“The Climate Institute is resolutely focused on credible policies to deliver bi-partisan 2020 pollution reduction targets of up to 25 per cent reductions off 2000 levels and drive a fast but fair transition to a low pollution economy,” said CEO John Connor.

“Australians understand that we have a pollution dependent economy that not only is making climate change worse but is dangerous for our health, our environment and economic prosperity.”

“Australians understand that our pollution levels are rising and will reward parties with detailed plans on pollution and climate change.

“Our policy priorities (summary attached) set out action in three areas:

1.    Limiting and reducing pollution at home and internationally;

2.    Making companies take responsibility for their pollution and

3.    Making clean energy cheaper.

“Central to an effective policy suite will be a commitment to legislate a credible mechanism to limit and price tag on pollution in the life of the next Parliament.

“During the election campaign The Climate Institute will be analysing policies from the ALP, Coalition and The Greens with our ‘Pollute-o-meter’ which quantifies the pollution reduction impact of announced policies against business as usual predictions. Current business as usual pollution projections will see at least a 20 per cent increase above 1990 levels by 2020.

“The Pollute-o-meter will test the credibility of policies from all three parties against the overall goal of reversing rising national pollution levels by 2013, achieving a 25 per cent reduction by 2020 off 2000 levels and transitioning to a net zero pollution economy by 2050.

“For the ALP and the Coalition in particular, the challenge will be to commit to policies that will close the gap between business as usual pollution trends and the target range of 5 to 25% reductions by 2020, which they both support – at this stage neither major party has credible policies for these  international commitments.

“Like the Pollute-o-meter, our star rating system will be updated throughout the campaign providing extra analysis of how policies assist in growing the jobs, skills and investment incentives needed for building a low pollution economy, as well as helping build global ambition and action on pollution and climate change.”

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For further information

The Climate Institute CEO John Connor 0413 968 475.

Climate Institute Communications Harriet Binet (02) 8239 6299 or 0402 588 384