The NSW government must factor in climate change to planning laws as well as cutting emissions after a report was release today showing that poorer people will be the least able to cope with the impacts of rising temperatures and wilder weather, the state’s peak environment group said today.
The report by the CSIRO and the Sydney Coastal Council’s Group released today showed that the poor, the elderly and the less educated would be worst hit by the impacts of climate change.
“Climate change is undoubtedly the biggest environmental challenge of our time, but this report shows that is also presents a major social equity challenge,” Ms Faehrmann said.
“It shouldn’t just be left to the individual to plan for the impacts of climate change because not everyone will be able to afford to.
“To reduce the impacts of climate change on everyone, the state government must factor in climate change in everything from approving new coal fired power to planning laws.
“The safest way to ensure that the elderly, less-educated and lower income people do not bear the brunt of climate change, is to act now to stop the worst impacts happening.
“While wealthier people may be able to protect themselves from the storms, heatwaves and floods that climate change will bring, governments have a responsibility to protect the vulnerable by acting now.
“It’s time to listen to what scientists have been saying for decades, and to reduce greenhouse pollution before it’s too late,” Ms Faehrmann said.
