Friday 22nd March
Climate organisations respond to Coalition’s nuclear push
The adoption of nuclear reactors in Australia is not a climate policy, according to the Climate Council, Australian Conservation Foundation, Solutions for Climate Australia, and more than 40 civil society organisations working to speed up Australia’s response to climate change.
In a joint statement, non-government climate organisations expressed deep concerns about the federal Liberal National Coalition’s nuclear policy because it pushes real action on climate off into the distant and uncertain future.
Solutions for Climate Australia Director Dr Barry Traill said:
“More than 40 organisations, with millions of members and supporters in Australia, call today on the Federal Coalition to produce real policies and targets that could ratchet down climate pollution this decade.
“If the plan is to wait for nuclear reactors, you are saying a big yes to more pollution from coal and gas, and a no to reducing emissions now.
“The Federal Liberal Party lost government in 2022 in large part because of their very poor climate policies and delivery. They will be repeating this in the next election unless they can shift their focus from unworkable, dangerous distractions like nuclear reactors.”
Australian Conservation Foundation nuclear analyst Dave Sweeney said:
“If you are talking up nuclear power, you are effectively burning coal.
“We’re calling on the federal Coalition to show us real and credible plans to tackle climate change this decade.”
Dr. Simon Bradshaw, Climate Council Research Director said:
"Australia's main electricity grid is already 40% renewables, and 1 in 3 families have taken control of their power bills by putting panels on their roof. The move to clean energy needs to move faster, but momentum is building. We do not need distractions like nuclear to derail our progress now.
“Nuclear power is expensive, illegal, dangerous and decades away from powering our homes and businesses. It makes no sense. On the other hand, energy from the sun and wind is cheap, abundant, safe and available now. So, let’s get on with building more renewable energy."
The attached joint statement details why nuclear reactors in Australia aren’t a solution.
ENDS
For interviews:
Dr Barry Traill, Director of Solutions for Climate Australia: 0448 793 334
Dave Sweeney, ACF nuclear analyst: 0408 317 812
ENDS