Applause to Melbourne Age as it continues to canvass climate change case

T

he Melbourne Age deserves applause for its efforts to alert it readers to the trials evolving from climate change and what should be happening to avoid any worsening of events.

Today it carries two stories that explain that although Australia’s overall carbon dioxide contribution is tiny, just 1.3 per cent, on a per capita basis we are the worst offenders, clearly ahead of Canadians and nearly 10 per cent worse than Americans.

Australia’s leadership has dropped the ball completely, hiding behind mistruths, myths and management of the facts and the last paragraph in - “Australia should 'get off sidelines' with 30 per cent emissionscut by 2025: report” – is not just telling, but alarming: “The report was given to media outlets ahead of its release on conditions that prevented Fairfax Media from seeking comment from the Abbott government.”

The second story - “Climate Change Authority presents a compelling case for deeper Australian emissions cuts” – again illustrates that the Abbott Government has much to do if Australia is to become a decent global citizen.