WWF welcomes Garnaut's call for immediate action on climate change
22 Feb 2008
WWF has welcomed the message from Professor Garnaut's interim report that it is in Australia's economic interest to engage in early action on climate change and that this action must be guided by climate science.
"Scientific evidence and observations have consistently been sending a message that the impacts of climate change are occurring faster than expected and are at the upper end of projections," said WWF-Australia's Program Leader for Development and Climate Change, Paul Toni.
"The interim Garnaut Report emphasises that the impacts of climate change are likely to be felt in Australia more than in any other developed nation," Mr Toni said.
"The review takes a responsible approach in suggesting that it is in Australia's economic interests to lead in global climate change initiatives. Rather than a false 'wait and see' message, the clear message is one of immediate action so Australia can also gain from opportunities presented through finding solutions for climate change."
Professor Garnaut's interim report findings suggest that global greenhouse gas emissions must stabilise and then decline rapidly. This complements WWF's call for Australia to aim to stabilise Australian net emissions by about 2010 if the Government wishes Australia to play a leading role in shaping global solutions to climate change.
"As yet Professor Garnaut has not recommended an interim reduction target for 2020 but he does indicate that to stabilise emissions at 450 parts per million, global emissions need to peak by 2010," Mr Toni said.
While WWF is concerned that this only provides a 50 per cent chance of avoiding dangerous climate change, it is encouraging that the final report will address setting a 2020 target.
"Given the economic cost of inaction is greater than the cost of action, together with the environmental urgency of stabilising emissions as quickly as possible, it would be a win-win situation for the Australian Government not to delay announcing a target for Australia to stabilise its emissions by 2010."
For more information:
Paul Toni, WWF-Australia Program Leader for Development and Climate Change
0410 086 986
