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Ask Minister Bowen for a Methane Mitigation Target & NDC Action Now

Australia has a critical opportunity to show real leadership in the fight against climate change. Take action now and urge the Government to tackle toxic fossil methane emissions in our upcoming NDCs. By signing our petition to the Minister for Climate Change, Chris Bowen, you can add your respected voice to the call for stronger action on methane emissions. 

 

Why is this so important? 

  • Methane is a potent greenhouse gas: Methane traps heat far more effectively than carbon dioxide, making it a major contributor to global warming. Reducing methane emissions is one of the fastest and most effective ways to slow the rate of climate change. Cutting methane emissions is the most effective strategy we currently have to mitigate global warming in the near term
  • Methane is a serious health risk: The Healthy Futures Health and Methane Report highlights the direct link between methane emissions and human health. The report shows how methane contributes to ground-level ozone formation, which can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems. The report also shows how methane, by fueling global warming, is causing catastrophic climate-induced health impacts. Reducing methane is not just about protecting the environment; it's about protecting the health of Australians.
  • Australia has made a commitment: As a signatory to the Global Methane Pledge, Australia has committed to reducing methane emissions by 30% by 2030, however, currently we have no clear pathway or policies showing how we will meet this obligation.

  • Your sign on makes a difference: By contacting the Minister, we are sending a clear message that health professionals care about climate action and expect the government to deliver on its promises. Public pressure can influence policy and drive real change.

Why now:

The Climate Change Minister is updating Australia’s Nationally Determined Contributions our international climate action commitments. This is our chance to push for stronger action on methane.

The UN recently issued this stark warning: current global commitments to cut carbon emissions are falling drastically short. To avoid the worst of climate change and keep warming below the 1.5 degree threshold, we need meaningful action now. Reducing methane emissions, specifically from coal and gas in Australia, needs to be a top priority in the NDCs. 


What the petition asks for: 

  • Stronger Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): NDCs are the plans countries submit under the Paris Agreement outlining their climate action commitments. Australia's NDCs need to be strengthened to include a comprehensive methane action plan.
  • An internally aligned national methane action plan: This policy strategy should specifically include measures to reduce methane emissions from the coal and gas industry as they prepare to phase down. 

 

Take action today:

Our petition to the Minister for Climate Change is a simple but powerful way of giving the government a public health emergency warning — every signature counts. Let's work together to urge the government to take stronger action on methane emissions and build a healthier, more sustainable future for Australia.

200 Signatures

144 Signatures

Will you sign?

Urgent Action Needed on Methane Emissions -  Strengthen Australia's NDCs Now!

 

Dear Minister Bowen

As Australian healthcare workers, healthy organisations and concerned community members, we urge you to strengthen Australia's UN Nationally Determined Contributions and include a comprehensive national methane action plan outlining how we will meet our commitments under the Global Methane Pledge.

As you know, methane is a potent greenhouse gas with significantly higher warming impacts than carbon dioxide. Swiftly reducing methane emissions is critical to limiting global warming to 1.5°C and avoiding the most catastrophic impacts of climate change. Reducing methane is, simply put, the most impactful action we can take this decade. 

It is crucial that you understand the direct threat that climate change, and specifically methane, poses to human health. Climate change is the greatest public health threat that we face. Moreover, as the Healthy Futures Health and Methane report shows, methane contributes to ground-level ozone formation, which is a major component of smog. This can trigger respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis, particularly in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. Reducing methane emissions is, therefore, environmentally imperative but also essential for protecting public health.

It is very concerning that although Australia has signed the Global Methane Pledge, committing to a 30% reduction in methane emissions by 2030, there is no clear plan to guarantee this goal is reached. By incorporating a robust methane action plan into our NDCs, Australia can demonstrate much-needed leadership on climate action. This plan should also include clear fossil methane targets of a 75% cut on 2020 levels by 2030 as per the UNEP CCAC’s guidance on the next NDC

We therefore urge you to include in Australia's updated NDCs, a national methane plan that demonstrates how Australia will meet its obligations under the Global Methane Pledge. 

The upcoming NDC update is crucial for you and your government to take decisive action on methane emissions. As health professionals and concerned citizens, we implore you to seize this opportunity to solidify Australia's commitment to a cleaner, healthier future. 

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