Our policy on the issue of climate change aims to reduce its effects in various ways; we will promote cleaner public transport; replace Australia’s energy sources with renewable options; and substitute plastic packaging with sustainable materials. 

Climate change is defined by the United Nations as ‘long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns.’ While these changes can be natural, humans and their actions are largely responsible for climate change. This is due to behavior such as burning fossil fuels, such as coal, gas and oil. 

Coal contributes largely to Australia’s carbon footprint. In 2019, over 300 million Tonnes of carbon dioxide were emitted. These greenhouse gases negatively impact climate change. Climate change has become a serious issue for Australia, as seen in these statistics. But how will this affect you? Why does it matter? 

Climate change is the biggest threat facing humanity. It is harming our health, as it spreads disease, leads to extreme weather conditions and decreases food production. These factors take the lives of 13 million people each year. 

Our policy guarantees a healthier environment, as it aims to reduce Australia’s carbon footprint. 

We will ensure Australia introduces more sustainable energy sources, such as solar and wind energy. This will significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. Wind turbines will be installed through Australia to implement this. Additionally, we will provide solar panels to the main consumers of Australia’s energy – businesses, factories and homes – at a reduced price. This will allow people easier access to sustainable energy. Solar panels will be available at the same prices in rural and urban areas, encouraging people all over Australia to swap to renewable, sustainable energy. By replacing power sources like fossil fuels with renewable energy, 4 the Future will reduce the effects of climate change. 

Moreover, we will act to combat climate change by promoting public transport and keeping it cleaner. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people using public transport is down 20%. People are apprehensive about being exposed to germs, and doubt the cleanliness of buses, trams and trains. This means more cars on the road – and more carbon emissions. While public transport is twice as energy efficient as cars, it is not being used to its full capacity. To counter this issue, 4 the Future will ensure hygienic public transport that runs on sustainable energy. Public transport vehicles will be washed daily and deep cleaned every two weeks, thus encouraging people to use this environmentally friendly alternative. 

Finally, we will replace non-biodegradable materials with sustainable packaging. Plastic packaging will be replaced with environmental materials, such as cardboard, bamboo, biodegradable plastics and synthetic, biodegradable polymer. A shocking 95% of plastic in Australia is discarded after being used once. This plastic must be disposed of – and much ends up in landfill or is incinerated. But burning plastic is harmful to people and the environment as it releases greenhouse gases. Thus, by replacing plastic with biodegradable options, we will help reduce climate change. 

Help us save Australia’s future. 

Vote 4 the Future.