I know many people are worried about the bushfires that continue to rage around Sydney and across NSW, and the impact on the lives of those directly affected, air quality, water supply and biodiversity

NSW Health advises staying inside with doors and windows closed and minimising strenuous activity if possible, especially people with heart and lung conditions. Look out for neighbours and pets, and keep hydrated. New water restrictions apply and with a hot dry summer predicted it is important that we all reduce water use.

The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned we are on a path to severe weather and uninhabitable conditions unless we make far-reaching, rapid and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society to cut global carbon emissions by 45 per cent on 2010 levels by 2030, with zero net emissions by 2050. Addressing climate change is vital if we don’t want this bushfire season to become our future norm.

Reducing state-wide emissions will continue to be a focus of my work in Parliament, including through the inquiry I’m chairing into transitioning the economy to clean energy.

We should use the experience of the fires as a call to action for our leaders and demand a sustainable energy plan that switches to renewables and an end to deforestation. I encourage you to contact the Prime Minister asking for an urgent national transition to 100 per cent clean energy: HERE and the Premier asking for an end to deforestation in NSW: HERE.

NSW Health Bushfire Smoke factsheet: HERE

Air Quality: HERE 

Fires and emergencies: HERE

Water restrictions: HERE