If you accept that the world faces a significant challenge in the shape of climate change, and given the scientific evidence on the issue, in my humble opinion you'd be a fool if you didn't accept it, there is no doubt that Australia will suffer more than most developed nations. Our Prime Minister himself has said Australia is already the hottest and driest continent in the world, so any increase in average temperatures is going to hurt us significantly (and economically).

Some have argued that, as Australia only emits 1.2% of greenhouse gases worldwide, we should act cautiously to protect our economy. Of course 1.2% still puts us in the top 20 overall emitters, and if you look at the per capita figures we make it into the top 10.

Let me just recap.

  1. Australia has more to lose from climate change than most countries.
  2. We don't actually emit that much ourselves.

HELLO!! ALL WE HAVE IS LEADERSHIP!!

Australia must present a strong policy response to climate change, and must lobby strongly worldwide for other countries to act as well. We have an enormous amount at stake, and our leadership is all we have.