CSIRO Report and the Federal Opposition

October 9, 2006
ABC News

The Federal Opposition says a CSIRO report on climate change backs its call for a Pacific climate change strategy.The report warns of the threat to regional economies and security if governments and aid agencies do not start preparing for the impact of climate change.
It also found millions of people from the Asia Pacific region will become environmental refugees if action is not taken.

Labor's environment spokesman Anthony Albanese says the Government has so far failed to do anything about the problem. "This is a threat not just to our neighbours but a threat to Australia, which is particularly vulnerable to climate change," he said. "So if for nothing other than self interest we need to avoid dangerous climate change."

Greens leader Bob Brown says the Government cannot shirk its responsibility for global warming any longer. Senator Brown says the Government must acknowledge its role in contributing to the problem in the first place.

"There is no more delinquent and culpable a government in the western world than the Howard Government," he said. "And Prime Minister Howard and a series of his environmental ministers for sitting on their hands while global warming got worse with Australia one of the worst polluters in the western world."

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