Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

The cost of a green economy

By Arthur Thomas - posted Wednesday, 17 February 2010


Assume that the effects of climate change prove to be correct: the price of carbon is the cost of reducing carbon emissions and the most effective means of motivating carbon reduction is imposing a cost on that carbon. It will not be simple, and it will cause severe angst with many, but it will be effective.

If Australia, or any other developed country seriously considers implementing climate change reduction policies, then it needs to ensure that it can provide diverse job opportunities with a broad skills base to meet the needs of future generations. A consumer economy philosophy reliant on cheap imports is not a serious option to create that essential skilled base.

Wayne Swan's starry-eyed vision of Australia's history of overcoming adversity is an illusion from Australia's past. It ignores the fact that in the past Australia had vast areas of undeveloped land, and untapped mineral and water resources capable of sustaining growing populations. Australia in 2010 is no longer that country and faces serious challenges to future sustainability.

Advertisement

Australia is not alone in facing the challenge of an ageing and growing population, escalating demand for health care, education and law enforcement, as well as diminishing natural resources that include arable land and water.

No matter what policies the government of the day implements, Australia's efforts alone cannot reduce the effects of climate change on Australia. Australia should also not be relying on China for its future economic survival. Climate change is only one part of the overall problem facing nations around the world, not the entire problem.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. 2
  4. 3
  5. 4
  6. Page 5
  7. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

14 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Arthur Thomas is retired. He has extensive experience in the old Soviet, the new Russia, China, Central Asia and South East Asia.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Arthur Thomas

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Article Tools
Comment 14 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy