Innovation no excuse for delay on climate action

07.12.15 By
This content is more than 8 years old

AUSTRALIA already has the tools it needs to solve the climate crisis and innovation can accelerate the transition, the Climate Council said today.

Welcoming the release of the government’s innovation statement, the Climate Council’s Professor Will Steffen said science was core to building a modern, vibrant and enterprising society.

“It’s great to see science being prioritised after so many years of neglect,” Professor Steffen said.

“As the world rapidly transitions to clean energy and looks for innovative ways to solve the climate crisis, there will be incredible opportunities for Australia.

“However, it’s important not to lose sight of the fact that we have all the tools we need to solve the climate crisis now, and don’t need to delay in wait of further innovation.

“In fact, waiting for further innovation could be exceptionally dangerous. The carbon budget – the very limited amount of fossil fuels that global society can burn and still meet the 2 degree policy target – is rapidly being consumed. There is a strong sense of urgency to get on with the job now.”

“Furthermore, the benefits of moving now are already clear. Research has found Australia could slash its emissions by 50% by 2030 using existing technology and still grow the economy.”

“Innovation is going to accelerate the use of these technologies. But we have the tools we need now, and they’ll only get better as we roll them out. There is absolutely no excuse for delay.”

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