letter preview
Dear {candidate's name}
I am a constituent in your electorate and I am writing to you because I am so concerned about the consequences of climate change pushing some of our nation's most treasured species towards extinction. A national plan for stabilising and reducing greenhouse emissions is critical to avoid disastrous effects on our species and ecosystems.
The warming of the climate is sending sand temperatures soaring on turtle nesting beaches to the point where their survival is seriously threatened. To allow their extinction will be an unforgivable act of irresponsibility.
Unchecked climate change is also predicted to significantly reduce rainfall in many Australian regions devastating wetlands and river dependent species and increasing the uncertainty and cost of our water supply for cities and agriculture.
These are just two examples of the devastation to species, the wider environment and the economy that will result if dangerous climate change is not averted.
The consequences loom over us if the next Australian Government fails to set out clear, achievable, manageable plans to deal with the problem.
Australia's wildlife cannot wait. I am writing to ask you and your party to commit to a national plan to stabilise Australia's greenhouse gas emissions by 2010 and reduce them by 20-30% by 2020. Australia can and must play its part in this global issue.
I am also asking you and your party to also commit to implement a national plan, with national legislation, to
- Improve energy efficiency in the household, business and government sectors;
- Establish an emissions trading scheme by 2010;
- Improve the energy efficiency of cars and trucks to at least the same level as China and preferably the same level as Europe;
- Ban any new coal-fired power stations unless they are fitted with carbon capture and storage technology;
- Help support the renewable energy industry in Australia by setting an energy target of 25% of electricity generated by 2030.
- Ratify the Kyoto Protocol
This is not a time for politics but for action. We are dealing with the lives of all species including our own. The children enrolling in kindergarten this year will probably see 2080 but without action today they will only see creatures like turtles in zoos or picture books.
It falls upon you as a potential member of the next Federal parliament to take the lead, and to act on what is shaping up to be the greatest threat Australia's wildlife, society and economy has ever faced.
Yours sincerely
Name:
Address:
Authorised by Paul Toni, Program Leader Development and Sustainability, Level 13, 235 Jones Street, Ultimo NSW 2007
