KELVIN THOMSON JOINS POPULATION ROLL OF HONOUR

Kelvin Thomson's brilliant speech on population in Federal Parliament last night allows him to be placed on an Australian honour roll of politicians who understand the detrimental impacts of population growth, according to Sustainable Population Australia Inc (SPA).
SPA's national president, Sandra Kanck, says this honour roll also includes former Queensland Sustainability Minister Andrew McNamara as well as two South Australian politicians: independent Member for Fisher, Bob Such, and the Liberal Member for Mackillop, Mitch Williams.

“But they are so few. The great majority of other MPs, state and federal, are ignoring the elephant in the room when it comes to this vital issue.

"This small number of courageous people recognise that continued population growth exacerbates manifold problems," says Ms Kanck. "Kelvin Thomson eloquently spelt out what they were: global warming; food crisis; water shortages; housing unaffordability; overcrowded cities; traffic congestion, species extinctions; fisheries collapse; increasing prices; waste; and terrorism and war."

Ms Kanck says SPA wholeheartedly supports Mr Thomson's call to stabilise world population, as well as Australia's.

"He rightly said 'especially' here in dry, arid Australia," says Ms Kanck. "Under climate change, the southern half of the continent is getting even drier and more arid. Our carrying capacity is diminishing by the month. This is not a continent that can sustain further population growth."

Further comment: Sandra Kanck 08 8336 4114

Kelvin Thomson is the Labor Member for the seat of Wills. His speech can be found at http://www.kelvinthomson.com.au/speechesdocs/090817%20PopulationHansard.pdf and is reported in full in this website at PARLIAMENTARY SPEECH 17/08/09.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 18 August 2009 23:53 )

Add comment

JComments

Search Site

Population Quotes

"Australia's population size will be determine by how we manage this old flat and salty land. Population growth is one of the main drivers of increasing greenhouse gas emissions, along with energy consumption, economic growth and land use," he said.-Barry Pittock, retired scientist with the CSIRO's division of Atmospheric Research speaking at a conference titled "Food, Energy, and Population" held in Adelaide at the University of South Australia in July of 2002

Media Release - 28th June, 2010

Gillard on population: An outbreak of commonsense?

Sustainable Population Australia, the nation’s only environment group campaigning on reducing human population, is greatly encouraged by the comments of incoming Prime Minister Gillard about reducing immigration.

National President of SPA, Sandra Kanck, says that after more than two decades of hammering away at this issue and the spectacular population growth, which took place under the auspices of former PM Rudd, it appears Australia now might be on the brink of an outbreak of commonsense. Full Release

Discover biodiversity - every day

Biodiversity is the backbone of all life on earth, and its conservation lies at the very core of IUCN’s work. ‘Species of the Day’ has been launched as part of IUCN’s involvement in the International Year of Biodiversity.

With mounting scientific evidence of a serious extinction crisis, it’s time to take action. “The latest analysis of the IUCN Red List shows the 2010 target to reduce biodiversity loss will not be met,” says Jane Smart, Director of IUCN’s Biodiversity Conservation Group. “It’s time for governments to get serious about saving species and make sure it’s high on their agendas for next year, as we’re rapidly running out of time.”

Each day of 2010 will see a different species featured on the IUCN website, with information on the threats it faces. The 365 species selected represent the entire range of taxonomic groups and cover all regions. We have started by featuring some better known species, including the Polar Bear and will move on to cover plants, fungi, invertebrates and more. Both charismatic and obscure species will be featured, providing an insight into the astonishing level of biodiversity that exists.

If you would like to access the archived list of species go to www.iucnredlist.org/species-of-the-day/archives

Add Comment to Each Article

NB: We have added a comments feature to each page. If you would like to add a comment please click on the link under each article. The comments will be moderated first then posted at each location. The right to edit comments if necessary, is reserved.