Antinuclear

Australian climate bill inadequate, but gives some hope

US and Australian climate bills: necessary evils
Green Left 9 August 2009
Australia’s climate bill has been widely reported. Treasury modelling shows it has many similarities to the US bill. On paper, the Australian bill is more serious about renewable power with a 20% target for 2020 and 50% by 2050.The emission reduction target is seen as depending heavily on carbon capture and storage, a non-existent technology. Australia’s Gross Domestic Product is still expected to grow 200% by 2050. Without the bill, GDP growth would be only 6% higher.The US and Australian schemes’ targets are modest, especially in the early years, and are projected to rely on unproven technologies. With growing consumption and risky high-tech generation, it is likely the schemes will have to adapt to achieve projected emission cuts…………………

…To sum up: the two bills as currently framed propose minimalist short-term actions to meet current political expectations. There is no hint of a change to the “material growth is good” mindset.

Although grand designs are presented for the longer term, the reality is that it is left for future generations to sort things out. Concerned environmentalists should do anything and everything to draw attention to this.

However, the Australian Greens — and other independent elected representatives with legislative clout — need to seriously consider passing Australia’s bill because it can be adjusted to play a more meaningful role in the future.

What is the alternative? Delay and you play into the hands of those who profit from deferment. Delay and risk weaker bills from post-honeymoon administrations. Delay and you defer technological and auditing improvements. Delay and risk removing yourself from the agenda that you spent blood, sweat and tears creating. Don’t delay.

Green Left – US and Australian climate bills: necessary evils

August 9, 2009 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized