Safety First-IEU Seminar Series; Monday, 6th September 2010; Penrith NSW; 8:30am - 3:30pm. read more
Women in Education Committee Meeting; Thursday, 9th September 2010; Armidale NSW; 4:30pm - 6:30pm. read more
Parramatta Principals' Meeting; Thursday, 9th September 2010; Rooty Hill NSW; 7:30 - 8:45 am. read more
Safety First; Friday, 10th September 2010; Ballina NSW; 8:30am - 3:30pm. read more
Principals Branch Meeting; Saturday, 11th September 2010; Parramatta IEU Office; 10:00 am. read more
Principals' Breakfast Meeting - Sydney Eastern Region; Tuesday, 21st September 2010; Daceyville NSW; 7:30 - 8:45 am. read more
2010 IEU Race Day; Wednesday, 29th September 2010; Canterbury NSW; 12:30pm - 5:00 pm. read more
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G8 Carbon Cuts Commitment - Time To Set The Bar High
A
G8 commitment to carbon emissions cuts that could limit global warming
to no more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels is
welcome, but this international leadership must be supported by
appropriate domestic targets and legislation, says the Independent
Education Union.
IEU Deputy Secretary Gloria Taylor said
all political parties and all levels of government needed to continue
the push for strong global commitments and to ensure the necessary
supporting legislation was passed in Australia.
“The Union
believes ambitious and firm targets, supported by strong legislation,
is the only way to ensure necessary emissions cuts will be made.”
This would include:
- the setting of firm greenhouse gas reduction targets to ensure the 2 degree Celsius figure is achievable
- passage of the Federal Government’s emissions trading legislation
- stronger incentives and investment in new green jobs and training programs, and
- investment in and commitment to renewable energy technologies to meet the COAG-endorsed target of 20% by 2020.
The
Union also calls on political and business leaders to go beyond minimum
targets, seeking out new ways to play a leadership role domestically
and internationally.
“Achieving environmental sustainability
is one of the greatest priorities of our time. While targets and
legislation are vital, to ensure that everyone does their bit, these
should not be seen to be limiting.
“There are opportunities for
businesses and governments willing to go above and beyond minimum
targets, with efforts impacting many generations to come.”
In a
recent survey of IEU members almost 90% said climate action was either
important or very important, with 63% critical of industry practice.
The IEU continues to watch developments at the G8 summit with interest.
Click here to access the G8 meeting final declaration.
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