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https://theconversation.com/labors-sensible-budget-leaves-australians-short-changed-on-climate-action-heres-where-it-went-wrong-193215>
"Treasurer Jim Chalmers last night delivered a budget he declared was “solid,
sensible and suitable to the times”. But what does a sensible budget look like
in a world that is fast running out of time on climate change?
Lowy Institute polling this year suggests most Australians believe immediate
and substantial action on climate change is eminently sensible. Some 60% agreed
global warming was a serious and pressing problem for which “we should begin
taking steps now even if this involves significant costs”. A further 29% want
mitigation to occur gradually.
Chalmers unveiled his budget in a precarious economic environment and amid
fears of a looming global recession. But while the national conversation is
focused on short-term economic pressures, the world is entering unprecedented
territory of climate disruption.
This federal budget was Labor’s first opportunity to establish its economic
vision for emissions reduction. Even as Chalmers prepared his speech, parts of
Australia’s east coast were battling floods, and the summer rain outlook looks
grim.
The budget earmarked a suite of worthwhile climate-related measures, but many
are relatively piecemeal. As extreme weather events occur at a record-breaking
frequency and severity, federal spending on climate action still falls well
short."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
