The Beagle Editor,
On Tuesday, August 13, the Eurobodalla Shire Council will debate a motion by Councillor Pat McGinlay to declare a Climate Emergency. I call on Council to pass this motion and ask residents to add their voices to this important discussion.
We are fortunate to live on the stunning NSW South Coast, under a progressive Council that has made significant strides in emissions reductions and support of community initiatives. The next step is to join the growing movement of jurisdictions – thirty in Australia alone – taking unequivocal climate action via Emergency declarations.
More than 99 per cent of scientists worldwide agree that we are in a climate emergency, with the potential for climate tipping points to cause global destruction and food shortages, unless greenhouse emissions are cut drastically within the next 10 years.
This can no longer be a partisan issue. The evidence is clear – extreme weather events, a worldwide waste crisis, biodiversity loss and mass extinction are upon us. Around the world, and here in Australia. This is not a crisis coming next year, or in ten years’ time. It's happening now and it’s worse than predicted. It’s an emergency of the greatest magnitude. There is no other way to look at it.
As a mother of two young girls, I want to work with the community to build a better future. One where we can look forward to health and food security, where we can protect our flora and fauna. One where we can tap into the enormous opportunities that a clean economy can bring. Where we can live richer lives as part of a supportive and resilient local network.
In doing so, we’ll be working to meet the biggest challenge of our time – the threat to a safe and certain future for our children.
Is there any greater emergency than that?
Sincerely,
Kat McCarthy (Broulee)
Australian Parents for Climate Action Eurobodalla
