If someone took a hand this hot to a casino, you’d be betting all your money on whatever they’re playing and letting that sumbitch ride.
Victorian premier Daniel Andrews has unveiled a radical climate change policy today that will, if successful, see Victoria reduced down to absolutely zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Andrews simultaneously launched the Take2 campaign, aimed at empowering individual Victorian residents and businesses to do their part to help the state achieve its emissions goals.
A mark of zero would mean the state completely shifts how its electricity is produced, which at the moment includes only around 12% from renewable sources. A complete shift away from coal would see the Latrobe Valley power plant region either radically adapt, or shut down altogether.
Before the next state election, Andrews has also pledged that the state government would assess and set emissions targets to be met by 2025 and 2030, targets that will be set in five year intervals until 2050 and the zero target is reached.
“If we don’t pledge to play our part then in five or 10 or 20 years we won’t talk about extreme weather events, it’ll just be the weather.”
The Andrews Government did not reveal any specific policy decisions that would help emissions reduction targets being reached. Rather, they’re encouraging businesses and individuals to act, with no penalties to be imposed for non-compliance.
The Take2 campaign enlists the pledges of individuals and businesses, and encourages sharing of targets and goals achieved on a designated “Pledge Action Day” in August.
The aim of the campaign is to help cap the rise in average temperatures by 2 degrees.
Andrews stated that the renewed policy – first introduced by the Brumby Labor Government, then pared back by Ted Baillieu and the Coalition – would incur some costs to the Government, potentially substantial; whenever government supports new industries, costs are always involved.
However, he firmly stated that the project was exceptionally vital, and that the cost of doing nothing would be “much, much greater.”
DANIEL. BLOODY. ANDREWS, Y’ALL.
Source: The Age.
Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty.
