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  4. Letter: Healthy Futures writes to Federal Minister for Climate Change

Government Methane Letter

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1. Outline

Australian healthcare workers and health organisations have drafted a letter addressed to the Hon Chris Bowen MP, Australian Minister for Climate Change. The letter urges Minister Bowen to take immediate action to curtail Australia's fossil fuel methane emissions, emphasising the urgent need to mitigate the risk of catastrophic climate change and its severe health impacts. Methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to global warming and poses serious health risks, including respiratory conditions and exacerbated climate-related health issues. Immediate and decisive action is critical to protect public health and ensure a sustainable future. Reducing methane emissions will not only help mitigate climate change but also reduce ground-level ozone, preventing millions of premature deaths and safeguarding agricultural yields.

Methane emissions are a major driver of climate change and pose severe health risks. Without significant reductions in methane emissions, the health and well-being of individuals, as well as the overall healthcare system, will be severely impacted. Healthy Futures is committed to advocating for the development of a national plan by 2025 to monitor and reduce fossil fuel methane emissions. Healthy Futures will be sending this letter to Minister Bowen, urging for immediate and comprehensive action to address this critical issue.

We are sharing this letter far and wide, and you can help by making a tax-deductible donation to help publicise this letter and increase pressure on Bowen!
View the Letter

2. Key Recommendations
 

Priority Actions

Alongside improved climate governance, the letter highlights several key priorities for the Australian Government to address fossil fuel methane emissions and their associated health impacts:

  • Fossil Fuel Methane Emissions Reduction Pathway: Develop an ambitious and comprehensive strategy to reduce fossil fuel methane emissions by 75% by 2030. This strategy should be aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, as outlined by the International Energy Agency's Net Zero Roadmap.
  • Mechanisms for Methane Emissions Measurement, Reporting and Mitigation: Implement robust mechanisms for accurate measurement, reporting, verification, and mitigation of methane emissions. These mechanisms should adhere to international best practices to ensure transparency and accountability.
  • Mandating Methane Leak Detection and Repair Programs: Introduce mandatory methane leak detection and repair programs. These programs should be designed to identify and promptly address methane leaks in fossil fuel extraction and processing operations.

The letter also addresses the broader health impacts of methane emissions and outlines steps to mitigate these risks:

  1. Reduce Health Risks from Methane-Related Pollution: Develop policies to reduce the formation of ground-level ozone caused by methane emissions. This includes measures to protect individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma and to prevent crop yield reductions that could impact rural livelihoods.
  2. Invest in Clean Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency Programs: Continue and expand investments in clean energy technologies and energy efficiency programs. Reducing reliance on fossil fuels will not only help mitigate climate change but also promote public health and economic resilience.
  3. National Plan by 2025: Establish a national plan by 2025 that encompasses the aforementioned strategies. This plan should include clear timelines, goals, and funding mechanisms to ensure effective implementation and progress monitoring.

These priority actions are essential to safeguard public health, protect the environment and fulfill Australia's commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement. Immediate and decisive action will help mitigate the severe health and environmental impacts of methane emissions and contribute to a sustainable future for all Australians.
 

Want to Get Involved? 
 

1. Make a tax-deductible donation to help publicise this letter and increase the pressure on Bowen.

2. Your voice is powerful too. We’ve created an online tool you can use to email the Minister for Climate Change Chris Bowen calling for him to reduce methane pollution to protect health. The more people do this right now, the more likely he’ll make a good decision for our climate and our health.

3. Share this campaign with a colleague or friend who should join our movement.