The Trump presidency has been a godsend for an Australian government apparently uninterested in significant climate action. But with Trump well behind in the polls, that’s set to change.
The federal government has shown during the pandemic that it is prepared to impose great financial burdens for the sake of our health. We need them to do the same for another crisis: climate change.
The climate action plans of three companies in different industries – Delta Air Lines, Amazon and Microsoft – illuminate the three key strategies needed to cut carbon emissions.
Both opinions the three-judge panel handed down warned of a potential climate catastrophe. Only one judge said the courts have an active role to play in making the government change course.
Plans to reduce emissions quickly are seductive but can stall. Climate initiatives should end dependence on fossil energy and pursue a path towards a more just and equitable society.
There is an obvious point upon which the LNP, Labor and Greens might agree to move policy forward: the national ‘cap and trade’ emissions trading system proposed by John Howard in 2007.
Although marginalized from policy decisions, northern Indigenous communities have maintained and developed strong social networks to help them cope with climate change.
Emergency Leaders for Climate Action have a simple message: we’re in “a new age of unprecedented bushfire danger” due to climate change. But Morrison refuses to acknowledge it as a central issue.
Economic and political assessments of climate change have for years helped justify inaction. Now, young environmentalists worldwide are shifting the debate to focus on values, ethics and justice.
Citizens’ assemblies could be vital in kick-starting the tough steps needed to safeguard a healthy world – but the detail for how they will work will be important.