Queensland’s climate change credentials will be recognised by the world this week, with Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch travelling to California for the Global Climate Action Summit and the Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force Annual Meeting.
Ms Enoch received a special invitation to attend from Governor of California Jerry Brown, whose state, along with Queensland, is a member of the global Under2 Coalition – a government collective committed to keeping global temperature rises to under 2°C.
Organisers of the summit have requested Ms Enoch participate in the session The Zero Emission Transportation Revolution as a way to motivate other governments to take action on climate change.
Ms Enoch said the summit was an exceptional opportunity to showcase Queensland’s climate change initiatives, which include the world’s longest electric vehicle superhighway in a single state, and pioneering carbon farming projects, to an international audience.
"The Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to a zero net emissions economy by 2050 and our target of 50% renewable energy by 2030, puts Queensland at the forefront of global climate action," Ms Enoch said.
"We are a strong and active participant in global efforts to address climate change, and we are doing it in a way that is good for Queensland businesses, good for Queensland communities, and good for our natural assets like the Great Barrier Reef."
Among the initiatives set to be showcased during the summit and meeting is Queensland’s $500 million Land Restoration Fund, which will support the state’s emerging carbon farming industry.
Ms Enoch enthused that carbon farming has the potential to bring a new wave of industry to Queensland.
"By 2030, carbon farming could be worth up to $8 billion to the Queensland economy, as countries pursue their commitments under the Paris Agreement and seek high-quality carbon offsets," she said.
"Carbon farming is an example of how embracing the solutions to climate change can be a positive thing for Queensland, and we need to start carving our place in the emerging zero carbon global economy.
"It’s clear that solutions to the climate challenges we are facing already exist, and will in many cases lead to more jobs, more prospects for Queensland businesses, and safer and happier communities.
"That’s why – as a state, and a nation – we need to continue strengthening our position to take advantage of these opportunities."
The Global Climate Action Summit will take place in San Francisco, California 12-14 September. The summit will be streamed live via YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
