There is no doubt that symbols matter in politics but there is also no doubt that they are no substitute for genuine solutions. The CPRS has been designed to provide the appearance of action while driving no real change. It has been described as though it helps to achieve an international agreement when its actual purpose is to make such consensus harder. And it contains design features that have the bizarre effect of discouraging individuals from trying as hard as they can to reduce emissions.
While it may not have been the government’s intention, it looks like the most potent symbol associated with the CPRS might be the Senate uniting to vote it down.
The likely delay in implementing an effective scheme is a source of much regret for someone like me who has called for urgent action for many years. But urgent symbolism should not be confused with urgent action.
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