Pollution from burning fossil fuels is heating our planet at unprecedented rates, causing mass coral bleaching events, endangering sea turtle populations, and risking 64 000 jobs the Reef supports.
As proud custodians of our natural wonder, we call on the Queensland government to significantly slash fossil fuel pollution to protect our Reef and sea turtles.
Queensland is one of the biggest polluters per capita in the world yet has one of the lowest emissions reduction targets in the country.
Queensland must strengthen its emissions reduction targets, which are woefully inadequate to limit warming to 1.5 degrees – a critical temperature threshold for the survival of coral reefs.
Queensland has the solutions with the natural advantage of abundant sunshine and wind. So now it’s time to shine by phasing out fossil fuels, powering the state with renewable energy, and stopping land clearing in Reef catchments.
*Queensland’s current emission reduction target of 30% below 2005 levels by 2030 needs to be doubled this decade as a first step to limiting warming to 1.5 degrees. Queensland must scale up its ambition and set targets to reduce pollution by 70% by 2032 and 80% by 2035.