On the back of the latest alarming IPCC report, the Greens have reiterated their policy platform of no new coal and gas by 2030, a meaningful just transitions' package for affected workers, as well as a plan to get one million homes off gas and ensure energy efficient rental homes for the two million rental properties in NSW.
New South Wales is a leading contributor to the climate crisis. As the 4th largest exporter of coal globally, NSW has a key role to play in tackling the climate crisis by phasing out fossil fuels and reducing global emissions.
"The latest IPCC report couldn't be clearer. We must end coal and gas by 2030 if we are to have any hope of tackling runaway, dangerous climate change," Greens MP Cate Faehrmann said.
"Mining and burning coal and gas is the leading cause of the climate crisis. Coal and gas are causing more extreme floods, fires, heatwaves and droughts in NSW.
"The growing climate crisis threatens our safety and health, our food and water and even the air we breathe.
"We'll also feel increasing economic stress, such as paying more for food, petrol, insurance, health services and energy bills.
"Since the Paris Climate Agreement, this Government has approved 26 new coal and gas projects which will be responsible for 4.4 billion tonnes of CO2, while another 8 coal projects are in the NSW planning system.
"Just these 8 projects alone, if approved, will produce a further 1.5 billion tonnes in carbon emissions globally.
"Neither Labor nor the Liberal-National parties will stand in the way of these climate-wrecking projects or recognise the immediate and urgent need for climate action now - the science could not be clearer.
Greens candidate for the Upper House Lynda-June Coe said:
"Only the Greens have a plan to end coal and gas in NSW and help avert climate catastrophe.
"First Nations people in NSW are without proper and just rights to their land and waters. The current legislative regimes uphold systemic racism and power - such as the Gomeroi people's plight to protect the Pilliga State Forest against Santos under Native Title.
"The connection between colonisation and capitalism continues to play out in destructive ways against First Nations people, country and the environment.
"Unless governments do the work to keep fossil fuels in the ground - First Nations people will continue to resist and push back against a system intent on erasing our cultural identities and rights to country," Ms Coe said.
- Stop the Santos Narrabri Gas Project and Hunter Gas Pipeline.
- Place a moratorium on all new coal and gas projects.
- Immediately end all government fossil fuel subsidies and support.
- Set a closure date of 2030 for all thermal coal mines in NSW and empower the EPA to set a 'carbon budget' for these mines for each year until they close.
- Phase out all Coal & Gas and transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030.
- Support households to get off gas and improve energy efficiency in their homes.
- Protect Sydney's water catchment from mining.
- Shut down coal-fired power stations by 2030 and transition workers to new sustainable industries.
Full Policy Initiative: https://greens.org.au/nsw/endingcoalandgas
