PETER PYKE SENATE CANDIDATE FOR QUEENSLAND
Press Release: 20 August 2010
PETER PYKE SENATE CANDIDATE CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY
Backed by Bob Katter for the Senate in Queensland, former-state MP Peter Pyke agrees that climate change is real, our planet is getting hotter, the weather wilder, and life is getting a whole lot more complicated.
What he doesn’t agree with is the: “The sky is falling! Put us in charge!” line being run by the Greens, nor does he agree that a Carbon Tax or ETS is the only answer.
In fact, he argues that a reliance on a Carbon Tax or ETS solution (there is a difference) is potentially disastrous, as for putting the Greens in charge, well!
The Global-Warming Lobby say that all we have to do is change our way of life, introduce a Great Big New Tax on everything and start handing over the money to them, their accountants and foundations. Mmmmm.
Peter Pyke understands why many environmentally conscious people have slammed both major parties for jettisoning plans to price carbon. But he says the politics are very complicated. However much there may be a scientific consensus on man-made global warming, Peter Pyke says, the fact remains no policy or global consensus exists. None whatsoever. Without global consensus, unilateral action to price carbon would inflict great damage on the Australian economy, in terms of higher energy prices, lost jobs and lower growth.
And what if climate change is cyclical, or part-cyclical and part global-warming? And we put all of our eggs in a Carbon Tax or ETS and then we discover it doesn’t work?
Peter Pyke says its time to consider all options. Sure, let’s start the transition to a Pollution-Free Economy which can only achieve the best outcomes for our country and our environment as a whole. How should we do that?
A POLLUTION-FREE ECONOMY BY 2020
Peter Pyke says it’s time for the Australian parliament to implement legislation and policies to transition the re-powering of our economy with 100 per cent non-polluting energy by 2020.
Concentrated solar thermal power is one renewable energy technology he believes can help Australia make this transition. Solar thermal power stations concentrate the sun’s rays and store this energy as heat, to be used for boiling water day or night. Proving the worth of this technology, a power plant now under construction in Spain will deliver power 24 hours a day with the same base-load production characteristics as a conventional coal plant
A CLIMATE CHANGE COUNCIL
Peter Pyke doesn’t believe good-will and technology are going to be enough to reduce pollution outputs. He wants to see a similar body to the UK’s highly successful prototype- the Committee on Climate Change – which has quickly begun to create a deep consensus in the UK.
The influence of the UK`s committee can be seen already, with it’s recommendations that no new un-abated fossil fuel generators should be built. What makes the committee effective is it’s statutory powers set out in the Climate Change Act – powerful legislation that is the first of its type in the world which gives the committee a degree of authority over the UK government and the legal obligation to chastise the UK parliament on a yearly basis if they do not reduce carbon emissions, and the government must respond.
The UK`s committee is also tasked with setting short-term carbon targets. By establishing milestones that fall within one term of government, the ability of incumbent governments to delay action to a time beyond their tenure is removed.
For Australia to get a similar commission, these elements are critical. Peter Pyke will act to put such a commission in place in Australia.
ADAPTATION
Peter also thinks we must consider the other option – adaptation. Previous generations have adapted to climate change so we can, too, with modest, increased public investment in technological research and development.
Peter Pyke has great faith in Australians to meet these challenges.
Authorised by Peter Pyke, 135 Russell Street, Toowoomba, 4350. MOBILE: 0427 388 598
www.republicandemocrats.org.au
Recent Comments