Serious about climate change: Garrett on song in Darlington

Federal Labor Member for Sydney Tanya Plibersek hosted the panel, which took place on 24 July at Darlington Public School.

“I think it’s very worthwhile to think about images,” Mr Garrett said. For example, Labor said experts warn that the impact of climate change, particularly through rising sea levels, could lead to the submergence of tiny atolls and the inundation of low lying land – and that by 2050 up to 150 million people may be displaced. That is why a Rudd Labor Government will commit $150 million from Australia’s international aid budget to assist our neighbours prepare for and adapt to the effects of climate change.

Labor would also ratify the Kyoto Protocol. “We must lead a national consensus on climate change,” Garrett said. Prime Minister John Howard has declined to ratify the Agreement – which aims to tackle global warming through a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions – and has repeatedly said that signing the deal would harm the economy.

Garrett continued that Labor would support clean and renewable energy, as well as an emissions trading scheme. However, Federal and NSW Labor support the coal industry (as does the Coalition), which contributes a lot to climate change. “Coal is a dichotomy for us,” State Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Water, Phil Koperberg said. “There are some battles to be fought. Coal is a vital part of the NSW economy. About 4,000 jobs in NSW are dependent on coal. Koperberg said what the State Government needs to ensure is the reduction of demand.

“For now we can’t stop the clock on a number of areas. We need to have a sustainable industry across the board.”

Photo: Peter Garrett imagines the impact of climate change Photo: Esther Turnbull

Source: South Sydney Herald July 2007 http://www.southsydneyherald.com.au/