The Victorian government has grand plans to "lead the charge against climate change" in Australia, and the case for decisive action could not be stronger.

Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D'Ambrosio and Premier Daniel Andrews at Seaford Wetlands Park. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui

Victorians continue to be hit with severe heatwave conditions across the state, as athletes and spectators have struggled through another scorching Australian Open. Meanwhile, regional towns along the Murray River have copped 45-degree conditions. Wodonga experienced its hottest day on record, reaching 45.3 degrees

The Bureau of Meteorology’s Annual Climate Statement confirmed Australia experienced its third hottest year on record in 2018. Victoria was hit with its highest mean maximum temperature on record, at 1.44 degrees above average. This angry summer of heatwaves, drought and bushfires is being driven by human-induced climate change.

Fortunately, Victoria is beginning to walk the walk on its climate leadership talk. It has introduced strong climate legislation in the form of the Climate Change Act, committing the state to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.