Canberrans will face catastrophic impacts from climate change and the government must act now to protect them, says Andrew Braddock MLA, ACT Greens Spokesperson for Climate Adaptation.
"The National Climate Risk Assessment shows a catastrophic risk to Canberra's future," said Mr Braddock. "With a predicted increase of 3 degrees, Canberrans will face severe heatwaves of up to 44 degrees for 10 days a year. Up to 40 days of the year will be above 35 degrees. Fire seasons will be longer and more extreme.
"The impact from climate change on Canberrans' health is devastating. There will be significantly more lives lost, and hospitals inundated with people suffering from these extreme rises in temperatures.
Outer suburbs like West Belconnen, lower Woden, outer Gungahlin, and large parts of Tuggeranong are most at risk according to data from the Australian Climate Service. "With less established tree cover, I am seriously concerned that these outer suburbs will be hardest hit," said Mr Braddock.
"Labor must protect these communities by adapting our suburban environment to meet these clear risks and increasing tree coverage."
"The ACT Government is obliged to protect its constituents from these horrifying impacts on their health and wellbeing."
The federal Labor government has announced a 2035 emissions reduction target of 62-70%. "This is a shameful abdication of Labor's responsibility to protect future generations, and will only accelerate climate disaster," said Mr Braddock.
"Just a week ago, Woodside's massive North West Shelf expansion was approved. Labor has guaranteed fossil fuel use until 2070.
"What are our so-called leaders in ACT Labor saying to their federal colleagues about this shameful acceleration of climate disaster?
"I'm calling on Labor to release its climate strategy for the ACT, with a focus on adapting to any impacts that are now unavoidable."
"The climate strategy implemented by Greens ministers in the ACT achieved a 50 per cent reduction in emissions. Risks to Canberrans have increased since then and so must the government's response.
"Too many suburbs around Canberra don't have the tree coverage necessary to limit warming temperatures. Greener suburbs, cooling waterways and adequate shelter in public places are essential to protecting Canberrans from crippling heatwaves.
"The Greens are the drivers of climate action in the ACT, and we will continue to pull other parties to look after this community as we face the toughest of times."
