Token gestures are not enough

In the rush to sign resources’ contracts politicians have not addressed or even acknowledged a need for a population policy that will help to manage the future climate and emission crisis.

The greedy have become greedier. Contracts are signed to dig up and ship out Australia’s minerals as fast as possible. No one takes responsibility for increasing emissions or pressure on the natural environment. John Howard’s “aspirational emission targets” are like “clean coal” promises: both are designed to put off imminent decisions. Meanwhile Australian governments and the corporations make huge profits.

This is not just a federal issue; it is a state, local government and community issue. “The EU gave over-allocation to trade off emissions … the scheme is a lesson to Australia” said Brook Miller manager of BP Solar. Unlike government, BP is increasing their focus on renewable energy sources including transport fuels.

The general feeling from Dr Catherine Baudains of the Anglican Eco Commission and Murdoch University, Dr Ray Wills of the chair of Western Australian Sustainable Energy Association SEMEC, and other speakers was that we need to move faster on the way we think and use energy and take advantage of new opportunities and technology. We need to embrace new outcomes and skills; solar has been a government policy failure, which is not an option. We need to move forward together as a global community. Individual and industrial consumption must be addressed now.

It is our moral responsibility to care for the earth and all who live in it.