Released 14/11/2016
The ACT Government today joined a leading group of sub-national governments from around the world to sign the global Under 2 MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) that is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to a level consistent with staying under two degrees.
The newest members of the Under 2 Coalition were announced today at the United Nations Climate Change Conference being held in Marrakesh, Morocco, which Mr Rattenbury is attending.
“The ACT has played a strong leadership role on climate change and clean energy, and is on track to achieve our 100% renewable electricity target by 2020,” said Shane Rattenbury, Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability.
“By signing this MOU, we have now joined with 165 other cities and sub-national governments from 33 countries, representing over a billion people, in setting targets that are consistent with a desire to limit global warming to no more than 2 degrees.
“Under the new Greens-ALP Parliamentary Agreement, the ACT Government has committed to going even further - reaching zero net emissions by 2050 at the latest and setting firm interim emissions targets to get us there.
“Staying below 2 degrees will help limit the consequences of global warming such as more frequent and intense storms, heatwaves, droughts, bushfires and impacts on flora and fauna.
“The strength of the Under 2 MOU is in the shared commitment from so many cities and sub-national governments from across the world to make a difference and to show others what can be done.
“The ACT can play a leadership role by sharing with other jurisdictions our strong progress on meeting our renewable energy targets through our innovative reverse auction processes for large scale projects.
“Canberra is fast becoming a hub for investment, training and research in renewables. We have the fastest growth rate of renewable energy jobs in Australia; four national and international wind companies have established their headquarters here and there are significant training programs underway at CIT and ANU.
“While there are obvious environmental benefits from taking action on climate change, the ACT is also committed to diversifying our local economy by investing in the energy technologies of the future,” Mr Rattenbury said.
The ACT is the second Australian state or territory to join the Under 2 Coalition, following South Australia who signed last year.
- Statement ends -
Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases
Media Contacts
| Name | Phone | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|