Julia Gillard on Climate Change

Julia Gillard on Climate Change

May 24, 2011

I lead a government committed to tackling climate change. We know we must cut carbon pollution and the cheapest, most efficient way to do it is to make big polluters pay.

This week, the Climate Commission’s report The Critical Decade: Climate Science, Risks and Responses confirmed now is the time to act. The longer we wait, the more it will cost. The Report highlighted:

• In the last 50 years the number of record hot days in Australia has more than doubled. This has increased the risk of heatwaves and associated deaths, as well as extreme bush-fire weather in south eastern and south western Australia;

• Sea levels have risen by 20cm globally since the late 1800s, affecting many coastal communities. Another 20cm increase by 2050, which is likely at current projections, would more than double the risk of coastal flooding; and

• The Great Barrier Reef has suffered from nine bleaching events in the past 31 years. This iconic natural ecosystem, and the economy that depends on it, face serious risks from climate change.

I believe taking action on climate change is the right thing to do. It’s the right thing to do for our economy, for jobs and for the environment. Importantly, it’s the right thing to do for those who will inherit our nation from us.

The Critical Decade strengthens my determination to make sure we price carbon. When big polluters pay, every cent of that money can be used to help families, protect jobs and fund programs to tackle climate change. That’s why it’s so important that we act now.

Julia Gillard

ENDS

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