"In this age of climate change it would be ridiculous and reckless not to take pollution into account when reviewing major development proposals. I will move in the first week back to introduce a Private Member's Bill that places a climate trigger in environmental law, which would require assessment before any approval to drill in the Bight, and a review of approvals for Adani," Senator Hanson-Young said.
"This would allow major developments to be assessed and approved or denied based on their emissions, including the emissions that result from our fossil fuels exports.
"The inclusion of a water trigger in existing environment laws means the effects on water resources can be considered when approving or denying developments. The same kind of approval process should be in place for the climate impacts of fossil fuel projects.
"Projects like Adani and drilling for oil in the Great Australian Bight simply wouldn't be approved if a climate trigger was in place. Opening up new fossil fuel basins in an era of dangerous climate change is incredibly irresponsible for our future, our native species and our Pacific neighbours facing rising sea levels.
"We have a duty to take climate change seriously. This must be included in any move to strengthen our environmental laws. We are losing time to arrest climate change and if Adani and drilling in the Bight go ahead, we may pass the point of no return.
"Last year's IPCC report said we had just over ten years to phase out coal if we are to keep global temperature rises below 1.5C. Stronger environmental laws with a climate trigger would ensure that new, big polluting developments never get off the ground.
"The Morrison Government claims they will meet our Paris target in a canter. Without a commitment to no new coal, oil or gas, it won't happen. The Greens in the Senate will always stand up for our environment and action on climate change."
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
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