The Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability has welcomed recommendations from the 2019 ACT State of the Environment Report.
The Minister, Shane Rattenbury said the four-yearly report, which was prepared by the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment, Professor Kate Auty, included an assessment of the state of the environment and current management initiatives.
“The science is clear, we are in a climate emergency and strong, informed decision making is vital to reducing, and adapting to, the impacts of climate change,” Mr Rattenbury said.
He said the report assessed 26 core indicators across seven themes: climate change; human settlements; air and land; biodiversity; water and fire.
“The 35 formal recommendations made in the Commissioner’s report will assist the ACT Government to make strategic and practical decisions and continue our reputation as a leader in sustainability and climate action,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“In addition to formal recommendations, 42 key actions across the seven themes will assist with ongoing environmental management,” he said.
“Making bold decisions has helped the ACT to achieve 100% renewable electricity and will help us to achieve our longer-term goal of 100% zero net emissions by 2045.”
The Minister thanked Professor Auty and her team for their work on the report.
“It is of great value to the Government and contains interesting and relevant information for the broader ACT community,” Mr Rattenbury said.
He said a response to the recommendations would be released later this year.
The Commissioner’s 375-page Report can be accessed at this PS News link.
