The latest National Greenhouse Accounts show the greatest risk to Australia achieving vital cuts to carbon pollution is political hot air.
WWF-Australia points out that the Accounts reveal the amount of national carbon pollution is still growing compared to the baseline year of 1990.
âAny slow down in the rate of carbon pollution growth is more likely due to a slower economy rather than political progress,â said Paul Toni, WWFâs Development and Sustainability Manager.
âOn one hand we have Senator Wong acknowledging that a price on carbon will be essential to reverse the growth in pollution, yet on the other hand the Government has chosen to delay any more progress towards an emissions trading scheme until at least 2013.
âUntil we see all sides of politics making real efforts to reduce Australiaâs carbon pollution, the only thing they are contributing is hot air.â
WWF-Australia continues to ask all politicians to support an emissions trading scheme which would cap the total amount of carbon pollution produced, then reduce it over time.
Without this system in place to put a price on carbon, Australia is in jeopardy of not only missing its target set out under the Kyoto Protocol, but more importantly of scuttling any chance of a meaningful global agreement to replace the Protocol when it runs out in 2012.
âAs a de-facto election campaign begins in earnest, we want all of Australiaâs politicians to remember this is unfinished business. Australia needs a price on carbon by 2011. Hot air wonât get us there,â said Mr Toni.
For more information: Jonathon Larkin, Senior Media Officer, 0410 221 410, [email protected]