Australian climate change policy isn't working

We have a small window for meaningful action on carbon emission reduction to meet our Paris agreement target of 26-28% reduction by 2030. In the Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel's recent review, he advises that current government policy is insufficient to meet this target, and refers to an "emissions intensity scheme" – a system where higher emitting power stations purchase credits from lower emitting power stations. The scheme had been assessed by three organisations to be the best method for carbon emission reduction and would have the lowest impact on electricity prices. Despite this, the government has vetoed even examining an emissions intensity scheme in its 2017 review of climate policy. Yet again, vital policy change and needed action has been sabotaged by political power-plays.

The scare-mongering and wedge-politics around climate change policy needs to end. It has gone on too long.

The call to action I was talking about?

Don't remain silent. Contact your MPs and senators. Tell them to follow the evidence and expert advice and objectively assess an emissions intensity scheme. Let them know you want genuine action on climate change.