Clearfelled forestLand clearing in NSW generates as much as 35 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year, which is the equivalent of more than 7 million new cars on our roads.
“The Carr Government will fail to meet its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels if it does not end broadscale land clearing in NSW,” Greens MLC Ian Cohen said today.
“The Premier has made many bold statements about combating climate change and committed his government to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but if he fails to end broadscale land clearing he will fail to meet the targets he has set.”
Land clearing in NSW is estimated to emit between 283.9 and 591.3 tonnes of greenhouse gases per hectare per year (source: Australian Greenhouse Office). Current rates of clearing are estimated to be 60,000 hectares per year in NSW.
Today is the closing day for public comment on the NSW proposed new native vegetation reforms and Mr Cohen said that the government must now make sure it fulfils its promise to the people of NSW to end broadscale land clearing.
“The Carr Government is now on its third attempt to stop land clearing, it is on its third promise to the community and the electorate to address this issue. They can be very certain that now have a very real credibility problem.
“It is possible that, despite the reforms, land clearing will continue to occur in NSW at a shocking rate. Exemptions under the new regulations could allow hundreds of thousands of hectares of vital native vegetation to be cleared each year.”
Further Information: Paul Sheridan, 0410 516 656
No comments:
Post a Comment