Australia's greenhouse gas emissions target 'weak'

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ustralia will target greenhouse gas emissions cuts of 26-28% from 2005 levels by 2030, the government announced on Tuesday.

Canberra’s claims this was a “strong, credible and responsible” contribution to global climate action were met with derision at home and abroad.

“Australia’s weak target is another serious blow to its international reputation,” said Marshall Islands foreign minister Tony de Brum.

“It’s very difficult to understand why a sundrenched Australia needs five years more than the United States to achieve a 26 to 28% emissions reduction.”

Read the RTCC story - “Anger as Australia unveils ‘weak’ climate pledge”.

Bonn climate change conversations end in failure

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nvoys in Bonn failed to agree on whether or not to acknowledge science after more than a week of UN climate talks.

Countries collectively decided to prevent risky levels of warming of above 2C back in 2009.

But a set of talks aimed at establishing what level of emission reductions were on the table ended in failure on Wednesday.

As RTCC reported on Tuesday the EU, Least Developed Countries and the Africa Group wanted more detail on the national strategies of major polluters.

But China, India and Saudi Arabia were among those who rejected this call, and said it should wait until countries gather in Paris in December to discuss a global pact to avert warming.

Read the RTCC story  - “Governments silenced over UN climate change target”.

Societal ethics and personal morality have important role to play

Climate change solutions are to be found in societal ethics and personal morality.

Much of the world’s existing market system is hierarchical and vertical with mitigation being almost wholly dependent upon a horizontal based system that is about collaboration, and gender equality.

UN climate boss Christiana Figueres says, in an RTCC story, that a climate deal must create an equal economy for men and women.

The story headed: “Christiana Figueres: Climate deal must bring gender equality”, she discusses her determination to put gender equality at the heart of efforts to tackle climate change.

IMF chief warns of 'merciless' climate change



IMF chief, Christine Lagarde.

Should the climate change doubters listen to anyone, then you would imagine the leader of the International Monetary Fund would have their ear.

Christine Lagarde has told an audience in London that the world is “perilously close” to a climate change “tipping point”.

The IMF chief said urgent co-operation was needed between countries, cities and businesses to avoid reaching or delaying arrival of this tipping point.

The website RTCC  (Responding to Climate Change) has reported on Ms Largarde’s concerns in a story headed: “IMF chief Largarde warns of “merciless” climate change”.