Sydney Morning Herald
15 June 2011, Page: 14
It is time Australia developed a long and lasting solution to climate change. Our nation needs to act now to build a better, cleaner and more sustainable future for the sake of our children and grandchildren.
It is time to move forward in a constructive way that helps Australia reduce its greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining our quality of life. Australia's per capita emissions are the highest in the OECD and among the highest in the world. It is our responsibility to find a solution. We abrogate that responsibility and leadership when it's said we must wait for others before acting.
Doing something to tackle climate change in Australia is poised at a critical point. Progress has been stalled before and might be thwarted again. Delayed action is a backward step and a costly one for all Australians. There is a range of actions we must and can take to reduce our emissions. Many of these opportunities can be undertaken now, using existing technologies and without changing our lifestyle.
A price on carbon is fundamental to substantially reducing emissions and driving the development and growth of a low carbon economy. We are a country of innovators and given the incentives new sustainable industries will flourish. We are asking all Australians to demand leadership on this issue so together we can take the first steps towards building a low carbon future.
Professor David de Krester, Ian Kiernan, Dr Fiona Stanley, Dr Pat McGorry, Peter Cundall, Sir Gus Nossal, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch
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