It’s now Day 4 of the Copenhagen conference and the negotiations are starting to heat up! Yesterday, Tuvalu walked out of the negotiations after countries such as India and China blocked a proposal for a new legally binding agreement. This action of Tuvalu’s represents messages of survival for those whose lives are at risk from the impacts of climate change, and stresses the need for a legally binding agreement to come out of these negotiations.
This was an exciting development in the negotiations as a small, unheard country was standing up to the power brokers of the negotiators and received huge public support in doing so.
Yesterday our delegation, alongside the Project Survival Pacific Delegation were lucky enough to have a meeting with Louise Hand, one of the Australian Negotiators. Amongst the nerves of meeting an important negotiator and the fear of stumbling on words or saying something inappropriate, I put to her a question on what is holding Australia back from setting targets that are in the ball park of the recommendations of the IPCC (a 25%-40% emissions reduction target).
Australia currently has emissions reduction targets of 4%-24%. An exact figure commitment will depend on what the outcomes of these negotiations are. However, the conditions for a 15% emissions reduction target have already been met. Louise informed us that the negotiations still have a long way to go and that Australia will not make a decision on targets yet. She also conveyed that Australia has a different economic position to the rest of the world because we are so dependent on fossil fuels.
This fact intrigued me and I started to think about Australia’s picture globally. Setting lower targets because we are reliant on coal, oil and other commodities is the equivalent of taking the easy way out. Australia has HUGE potential to build industries around renewable energy and sustainable industries. I fail to understand the logic in continuing heavy reliance in fossil fuels when they are the major contributor to climate change.
Furthermore, we’re rich!!! Although we’re in debt due to the GFC, we’re in a much better financial position than the rest of the world. Investing in sustainable infrastructure such as efficient public transportation systems, energy systems and buildings will set us up for the future and create jobs and prosperity. The cost of delaying a transition to sustainable economy will only hinder us in the future, when we’re finally forced to implement these systems (not to mention spending billions on assisting those who have been impacted by climate change!!!)
The problem is, our politicians are being blinded by fossil fuel lobbyists and climate change sceptics who wish to delay investment for the future and disband the creation of opportunities in sustainable industries. Our leaders need to recognise that sustainability HAS to be the way of the future and that Australia’s social, economic and environmental integrity is being put at risk by their hazy policies and their greedy, limited, short minded views. In response to Tony Abbott’s cruddy position on the ETS, we have created this video (using the highly publicised failed Westpac ad) to encourage him to be environmentally, economically and socially responsible on climate change:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G42Ev_vPVao
Australia’s position on climate change plays an influential role at these negotiations in Copenhagen. Despite claims that Australia is a minority when it comes to climate change, Australia’s position on the world stage means that we have the ability to influence the position of other nations. If Australia is ambitious and serious in their commitments, our close allies such as the US and China will feel pressured to follow suit and commit to an agreement that ensures the survival of all inhabitants of planet earth. Now is the time to convince the Australian government to change their policies, change the views and change the way we do business.
It’s up to members of the Australian public to let KRudd and Tony (“mad monkey”) Abott know their concerns and vision for a sustainable and low emitting Australia. The Walk Against Warming is happening this Saturday, providing a perfect opportunity for you to have your say through a simple action.
This is a crucial point in history that will determine the future of millions of human beings. Make sure that you have a part in shaping the world’s future this weekend!
