November 30, 2023
Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action welcomes news that the NSW Government’s Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Bill will include an interim target of 70% emission reduction by 2035.
Commenting on the developments, CEO, Serena Joyner said: “We are relieved and encouraged to see that the NSW Coalition, along with crossbench colleagues, has been able to negotiate with the Labor Government to ensure their original 2035 target of 70% will be included in the Bill. This is a standout example of how bipartisan support on climate action leads to better outcomes.
“While more needs to be done to protect our communities and environment from worsening climate change driven events like the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires, these sorts of commitments, that have support from all parties, are important.
“Now, as we head into another potentially devastating summer and fires already destroying homes and lives, it is vital that we see greater climate action through investment in emissions-reducing renewable energy, strong regulation of industry emissions and planning decisions on new projects that adequately account for the social cost of climate impacts.”
ENDS
Note to editors:
Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action (BSCA) is a non-partisan, community organisation made up of bushfire survivors, firefighters and their families working together to call on our leaders to take action on climate change. BSCA formed shortly after the Tathra and District fire in March 2018, and its founding members were all impacted by bushfires, including the Black Summer bushfires in 2019-20, Blue Mountains in 2013, Black Saturday in 2009 and Canberra in 2003.
BSCA has been at the cutting edge of legal reform to reduce climate emissions and hold governments, agencies and companies to account. In 2023 the NSW Environment Protection Agency was the first such agency in the country to introduce a climate policy, which it was required to do as a result of landmark court action taken by BSCA.
ENDS
Contact details:
For more information or interviews:
Serena Joyner: 0417 211 203
