Labelling of Fossil Fuel Energy Sources

Eligibility - Queensland residents
Principal Petitioner:
Cameron Leckie
19 Dunbil Avenue
FERNY HILLS QLD 4055
Total Signatures - 255
Sponsoring Member: Kate Jones MP
Posting Date: 24/10/2006
Closing Date: 30/3/2007
Tabled Date: 17/4/2007
Responded By: Hon Geoff Wilson MP on 2/8/2007
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland
Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House, the majority of human-induced global warming is caused by the burning of fossil fuels. Currently we are experiencing record temperatures and increasingly regular and severe extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and tornadoes. These events are consistent with the predicted effects of global warming. Temperatures could increase by as much as 6°C over the coming decades. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, claims that a 60% reduction in global greenhouse pollution is required to stabilise atmospheric CO2 and limit the impacts of climate change. Australia, with one of the world’s highest per capita emissions of greenhouse gases, has a responsibility to reduce its total emissions. Action Required: Therefore, it is requested that the Queensland Government require that all energy sources, such as petrol, electricity and gas, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere be clearly marked with the quantity of greenhouse gases emitted. This will encourage the residents of Queensland to reduce their consumption of fossil fuels or move to alternatives. Examples of labeling could include: Electricity bills. ‘Your electricity consumption released ‘X’ kilograms of greenhouses gases into the atmosphere. Visit (website) to see how you can reduce your green house gas emissions.’ Petrol bowsers. ‘Each litre of petrol you consume releases 2.9 kilograms of greenhouses gases into the atmosphere.’ These are ‘no regrets’ actions, which if implemented, would not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but increase the demand for alternative energy sources and provide investment and employment opportunities in Queensland.