Carbon taxes key to stopping runaway climate change

Responding to the CSIRO report that places Sydney in the forefront of climate change causalities, Greens MP Lee Rhiannon today called on the NSW government to introduce state-based carbon taxes in order to fast track a shift from coal generated electricity to wind and solar energy sources and energy efficiency.

The CSIRO Report predicts that if emissions continue to increase at the current rate Sydney*s average temperature in 2070 will be nearly 5C higher than current readings and rainfall will drop by 40 percent. The International Panel for Climate Change is likely to issue a prediction of a 3C rise in average temperature across the world.

"In the absence of any sensible response from the Howard Government, Premier Morris Iemma has the responsibility and the power to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are causing this runaway climate change," Ms Rhiannon said.

"Now is the time to introduce carbon taxes. This will provide the economic signal to industry and electricity generators to phase out their reliance on fossil fuels.

"It is time Premier Iemma gave clear leadership in response to the climate crisis. If he fails to introduce a tax that makes greenhouse polluters pay we will see more jobs and more technologies going overseas.

"The CSIRO Report shows that Sydney is in the firing line. Words will no longer do. Urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gases.

"Without carbon taxes future generations will be condemned to coping with a climate burden that will bring personal hardship, huge health consequences and economic downturn as well as environmental devastation.

"It will not be possible to meet even modest greenhouse gas emission targets without making the polluters pay. Taxing emissions is the best way to create an energy market that gives low carbon sources a fair chance to compete against coal.

"Carbon taxes can raise enough money to massively boost the renewable energy industry and provide economic assistance to individuals and communities as the impacts of climate change grow.

"NSW has the opportunity to get in early and get ahead of other states and countries. The Greens are determined to not let it be squandered," Ms Rhiannon said.