Thursday, 11 December 2008

Govt 'hindering' Poland climate change talks


'Australia should have stayed home': Bob Brown

The Greens say the Federal Government is hindering international climate change talks in Poland and should not have taken part.

The Government has not yet outlined its mid-term target for emissions reductions by 2020 but there is speculation cuts of between five and 25 per cent are being considered, depending on what international consensus is reached.

Greens leader Bob Brown says the Government's inaction is working against both Australian and international interests.

"This is dangerous climate change - Australia should be at least arguing for at least a minimum 25 per cent reduction," he said.

"It should be 40 per cent reduction by 2020.

"But Australia is acting as a spoiler. It would be better if Australia had stayed home.

"That would be a help, a better outcome in Poznan than the one we're going to get."

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