Petition Declare an urgent state of climate emergency

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council the climate crisis occurring across this country and the world, for which Victoria contributes almost 20 per cent of Australia's emissions.

If we do not act, the situation will continue to worsen. This needs to be addressed systematically, on both a state & national level. It is important to recognise it is not individual people causing this problem, but large corporations who fail to act, and put profit before people and the planet. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, in 2024, the national minimum temperature rose 1.43 Celsius, and the maximum 1.48 Celsius. The Paris Agreement sets out a maximum of 1.5 Celsius, which we are dangerously close to. The futures of young people and their children will be affected. We cannot let big business continue to fail to care, and we must hold them accountable.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to declare an urgent state of climate emergency, enforce strict penalties on heavy polluters who fail to act and not approve any new coal and gas projects in Victoria.