Western Australia’s political leaders have been called on to declare a climate emergency

The Greens WA spokesperson for Climate Change Tim Clifford MLC has given notice today of The Greens intention to call on the Western Australian Parliament to declare a climate emergency.

The motion, which will be debated on September 4, calls on all members of the Legislative Council to:

1. Acknowledge the climate crisis and declare a climate emergency; and
2. Note that climate change will increase the likelihood of extreme weather events, including more regular and intense bushfires, and drought, and cause extreme disruption to Western Australia’s biodiversity, coastlines, water and food security, economy, and to its people and their livelihoods.

Comments to be attributed to The Hon. Tim Clifford MLC:

“We must declare a climate emergency.

“Climate change is already having a catastrophic impact right here in Western Australia: sea levels are rising, our coastlines are eroding, there will be more regular and intense bushfires and droughts, our biodiversity is dying, and we are facing extreme water shortages and threats to food security.

“Australia is not on track to meet our commitments to the Paris Agreement and WA is a massive contributor to this. Our state’s emissions are rapidly rising — both domestically and from the exporting of fossil fuels — and there are no policies or regulations to control.

“Declaring a climate emergency is more than just words. By recognising the climate crisis, it sets the intention for real, tangible action on climate change.