Ballarat environmental campaigners say a necessary focus on the health, well-being and safety of all people is inseparable from a focus on the environment.
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The Ballarat Climate Action Network is supporting calls from leading environment and renewable energy organisations for a climate led recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
The group has released a statement advocating for the Victorian government and Ballarat state MPs to lead the way in making changes to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees celsius.
"We need clear leadership from our state government to provide more certainty in a time of great uncertainty," the Ballarat Climate Action Network statement said.
We have an absolute need to do all we can to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly to ensure a safer future for all.
- Ballarat Climate Action Network
Environmental groups across Victoria have expressed disappointment the Victorian government has deferred setting the state's first interim Emission Reduction Targets, but said they understood the need to focus on the COVID-19.
"The climate crisis requires us to continue to focus first on the safety, health and well-being of all people, and, inseparably, our environment," the Ballarat Climate Action Network said.
"We have an absolute need to do all we can to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly to ensure a safer future for all."
The group said the gas-led coronavirus recovery currently being planned at a federal level missed an opportunity for climate action and an economy recovery.
"Fossil fuels need to be kept in the ground," the statement said.
"We need Victoria to lead the way (for a renewable energy led recovery)."
The Ballarat Climate Action Network said a decision about 'strong' and 'ambitious' emissions reduction targets would provide the community with a clear path forward.
"Commitments to resourcing the changes needed will support communities to act and give people purpose and fulfilment as we all pitch in together to do what is needed as we work towards a safer future of greater health and well-being," the statement said.
"We're calling for the Andrews Labor Government to continue the leadership for climate they have shown in the past and we're calling on our local MPs Michaela Settle and Juliana Addison to do Ballarat proud and lead the drive for less than 1.5°C."
RELATED COVERAGE: Groups lobby state for ambitious carbon emissions target
Ballarat Climate Action Network member Elizabeth Wade said as a mum of two small children, she imagined the future they could face in 2050.
"We have a choice right now about which direction we head in, and we need to make the right choice," she said.
Friends of the Earth Melbourne is calling for the state government to publicly announce Emission Reduction Targets before the end of the parliamentary year on December 3 and deliver a comprehensive climate package in the budget.
It has already missed its deadlines of March and then early August to set the targets.
Environment Minister Lily D'Ambrosio said setting interim targets in the current environment was difficult given the impacts of coronavirus and uncertainty.
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