Tackling climate change, with a pen!

The pen is mightier than the sword
and used with enthusiasm it can
help mitigate climate change.

Letter writing might seem inadequate in the face of the overwhelmingly power of the forces that are leading the world down the path of climate change, but that is not true.

The “Letters” section of newspapers is one of the most avidly read sections with the content being devoured by people from all walks of life – from casual readers to decision makers and from caring, sensitive believers of the global warming science through to the rather sad skeptics and doubters.

Enthusiastic Beneath the Wisteria supporter, John Pettigrew, is one who understands the value and importance of letter writing and below is a copy of his latest letter to the Shepparton News.
Well done John!

Lack of conviction.

To achieve their 2020 target of a 5% reduction in carbon emissions the Coalition would need to spend an extra $4 billion. The current Coalition policy and funding estimates do not reduce Australia’s carbon pollution, but would result in a rise by 8 to 10 per cent above 2000 levels by 2020.

These are the latest findings of a study and detailed modelling undertaken by SKM–MMA and Monash University’s Centre of Policy Studies that was commissioned by internationally recognised The Climate Institute.

This latest study casts serious doubts over the effectiveness of the coalition’s “Direct Action” policy despite stated policy to avoid a 2 degree increase in global temperature. Also cast into doubt must be its support in principle for a second commitment to Kyoto and its support for current Renewable Energy Targets.

Whilst even the current Government’s domestic policies, including pricing carbon emissions hardly go far enough, the coalition’s policies have been found to be 40% less effective.

These facts together with the  intention to ‘review” Australia’s Renewable Energy Targets next year and recent statements by Tony Abbot that direct action funding is capped, and not to be increased, highlights the coalition’s stated policy to reduce carbon emissions totally lacks conviction.

John Pettigrew.