INTERGENERATIONAL REPORT FAILS ON CLIMATE CHANGE

The 2015 Intergenerational Report has failed to outline concrete long-term steps to address one of the greatest threats facing our children – climate change, WWF-Australia said today.

“The intergenerational report fails to consider the long-term policies needed to future-proof Australia and the budget against the worst impacts of climate change,” said WWF-Australia Climate Change National Manager Kellie Caught.

“The future for Australia is bleak if we don’t have a long-term targets and plans to cut carbon pollution."

“Sea level rise, more frequent drought, fires, floods and heatwaves will put further pressure on the cost of living, our wellbeing, our economy and our precious environment."

“We need to put in place today targets and plans that hold polluters to account, produce affordable and abundant renewable energy, encourage innovation, and clean up our air, oceans, and land."

“The 2015 Intergenerational Report mentions climate change 19 times (compared to 80 times in the previous report) emphasising the Government’s Emissions Reduction Fund as the key policy."

“It does not spell out a longer-term, more sustainable plan in line with the global trend towards a price on carbon pollution."

“The World Bank in 2014 stated that about 40 countries and over 20 sub-national jurisdictions are putting a price on carbon."

“It’s not too late. At the end of this year, all countries are being asked to put forward strong pollution reduction targets as part of a new global climate change agreement."

“WWF-Australia is calling on the Government to demonstrate its commitment to the next generation by setting stronger pollution reduction targets and implementing long-term plans to hold polluters to account."

“If we are to provide a better future for our kids, Australia should be cutting its carbon pollution by at least 25% by 2020 and at least 40% by 2025 (below 2000 levels)."

“It’s up to this generation, including our political leaders, to do the right thing to protect the people and places we love."

WWF-Australia Media Contact:

Mark Symons, Senior Media Officer, 0400 985 571