For long Australia had been quite reluctant in paying heed to the issue of global warming. But, as he seeks reelection for the fifth consecutive year, Australian Prime Minister John Howard has promised to set up a carbon-trading scheme to cut pollution before 2012.
Mr Howard has said tackling climate change was on his government’s agenda but stuck to his previous message of economic strength. He said his government will set carbon emissions targets for next year, that would be better than those in place in Europe, but warned that the targets would challenge the country’s economy and if the Government got it wrong, Australia would have to suffer.
The Opposition Labor party, which has a strong lead in the opinion polls in Australia has often accused Mr Howard’s indifferent attitude towards climate change. Labor has pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2050.
Moreover, the drought in recent times in Australia has harmed economic growth and caused widespread despair among the farming community. While, some opine that these parched conditions are the result of the world’s hunger for fossil fuels, others see it as part of a natural cycle.
Australia and the U.S are the worst polluters in the world and also the only two countries not to sign up to the Kyoto agreement and ratify its clauses that asks the countries to cut down on their green house gas emissions.
The decsion comes on the eve of the G8 meet in Germany, which has set this year’s slogan on climate change.
Earlier, US president George Bush signalled his country’s intent to engage with the rest of the world in tackling climate change and Mr Howard’s announcement fits in the same regard.
Whatever be the arguments, Australian people today want their leaders to be far more proactive when it comes to the environment.
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Via:BBC