The Conservation Council of WA (CCWA) has warned that this weekend’s extreme weather across the state was a precursor of worse to come if fossil fuel expansion continues.

“Burning fossil fuels causes climate change, and climate change causes extreme weather like that experienced in Western Australia this long weekend,” said CCWA Executive Director Matt Roberts. 

“This WA Day, we have a chance to reflect on what kind of future we want for WA. Do we want to keep approving new gas projects that cause dangerous extreme weather, or do we want a safer future, powered by renewables?  

“The science is clear – climate change makes extreme weather events more likely to occur and more severe when they do occur; we’re seeing the impacts of this grow year on year. 

“The more approvals our state and federal governments give for new gas projects, the more we can expect to experience flooding, strong winds – including cyclones – and significant coastal erosion.  

“Yesterday we saw planes diverted from Perth airport, Cottesloe and Lancelin beaches further washed away, property damage, and thousands of West Australians without power – the social and economic cost of climate change is enormous.  

“Western Australia is one of the world’s biggest gas producers. We ship nine tenths of that gas overseas — but the emissions caused when it’s burnt contribute to extreme weather everywhere, including in WA, no matter where it is used. 

“Approving new gas proposals like Woodside’s Browse gas export project will make Western Australia a more dangerous place to live.  

“Companies like Woodside say they’re good for WA, but not only do they get away with taking gas intended for the domestic market and paying a pittance in tax, in the long run, they’ll cost Western Australians for generations to come by driving extreme weather.”  

ENDS