THE Limestone Coast Protection Alliance has congratulated members of the state’s Legislative Council for voting to declare a climate emergency.
Last week, a majority of Upper House MLCs backed a commitment to restore a “safe climate” and transform the economy to “zero net emissions.”
In South Australia, six metropolitan and regional councils have declared a climate emergency which pledges to set the environment ahead of any decisions made.
Climate change advocate Cate Cooper said she hoped the motion would pass through the State Government-controlled Lower House.
“This will mean the government must put the climate and the environment at the forefront of every decisions they make,” she said.
“It also means each decision will be premeditated and the first question asked will be how it will effect the environment.”
Ms Cooper said the predicted impact of climate change in the South East included less rain but “more big downpours.”
“That means we may be at the risk of flooding or crop damage and we may even be set to have around six more days per year reaching over 40 degrees.
“This is not good for the crops, the animals or the people because we already have pressure on our water supply.”
Limestone Coast Protection Alliance chair Angus Ralton echoed Ms Cooper’s comments and said the environmental group hoped the Legislative Council’s declaration would transfer to local councils.
“Hopefully this is the first step and all councils will also get on board and declare their intent to move with the State Government towards a renewable economy,” he said.
“We are also hoping it means the State Government will reverse its decision on the new gas tenement about the new gas mining areas.”
South Australian Greens leader Mark Parnell said he was delighted the Upper House had agreed to make the decision which recognises that “emergency situations require urgent and serious action.”
“The call for governments to do more to tackle dangerous climate change is growing around the world including from hundreds of thousands of school children around Australia who went on strike from school recently over climate inaction,” Mr Parnell said.
“I am delighted that a majority of the Upper House MPs are listening to climate scientists and listening to the community.”
