15th June: Slides are now available
Public transport users at front in war on climate change
Public transport users are leading the battle against dangerous climate change, the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) said today.
“The transport sector is one of the largest and fastest growing sources of greenhouse pollution,” said PTUA President Daniel Bowen. “By using public transport instead of driving, people can slash their carbon emissions and help reverse that growth. Emissions from public transport are around a tenth that of car travel.”
Mr Bowen said the latest climate science to be presented at a forum at Melbourne Town Hall on Sunday, demonstrates the need for urgent cuts to transport emissions. “Many eminent people are rightfully calling this a ‘climate emergency’. Time is running out before we risk turning earth’s climate into something never before seen in the history of human civilisation.”
Sunday’s forum – ‘Speeding towards dangerous climate change’ – will hear from David Spratt, the co-author of a new book to be released at the end of the month. Mr Spratt’s book, Climate Code Red, meticulously documents extensive scientific evidence that the global warming crisis is far worse than official reports and national governments have indicated, and that we’re almost at the point of no return.
“Transport is already the largest energy guzzler in Australia, with road transport the biggest culprit,” said Mr Bowen. “With rising oil prices, there are now plans to turn coal into liquid fuel which will send emissions through the roof. Even hybrid cars may only cut emissions by a small amount overall. We desperately needs solutions that provide an escape from high fuel prices as well as saving us from dangerous climate change. Solutions like better facilities for cycling and walking, and boosted public transport.”
The transport and climate forum starts at 2:30pm on Sunday in the Supper Room at Melbourne Town Hall, which has been made available by the City of Melbourne. More information is available at: www.ptua.org.au
“Addressing climate change is urgent. Measures like hybrid cars are only a small part of the solution. A lot more needs to be done to slash emissions, and public transport users are already on the right track,” concluded Mr Bowen.
15th June: Slides are now available