20 July 2015

50% RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICY GOOD FOR NATURE

Today's Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that "a bold climate policy goal requiring half of Australia's large-scale energy production to be generated using renewable sources within 15 years” is set to be unveiled by Australia's Opposition Leader Bill Shorten this weekend.

WWF-Australia welcomed the report and called for the full details of the policy to be unveiled as soon as possible. WWF has long advocated that 50% of Australia’s electricity should come from renewable energy by 2030.

WWF-Australia spokesperson Kellie Caught said: “A planned transition out of polluting coal to clean renewable energy, like solar, is a key solution to tackling harmful global warming."

“Our politicians have a responsibility to implement solutions that will help protect nature under threat from global warming - like the Great Barrier Reef, and provide a safer, cleaner future for our kids."

“We now know that burning coal for energy is one of the major contributors to carbon pollution which is causing global warming. It’s incumbent on decision makers to do the right thing and facilitate the switch to cleaner energy sources like wind and solar."

“Australians in their millions are investing in solar energy to manage electricity bills and do their bit to reduce carbon pollution. Our politicians need to step up and do it on a larger scale."

“Setting a target of 50% renewable energy by 2030 would provide electricity investors with clear guidance to manage the transition to a cleaner more sustainable electricity sector and facilitate growth in sustainable jobs."

“WWF urges all political parties to commit to a goal of powering Australia’s electricity sector with at least 50% renewable energy by 2030, and 100% before middle of the century."

“Australians deserve cleaner air, less pollution, and a more sustainable future – lets have the plan for it."

WWF-Australia Media Contact:

Daniel Rockett, National Media Manager

Note to editors:

WWF-Australia urged all political parties to commit to a target of 50% renewable energy by 2030 in the lead up to the 2013 election.