“We now know that carbon emissions played a major role in the extreme heatwave of 2013,” said Greenpeace Climate Campaigner, Dr Nikola Čašule.
“And today - after the two hottest consecutive September days on record - we have also been warned by the Sky News Severe Weather Report that we are in for a scorching summer with above average temperatures and a ‘heightened risk of bushfires’.”
“It is irresponsible in the extreme for the Abbott government to leave Australian families vulnerable to the devastating impacts of extreme heat and fires when it has the capacity to take action.”
“The RET has already proved itself to be popular, effective and has had a real impact on our carbon emissions – all of which puts Australian families in a better position to deal with a future compromised by dangerous global warming.”
“That’s why we are calling on the Prime Minister to act in the interests of the community, not the fossil fuel lobby by retaining the RET and getting on the front foot in building a climate resilient Australia.”
The full report 'Explaining Extreme Events of 2013 From A Climate Pespective' is available here.
For further information contact:
Greenpeace Climate Campaigner Dr Nikola Čašule: 0428 769 307
Greenpeace media officer Julie Macken: 0400 925 217