<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/sep/19/cop31-climate-conference-australia-hosting-bid>
"As the world grapples with the climate crisis, Australia stands at a
crossroads. Our bid to co-host the UN’s climate conference, Cop31, with Pacific
nations is not just a diplomatic event; it is a pivotal opportunity to redefine
our nation’s role in the global fight against climate change. This could mark a
shift, propelling Australia from climate laggard to leader on the world stage.
With the Cop presidency, we would be at the centre of international climate
negotiations, shouldering the responsibility to provide the infrastructure and
visionary leadership needed to drive meaningful progress. The stakes are high,
but so too are the potential rewards for our nation and the planet.
For years, Australia has been held back from meaningful climate action by the
powerful influence of the fossil fuel lobby. This industry has shaped policies
and public opinion, prioritising short-term profits over long-term
sustainability. Their grip on our political landscape has delayed the
transition to cleaner energy and put us on a dangerous path that threatens the
security of our communities, our environment and our economy. Now, as the cost
of living skyrockets and climate impacts escalate, we’re facing the
consequences of that inaction.
Australia urgently needs to reduce emissions and restore its biodiversity –
demands echoed by the vast majority of our citizens. Decarbonising now isn’t
just about the planet – it’s about protecting our livelihoods, our families,
and our future. The longer we delay, the greater the cost. Yet, successive
governments have fallen short.
Australia exports a lot of emissions – it is the world’s third largest fossil
fuel exporter, behind Russia and the US. Hard coal production has grown from
348m tonnes in 2010-2011 to 420m tonnes in 2020-2021. Natural gas production
has seen even more dramatic increases, growing by an average of 11.2% a year
over the past decade.
We are also doing poorly at home. Australia is – and is on track to remain –
the highest per capita emitter of CO₂ among “developed” countries. Our country
is facing a deforestation crisis, with an area equivalent to the Melbourne
Cricket Ground being destroyed every 86 seconds. We are first in the world for
mammal extinction and second for biodiversity loss. The federal government
could end native forest logging tomorrow.
Bottom line – we are a mess and we need help."
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
