The Tasmanian Government recognises that climate change is a serious issue that requires collective action locally, nationally and internationally.
We are committed to ensuring Tasmania plays its part in this effort. We are also determined to leverage off the momentum resulting from the significant outcomes from Paris recently.
Tasmania is already a genuine world leader in the response to climate change.
At 3.3 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, our per capita carbon emissions are among the lowest of any reporting jurisdiction in the developed world.
But there is more we can do and must do in responding to this issue.
With many natural advantages we are well placed to embrace the challenges climate change presents, as well as to seize the opportunities.
While there is no doubt Tasmania will experience some adverse impacts of climate change, if we use our natural advantages and make the most of opportunities then a future low carbon economy can help deliver increased investment, jobs and economic growth in our State.
We want Tasmania to be seen as a world leader, especially in areas like renewable energy and science and research.
The Tasmanian Government has today delivered on its commitment to release a draft Climate Change action plan for consultation.
The draft action plan outlines the Tasmanian Government’s framework for action to deal with climate change through to 2021.
We are focusing on sensible and practical actions to help Tasmania capture the opportunities, better manage change, and reduce future impacts and costs.
In order to ensure our new Climate Change action plan is the best it can be, we want the community’s help in setting future targets and priority actions.
To begin the community discussion, the Government will hold public meetings in the South, North and North West of the State in February-March 2016.
Written submissions will be accepted until 25 March 2016.
Full details, including a copy of the draft action plan, can be found at the Tasmanian Climate Change Office website:
http://www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/climatechange/what_the_government_is_doing/tasmanias_climate_change_action_plan
More Media Releases from the Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage