We want deep and rapid cuts to Australian's emissions now, farmers tell PM
Thursday, 22 April
Farmers are calling on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to deliver a credible net-zero target that includes making deep and rapid cuts to Australia's emissions this decade.
The calls come following the PM's earlier suggestions that regional Australians don't care about climate change, which the group labels untrue and unhelpful, and ahead of the Biden Global Climate Summit next week.
Crookwell farmer and Farmers for Climate Action Chair Charlie Prell said: "I'm no latte sipper, but as a farmer I want to see the Federal Government show leadership on climate change.
"Farmers are on the frontline of climate change impacts and solutions. On the one hand we're grappling with fires, droughts and floods and on the other hand our regions are in the box seat to benefit from the jobs and investment that will come with the clean energy transition.
"Like many other farmers, I proudly supply my produce to the cafes, dinner parties and wine bars of our inner cities. Let's stop muddying the waters with false divides, and unite - urban and regional Australians together - to ensure that we do everything we can to prevent catastrophic climate change."
Farmers for Climate Action Acting CEO Fiona Davis said: "While the rest of the world is stepping up ambition, Australia is dragging its heels and risks missing out on decades of a climate-related economic boom. Agriculture is reliant on trading and Prime Minister Morrison's stance on climate change is a threat to our industry.
"We know trillions of dollars will be spent over the coming decades as the world transitions to a cleaner future. Australia risks being stuck in an eddy, isolated politically and economically from the rest of the world," Dr Davis said.
"Regardless of any net-zero date the Federal Government sets, what we need to see is a clear plan for getting there that includes making deep and rapid emissions cuts this decade. That means a stronger 2030 target and a pathway for net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest."
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