Peg Putt joins TWS for international climate change campaign

The Wilderness Society Inc
Media Release        
10 November 2008

Peg Putt, former leader of the Tasmanian Greens, has returned to her conservation roots and begun work on a short term contract with The Wilderness Society's international climate change team.

Ms Putt's academic qualifications in international relations and her 15 years as an environmental campaigner before she entered politics make her an ideal person to advocate for deep cuts to global greenhouse gas emissions, The Wilderness Society's National Strategic Campaigns Coordinator, Virginia Young, said.

Ms Putt will join Wilderness Society campaigners from its national office in Canberra at the global climate change talks in Posnan, Poland, in December. Her contract with The Wilderness Society will not involve being a media spokesperson or include any domestic political work.

"Peg's knowledge and skills as a campaigner are a welcome addition to our team,” Ms Young said.

“The next round of the United Nations climate change negotiations is an important opportunity for decision makers to consider the scientific evidence of the crucial role protecting and restoring forests worldwide play in helping solve the global climate crisis.”

Ms Putt has relinquished her annual membership of The Greens to take up the role with The Wilderness Society's international team. This is consistent with The Wilderness Society's commitment to party political neutrality.

Ms Putt was elected to parliament in 1993, but had been a forests campaigner since 1978. She was previously the Director of the Tasmanian Conservation Trust, and prior to this she was responsible for the establishment of the Threatened Species Network in Tasmania.

"I look forward to being able to continue to campaign for an end to the destruction of the world's forests and contribute to solutions to the huge challenge of climate change," Ms Putt  said.