ROYAL COMMISSION: CLIMATE CHANGE FUELLED BLACK SUMMER
THE BUSHFIRE ROYAL COMMISSION findings, released today, clearly acknowledges that climate change fuelled the devastating Black Summer fires.
"The Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements has laid out the facts in no uncertain terms: Climate change drove the Black Summer bushfires, and climate change is pushing us into a future of unprecedented bushfire severity," said Greg Mullins, Climate Councillor, founder of Emergency Leaders for Climate Action and former Commissioner, Fire and Rescue NSW.
"The Federal Government absolutely has to act on the root cause of worsening bushfires in Australia, and take urgent steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This clearly means no new coal or gas, and a rapid transition to renewable energy," he said.
"Australians are watching the Federal Government closely to make sure it follows through on these recommendations. We are watching closely to make sure the Federal Government accepts and implements all recommendations," said Mr Mullins.
Greg Mullin's testimony and the Climate Council's Australian Bushfire and Climate Plan are both referenced in the final report.
"The Commission is incredibly clear - climate change fuelled the bushfires. The Federal Government must act to reduce emissions and phase out coal, oil and gas, which are driving these devastating fire conditions and putting people's lives, homes and livelihoods in danger," said Climate Council CEO, Amanda McKenzie.
"The tens of billions of dollars of disaster costs laid out in the final report are staggering, not to mention the loss of life, the long-term health costs, and impacts on Australian jobs and communities. Australians have paid a heavy price for failing to tackle climate change effectively and prepare for worsening extreme weather," she said.
"The Government needs to accept these recommendations, all of them. We will be watching, and we will hold them to account," said Ms McKenzie.
