often, getting involved in community activities such as tree planting or setting up neighbourhood alternative energy schemes or participating in local programs designed to reduce car use (such as school ‘walking buses’).
- We can change our: energy-use, water consumption and travel habits.
- For more information on what you can do in your home, business or community see www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/www/html/1723-get-involved.asp.
- All communities across Victoria will be affected by climate change – although some communities will face more dramatic and damaging consequences than others.
- The likely introduction by the Commonwealth Government of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) and the setting of a national target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions represent one of the biggest changes to the Australian economy in the last 20 years.
- The Victorian Government supports the introduction of emissions trading as the most efficient way to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.
- In 2006, the Victorian Government set a long-term target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60 per cent by 2050, compared to 2000 levels. This target was based on the best available scientific evidence at the time and – when introduced – was a world-leading initiative to tackle climate change.
- While Victoria has been a leader in setting emissions targets, the introduction of the CPRS means that a binding emissions reduction target set by the Victorian Government would distort the operation of the national scheme – for no direct environmental benefit.
- If a satisfactory global agreement to combat climate change post-2012 is reached, the Victorian Government will strongly urge the Commonwealth Government to place Australia on a trajectory to achieve a reduction in Australia’s emissions of at least 80 per cent by 2050.
- If a satisfactory global agreement to combat climate change post-2012 is reached, the Victorian Government will strongly urge the Commonwealth Government to place Australia on a trajectory to achieve a reduction in Australia’s emissions of at least 80 per cent by 2050.
- The key role for Victorian climate change policy now is to help people, regions, industries and communities across the State manage the transition to a low carbon economy, capture new opportunities and help the community adapt to the impacts of a changing climate.
The Victorian Government will undertake a comprehensive process of consultation over the coming months, engaging with industry, business, individuals and community groups, to help shape its new climate change framework.
How do I make a submission?
Submissions can be sent via mail or online at www.climatechange.vic.gov.au
POST addresst:
Premier of Victoria
Climate Change Submission
GPO Box 4912 Melbourne 3001
Closing date for submissions: 30 September 2009.
Further information
Victoria’s climate change website, www.climatechange.vic.gov.au, provides more details about the Climate Change Green Paper and Victorian climate change policy.
