Alex has stood up for action on the climate catastrophe during his last term in the lower house and well deserves his green light ranking.
I refer to your work to make climate the focus of the 2023 State Election and share your hope that climate and environment are key factors in how people vote and the next parliament.
My responses to your questions are below.
1) Do you endorse NSW declaring an ecological and climate emergency?
Yes.
Climate change is the biggest challenge facing humanity and we will have no future if we do not act urgently to transition every aspect of society to net zero, and preserve remaining carbon sinks and biodiversity.
2) Do you support the principle of aiming for zero emissions by 2030?
Yes.
Achieving net zero emissions by 2030 will be difficult, but with the political will it is possible. The Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap set a plan to transition energy supply to renewable energy by 2042 in response to my inquiry into energy supply and resources. With investment in renewable energy picking up pace, we can bring this forward to 2030. Transition of energy supply provides opportunities to also transition the transport sector and withdraw from gas supply. Energy efficiency, smaller renewable projects and an end to land clearing will help us get to net zero. My inquiry into food supply identified significant greenhouse gas savings from reducing food waste and made recommendations to achieve this.
3) Do you oppose exploring for or commissioning new gas or coal mining projects?
Yes.
Gas and coal are fossil fuels are key drivers of climate change. Significant emissions are produced regardless of where the gas or coal is sent to be burnt. A global phase-out of gas and coal is needed and now is not the time to establish new gas and coal mining projects. Furthermore, approving new projects will only further entrench the economies reliant on coal and gas, making transition more difficult.
4) Do you oppose the logging and wood chipping of NSW native State forests?
Yes.
The destruction of the state’s public native forests for low value woodchip is a disgrace, with vital habitat for endangered species and carbon sinks diminishing at a time when we need them most because of climate change, and extreme bushfires. I have called for an end to public native forest logging and for a plan to transition the forestry industry to plantations. The forestry industry is heavily subsidised and there are multiple reports showing economic and environmental benefits from transitioning the industry including for forestry workers and communities. I am committed to continuing this push.
5) Do you support rapid transition action that prioritises social justice within the most cost effective framework our society can muster?
Yes.
The transition to zero emissions must not leave anyone behind or create further hardship for our most vulnerable. I have called for government assistance to make social housing properties efficient with solar panels where possible and gas decommissions, and for assistance for renters to connect to renewable energy. I have also pushed for a transition authority to help coal and gas dependent communities diversify their economies in the move away from fossil fuels.
6) Would you support the rescinding of recent NSW legislation which undermines the right to protest?
Yes.
Peaceful protest is fundamental to our democracy and in parliament I opposed the laws that were used to imprison Deanna Coco. No one should be jailed for calling for action on climate change or causing an inconvenience.