A growing movement among federal politicians, particularly independent representatives Dr. Sophie Scamps and the Climate 200 independents, has gained momentum in the fight to stop native forest logging. Their efforts highlight a shift towards environmental sustainability and responsible governance in Australian politics.
Australia’s native forests are not just crucial for biodiversity but are also vital in combating climate change. However, logging practices have threatened these essential ecosystems for decades.
Our story about the federal Independents campaign to end native forest logging continues after this advertisement:
The Rising Tide of Environmental Advocacy
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in public awareness and concern about environmental issues in Australia. This shift in public sentiment has led to the election of environmentally-focused independent politicians who prioritize climate action and the protection of native forests.
Among these independents, Dr. Sophie Scamps has emerged as a prominent advocate for halting native forest logging.
Dr. Sophie Scamps: A Champion for the Forests
Dr. Sophie Scamps, a former emergency doctor and now a federal independent MP, has been vocal about her commitment to environmental protection. Representing the electorate of Mackellar, Dr. Scamps has made it clear that halting native forest logging is a top priority.
She argues that native forests are crucial carbon sinks, absorbing large amounts of CO2 and mitigating the effects of climate change. Logging these forests not only releases stored carbon but also destroys habitats for countless species, some of which are endangered.
Dr. Scamps has been actively campaigning to end logging in native forests, emphasizing the need for legislative change to protect these vital ecosystems.
Her approach includes working with local communities, environmental groups, and other politicians to build a coalition dedicated to preserving Australia’s natural heritage.
Pledge to end native forest logging
Dr. Sophie Scamps’ speech in the Federation Chamber 13/11/2023 on the launch of The Forest Pledge which aims to end native forest logging nationwide.
“The forest pledge is a promise by signatories to do what they can to help end native logging in this country,” Dr. Sophie Scamps said.
“When I talk about native logging, I’m talking about industrial-scale native logging of our public native forests. We’re in the middle of an extinction crisis, an environmental crisis and a climate crisis. Australia leads the world when it comes to mammal extinctions. We are responsible for 35 per cent of all mammal extinctions in the modern era,” she said.
The Climate200 Independents: A Unified Front
The Climate200 group, a community-funded initiative supporting independent candidates committed to climate action, has played a crucial role in bringing environmental issues to the forefront of Australian politics.
The candidates backed by Climate200, often referred to as the “teal independents” due to their campaign colors, have been instrumental in advocating for a range of environmental policies, including the cessation of native forest logging.
These independents, including Dr. Monique Ryan, Zali Steggall, and Kylea Tink, have joined forces with Dr. Sophie Scamps to push for stronger environmental protections.
Their collective efforts have brought significant attention to the detrimental impacts of logging on native forests and the urgent need for policy reform.
“I strongly support Dr. Scamps’s Native Forest Pledge and echo her calls for all state and federal politicians to work together toward a total national ban on harvesting native timbers from our precious forests,” Zali Steggall posted on her Instagram.
“The true value of our native forests is beyond measure, especially as the most efficient natural drawdown mechanism and home to our unique wildlife. They are quite literally priceless and once they’re gone they’re gone forever. That’s why we must do everything we can to protect our last remaining native forests,” Zali Steggall said.
Legislative Efforts and Advocacy
The push to end native forest logging has seen several legislative efforts and advocacy initiatives spearheaded by these independents. They have called for stronger environmental laws, advocating for stricter regulations to protect native forests and prevent logging in these critical areas.
Promoting the use of plantation timber and other sustainable alternatives is another key aspect of their efforts, aiming to reduce the reliance on native forests for timber production.
Ensuring the protection of habitats for endangered species and maintaining biodiversity by preserving native forests is a core focus of their advocacy.
Additionally, they emphasize the importance of community engagement, working closely with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of native forests and the consequences of logging.
Time to end native forest logging | Dr Sophie Scamps MP | 28 May 2024
“In 2020 logging destroyed or degraded 40,000 hectares of Australian public native forests, 40,000 hectares of what were thriving ecosystems,” Dr. Scamps said.
“Logging also contributes to climate change. Each year, logging releases greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to around six per cent of Australia’s annual emissions. Trees are our most effective carbon capture and storage units,” Dr. Scamps said.
“Logging also destroys critical habitat for threatened species. We are facing an extinction crisis here and the continued logging of our native forests is one of the major threats facing species like koalas, greater gliders and the Leadbeater’s possum. Logging dries out forests, leading to increased risk of bushfires, and younger trees are also far more flammable than decades-old trees,” Dr. Scamps said.
“Logging also reduces water quality in rivers and dams and undermines regional tourism.”
“Perhaps one could understand the persistence of the native forest logging industry if it made good financial sense, but it doesn’t. The forestry industry must be propped up with federal subsidies to survive,” Dr. Scamps said.
The Road Ahead
The efforts of Dr. Sophie Scamps and the Climate200 independents represent a significant shift in Australian politics towards prioritizing environmental sustainability.
Their advocacy has not only highlighted the urgent need to protect native forests but also inspired a broader movement among Australians who are increasingly demanding action on climate change and environmental protection.
“In the face of all these risks and with plantation forestry and alternative wood products available, the ongoing logging of our native forests makes no sense. The Albanese government must not stand by and allow this to continue. There is a simple solution,” Dr. Scamps said.
“”Currently, state based regional forestry agreements are exempt from the national environmental law—what is known as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, the EPBC Act. This means that the usual environmental laws that apply to other large projects do not apply to these forestry agreements,” Dr. Scamps said.
“The effect of the exemption is that logging companies, some of which are state owned, do not have to seek approval or comply with the environmental protections set out in the EPBC Act. This exemption must end,” Dr. Scamps said.
While the battle to stop native forest logging is far from over, the growing support for these independent politicians and their environmental initiatives offers hope for the future.
As they continue to push for legislative change and raise awareness about the importance of preserving Australia’s native forests, it is clear that the tide is turning in favor of a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to governance.
The efforts of federal politicians like Dr. Sophie Scamps and the Climate200 independents are crucial in the fight to stop native forest logging in Australia.
Their dedication to environmental protection and sustainable practices sets a precedent for future political leaders and underscores the importance of preserving our natural heritage for generations to come.
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