Vernon urges urgent climate action in wake of IPCC report

THE RELEASE of the fifth assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) still has almost another year before it reaches final publication.

The Greens say beach erosion and sea level rises are the inevitable result of climate change. Picture: Trevor Veale

THE RELEASE of the fifth assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) still has almost another year before it reaches final publication.

A document dealing with specific predictions for Australia and the Oceania region is due in 2014.

The initial report released on Friday has already put enormous pressure on the Abbott Government to change many of its announced climate change policies.

The Greens spokesperson in Cowper, Carol Vernon, is adamant the Coalition have got climate policy badly wrong.

"The IPCC report confirmed what many people in Cowper accept as climate change fact," she said.

"The report also stands as an indictment of our Federal and State Governments as they continue to show contempt for science.

"Their misrepresentations are affecting action.

"Indeed, Minister Greg Hunt laughably claims the price on carbon is 'just an electricity tax.'

"The Coalition is committing to an expensive, underfunded Direct Action Plan which will not achieve its inadequate 5% emissions target by 2020.

"It is a plan paid for by the taxpayers, not by the big polluters.

Ms Vernon said much of the Mid and North Coast with many estuaries is very vulnerable to the predicted sea rise and expected increase in severe storms.

"During the Federal election campaign we did not hear anything from The Nationals Luke Hartsukyer that would instil confidence," she added.

"Nothing that he had the inclination or commitment to push for effective climate change action.

"For example, he showed no understanding of how the looming 'climate crisis' could impact on local business.

"The big polluters include the coal seam gas and coal miners along with industries that have large methane emissions.

"Across Cowper, communities have demonstrated their determination to protect land, water and future lifestyle from any form of toxic, destructive mining practices.

"We have little proven support from our State and Federal representatives as they submit to these destructive industries.

"However, we will continue to fight for our clean air and clean water."