A global responsibility

If the Rudd is to achieve any reduction in the impact of global warming on Australia, its environment, economy, its people and future generations then they have a simple, single option. Mr Rudd and his Climate Change and Environment Ministers must convince highly polluting nations such as China and India to accept proportionate reductions in emissions.

Beijing and Delhi have made their combined policies quite clear on that prospect. I do not relish Mr Rudd's visit to China to fulfil his campaign commitment to convince Hu Jintao “through diplomacy” to implement a policy that will effectively cut China's economic growth contrary to the growth targets of China's ambitious 10th and 11th Five-Year Plans. Perhaps he should research China's firm and declared policy on other countries interfering in China's domestic affairs and policies before the meeting.

Good luck in Beijing Mr Rudd and later in New Delhi. Good luck also to Ministers Garrett and Wong who are jointly responsibly for Australia's environmental future.

As for the activists and all those dedicated to achieving reductions in climate change for our future generations, think on this: honest belief, intense emotion, self sacrifice or extreme activism won’t get us there without the co-operation of key polluting nations on a global scale. Turn your efforts to achieving that goal and Australia's future generations just might live in a green environment.