WWF-Australia today hailed the passage through the Senate of the Clean Energy Future Bills as a proud moment in Australia's history. "Climate change is one of the greatest threats to our environment and the survival of thousands of species. Today our political leaders took a critical step towards reducing this threat," said Dermot O'Gorman, CEO of WWF-Australia.

"Australia will reduce carbon pollution by 80 per cent of 2000 levels by 2050, and the biggest polluters will now have to pay for their carbon pollution. These changes will drive investment and innovation in clean energy to help us to reach our target and put us on a pathway to a cleaner, healthier future and give our wildlife and natural icons like the Great Barrier Reef a fighting chance."

WWF-Australia said that these changes would not have been possible without the dedication of its supporters in the community.

© WWF-Australia / Mike Griffiths

"Many people have been working for years to make this important reform happen. We thank each and every one of them for their dedication and perseverance."

"To those who remain uncertain about whether this reform is the best way to tackle climate change, we are confident that in time you will come to realise that Australia has acted in the best interest of our economy, our health, our environment and our wildlife.

"As an exceptionally large polluter - the highest per capita greenhouse gas polluters in the OECD and the 15th highest polluting country - Australia has a key role to play in global efforts to tackle climate change. Australia now joins more than 30 other countries, including New Zealand and all members of the European Union, who have priced their carbon pollution and are developing clean energy economies.

"If we are to maximise the economic and job opportunities this reform can bring it is critical that all political parties now get behind these changes and get on with the job of building a clean energy economy," Mr O'Gorman said.

This article was first published on My Green Australia. My Green Australia is a resource of information about living green and healthier in Australia. We want to protect and cherish our country and preserve the natural beauty of Australia for many generations to come.