Queenslanders encouraged to switch off their lights for climate change

The Palaszczuk Government is encouraging Queenslanders to switch off their lights for Earth Hour tonight as a way of showing support for action on climate change.

Countries all over the world making moves to meet their climate change commitments and Minister for the Environment Leeanne Enoch said it was important that Queensland participated in the global push for a cleaner and safer planet.

“Earth Hour is a simple way for Queensland households and businesses to demonstrate that they stand with the rest of the world in tackling this important issue,” Ms Enoch said.

“Climate change will bring physical and financial risks for Queenslanders, but by taking the right actions now we can build resilience and grow our economy at the same time.

“Solutions to climate change already exist and will in many cases lead to more jobs, more prospects for Queensland businesses, and safer and happier communities as long as we position ourselves to take advantage of emerging global trends.”

The Queensland Government has set a state target to reach zero net emissions by 2050, with an interim target of at least 30 per cent reduction in carbon pollution on 2005 levels by 2030.

“Minimising the risks and seizing the opportunities are at the heart of Queensland’s response to climate change,” Ms Enoch said.

“These targets are critical to drive the investment and action needed to ensure Queensland’s economy remains competitive in the future.”

Over the next year, the Queensland Government in partnership with EY (formerly Ernst and Young) will explore how the State can position itself to capitalise on global trends as countries move to fulfil their commitments under the Paris Agreement.

“We can change the way we think about climate change to focus on the opportunities many of the solutions offer, and in that way start to reimagine the future for our state,” Ms Enoch said.

Earth Hour takes place at 8.30pm tonight (24 March).

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