THE CLIMATE COUNCIL has welcomed the NSW Government's Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, urging the Government to 'get on with it' as communities continue to grapple with worsening climate-fuelled disasters.
On Sunday, the NSW Government announced $93.7 million to deliver its Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, and $598 million for 200 more firefighters, upgrades to its emergency radio network and safety upgrades.
Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie said: "This is a very positive step. The adaptation strategy acknowledges NSW is warming faster than the global average, climate impacts are already occurring and will get worse and will cost billions each year.
"Climate-fuelled disasters are becoming more frequent and intense. It's great to see the NSW Government moving to a preparedness mindset but Australia also desperately needs a National Adaptation Plan.
"A National Adaptation Plan, underpinned by a risk assessment, would help communities be much better prepared for climate change fueled extreme weather events.
Ms McKenzie added this would involve urgently restoring climate research funding and capabilities cut over the past nine years by the previous Federal Government, building community resilience across Australia, strengthening infrastructure, and increasing response and recovery capabilities.
Climate Councillor and Leader of the Emergency Leaders for Climate Action group, Greg Mullins, said:
"The new NSW adaptation strategy is most welcome and a positive step, but of course it is too late for the people of Lismore, Cobargo and other communities already impacted by climate change.
"We were encouraged to see the Federal Government meet with Emergency Leaders for Climate Action among its first orders of business. Now, it is time for governments at all levels to step up to the immediate threats of climate change. ELCA has presented six key asks to the Federal Government, and we hope both federal and state governments can enact the requirements swifty.
"Make no mistake - these steps are crucial for saving the homes, environments and lives of Australians who are at risk from worsening extreme weather events, supercharged by climate change. If we continue to delay reducing emissions and under-resourcing our emergency services, we will see even more bungled disaster responses."
