12 Nov 2017

WWF WELCOMES COMMITMENT TO RENEWABLE ENERGY TO PROTECT THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

WWF-Australia has welcomed the promise that a re-elected Palaszczuk Government would deliver at least 50% renewable energy in Queensland by 2030.

"Taking sensible steps to accelerate our transition to a clean energy future is absolutely critical if we're going to see the Great Barrier Reef return to health," said Dermot O'Gorman, WWF-Australia CEO.

"Without these kinds of actions; the Reef will continue to perish."

In May this year the nation's top Reef scientist revealed about 50% of all of the Reef's coral had been destroyed by coral bleaching in the last two years.

Then, in July, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s World Heritage Committee called for nations to limit global warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial average temperatures in order to protect the long-term health of the Great Barrier Reef and other World Heritage coral reefs.

"The actions set out in "Powering Queensland's future", such as 1000MW of new renewable energy through a 'CleanCo' and support to progress a baseload solar thermal power-station and hydro generation in Queensland are exactly the kinds of clean technologies we need to be accelerating, if we're going to limit global warming" said Mr O'Gorman.

WWF-Australia has released a conservation plan calling for all parties to adopt a clean energy future for Queensland to protect the Great Barrier Reef. The plan also calls for an end to excessive tree-clearing.

"All parties contesting the Queensland election should be looking to support a clean energy future if we want our Great Barrier Reef to thrive once again," said Mr O'Gorman.

WWF-Australa Media contact:

Owen Wareham, Supporter Engagement Manager 0448 951 548