AUSTRALIAN POLITICIANS WITH HEADS IN THE SAND

The warnings about the impacts of human-induced climate change have been loud and clear for over fifty years, with the First World Climate Conference, the first major international scientific gathering to discuss the problem, being held in Geneva in February 1979. 

The Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit followed in 1992, which led to the establishment of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the adoption of a global plan for sustainable development. 155 countries, including Australia, signed up, nominating 2000 as the year signatories would reduce emissions to 1990 levels.

2000 came and went, and with global emissions still on the rise in 2006, British economist, Nicholas Stern, presented his climate change review famously pointing out that, “the benefits of strong and early action far outweigh the economic costs of not acting.”

Another 20 years have now elapsed, with procrastination and politics combining to ensure that greenhouse gasses continue to rise worldwide. So, it was no great surprise last week to hear Günther Thallinger, a board member of the insurance giant, Allianz, assert that “the climate crisis is on track to destroy capitalism.”

He also pointed out that the world is fast approaching temperature levels where insurers will no longer be able to offer cover for many climate risks, something that would come as no surprise to householders in flood zones and high bushfire risk areas, many of whom can no longer find insurers willing to take on the risk, or if they do, the cost is prohibitive.

Extreme weather events, bushfires, floods and heat waves, have been seemingly endless in recent years, costing the government, or more specifically taxpayers, many billions of dollars, and priceless damage to the environment.

However, despite all of this, and some determined young folk protesting loudly over the lack of action on climate change, we were forced to watch last week’s leaders debate ramble on about cost of living and housing, with climate change barely mentioned.

Politicians need to get their heads out of the sand and focus on the real issues.

 

-        John Edwards

 

Originally published under the title "Heads in the Sand" in the Voices for the Earth column in The Clarence Valley Independent ,16 April, 2025.

WHAT IS THE DOMINANT ISSUE IN THE AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTION

 The Climate Council, an independent, community-funded organisation campaigning for effective action on climate change in Australia, released a report recently on how the various political parties and some independents are shaping up on climate action.  The report “The Climate Crossroads: Progress, Politics and a Pivotal Election” is available on their website -  www.climatecouncil.org.au

Energy expert and Climate Councillor Greg Bourne said, “The shift to renewable power is well underway and is accelerating.  Solar and wind power backed by storage like big batteries is the lowest-cost, fastest and cleanest way to power our homes and businesses.

“This election political players need to commit to accelerating the clean energy transformation that is already delivering for millions of Australians.  This is the only way to reduce bills and pollution.”

The report also highlighted the important role of the crossbench in the last parliament where pro-climate Independents and the Greens helped strengthen climate laws, protect clean energy investment and block public funding for fossil fuels.

Reports such as this highlight issues that many politicians would prefer did not receive any comprehensive scrutiny.

While many people understandably have major concerns about the cost of living, this federal election is about a range of issues about our future – over the course of the next three years of the new parliament and beyond. 

Cost of living is what both the major parties – Coalition  (Liberal and National) and Labor - are claiming as the dominant issue in the election.  This is what it suits them to discuss.  It’s almost as if they are saying, “Now is the time to address cost of living.  When we have done that, we can look at other less urgent matters.”

Politicians should not be the arbiters on what is an issue – major or otherwise – in this or any other election.

There are many other important issues which should be considered by electors and raised by them with election candidates. These include improving action on climate change and protection of the natural world – our biodiversity.  These should receive urgent attention in our next parliament.

-        Leonie Blain

 Originally published under the title "What is the Dominant Election Issue?" in the Voices for the Earth column in The Clarence Valley Independent ,9 April, 2025.