The real obstacles to greenhouse action

Implementing good policy will thus require strong political leadership, leadership that steps back and balances the noisy squeals of protest from present vested interests against the more muted but meritorious interests of the whole country and the new industries. Such leadership we manifestly lack at present.

The mining industry’s recent campaign against the proposed tax on super profits dramatically demonstrated the power of vested interests. Through saturation publicity promulgating exaggerated and outrageous claims the industry helped to dethrone a prime minister and considerably reduced the tax. The coal industry has, so far, operated more quietly, but very effectively. No policy has been implemented or seriously proposed by either of the mainstream parties that would significantly reduce coal burning, and thus coal profits.

Polls show that people want action on global warming. They want action in spite of the dominant message that it will be expensive and disruptive. If more people understood that it need not be expensive, and if they were assured of serious support through those adjustments that are required, then support for action would be even higher.

At present the voice of the people is drowned out by the noise of vested interests. We need to raise our voices and demand real action. Not action to save the coal industry for its shareholders, but action to save the Earth for our grandchildren.