Speech - Walk Against Warming - 11 Nov 2007

Speech:

Climate change is the biggest issue facing this generation. Some would say it’s the most important issue to face all generations. I’m sure that’s the reason so many of us, of all ages, are here today.

The scope and potential of climate change – environmental, humanitarian, health, political - make it an overarching issue to rival the consequences of war in magnitude.

Because of this, though, too often we are overwhelmed. We say, “it’s too big for me to deal with. What can I do? The government needs to act.” And the election in the next few weeks offers the chance to choose a government that you believe will make a difference.

But we should not think it is only the responsibility of the federal government. Governments of all complexions and at all levels have a role to play. Whether it is through regulation such as energy efficiency and mandatory renewable energy targets or incentives there needs to be deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. These must include meaningful 2020 targets. In the US, where federal leadership seems to be equally lacking, more and more states are implementing substantial renewable energy targets and greenhouse gas emission reductions.

We have the technologies available now. We should not hold out some forlorn hope of carbon sequestration or a nuclear world. Implementing energy efficiency and conservation measures can, by themselves, lead to reductions in usage and emissions of nearly half of what we must achieve.

And while I’m on the topic of sustainability, logging native forests is not sustainable and neither is a Tasmanian pulp mill.

But we should go further still. Each of us at a personal and individual level has a role to play. We can all try to recycle our rubbish, plant a tree, drive less or walk more, replace our light globes or seriously consider the impact of that new plasma TV. I’m sure everyone here is already doing many things but when we leave here I’m sure our horizons will be expanded further. I hope we will all consider where our food comes from, further minimising our waste, conserving water and, equally important, where our money and superannuation is invested. What we support through our investments and superannuation can help create a better world through the activities and the types of companies it is supporting.

We cannot forget the role of business and corporations. Each of us, together, is the corporation. And the power of our money is a way to influence them too.

Tonight the city skyscrapers behind us, with their corporate logos, will remain lit up like Christmas trees. It would be really great to have business see the light by regularly turning theirs off and not just doing so once a year on Earth Hour. In a carbon constrained world all these seemingly small changes can have a positive effect.

Everyone is here today because we all recognise the extent of the challenge that faces us. Our being here shows it is not too late. Our political and personal choices matter. There is still time to lobby our politicians.

Our impacts and their consequences cannot be left to burden future generations. 

Because if not us, then who? If not now, then when?

Thank you.

James Thier 11/11/07