I write to echo the sentiments raised in your editorial (17/12). Despite being one of the most climate change vulnerable countries in the world, and having already experienced extreme weather events that is fuelled by climate change, Australia continues to lag behind other nations where climate action is concerned. It is a disgrace that a rich and developed nation like Australia would be ranked second last out of 61 countries in terms of meaningful climate action, as reported by the most recent Climate Change Performance Index.
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Our country's current emission reductions are nowhere near the 45 to 65 per cent cuts recommended by scientists to give us the best chance of maintaining temperature rise below 1.5C from pre-industrial levels. Our elected government has a duty of care to act in our best interests, and this includes forming strong climate policies to slash our emissions and safeguard our lives.
Emilie Nuck, Stanley
Failure to act on climate change
Excellent editorial last week "Our climate emergency comes next" where you pointed out the failures of Coalition governments to act on climate change throughout their current term of office over three prime ministers.
Then on the weekend you followed this up with a great story from Angus Mcdonald about Scott Morrison being denied a speaking spot at the next UN climate conference in Glasgow because he had nothing impressive to say. Apparently announcing that you will not be using a discredited accounting trick to make our emissions reductions look more impressive is not a path to the lectern.
Morrison shrugged this off saying he wasn't that fussed and he really only wants to be judged by what he does for emissions reductions here in Australia. We're still waiting to see that.
The best part though was the accompanying picture to Angus's article, of a confident and smug Scott Morrison back in 2017 holding a lump of coal in Parliament. Hopefully that stunt will continue to haunt him until the next election.
Graham Parton, Beechworth
Cherry picking the facts
There is seems to be confusion amongst the general public whether it is climate change or global warming. Facts to suit their argument at the time are sometimes cherry picked. Notice on the weekend the World Trade Organisation had a global warming conference and China was a speaker at this conference. How hypocritical can that be as China is building many clean coal power stations around the world.
Then less than a week later China bans Australian coal for use in their power stations and instead will use poorer quality coal from other countries which will mean more emissions. Maybe Australia should be looking at exporting coal to feed these power stations which are being built outside China but that comes with a big financial risk.
The coking coal exported from Australia, which is used in manufacture of steel making is cheaper than rivals due to its excellent coking qualities and will result in higher prices for steel coming from China along with additional emissions.
The environment we live in should be our main concern as from walking in national parks I see introduced species to Australia slowly taking hold.
