Climate News

October 15th, 2006

Fires and worst drought in 100 years wake Australia up to the reality of climate change. Australia is confronting its worst drought in a century with rampant fires devastating agricultural areas, rivers drying up, crops failing, and farmers forced to sell off their livestock. London Independent

Labor would 'sign Kyoto to fight drought.' Labor would tackle climate change as a long-term solution to Australia's water shortages if it wins the next election. Australian

Bushfires in Australia amid severe drought. Firefighters in four Australian states battled bushfires fanned by soaring temperatures and strong winds yesterday, as worsening drought pitched bone-dry rural Australia into recession, its riverbeds cracked and empty. Reuters

Calls to help poor neighbours as they feel the heat. In the face of looming economic and social disasters caused by climate change, Australia should increase its aid to its Asia-Pacific neighbours in line with other developed nations. Sydney Morning Herald

Costing the earth: How to save the planet and $12 trillion. The costs to the global economy of failing to tackle climate change are graphically set out today in a report which warns that $12 trillion could be wiped off world economic output by the end of the century if nothing is done. London Independent

New combatant against global warming: insurance industry. Insurance companies, who like to stay out of the limelight, are becoming leading business protagonists in the assault on global warming. Christian Science Monitor

Refugees 'won't be turned away'. Australia will not turn its back on its neighbours should environmental disasters strike the Pacific islands, federal Environment Minister Ian Campbell said today. News Interactive

Tackle climate change, government urged. The NSW Greens have urged the State Government to address climate change and reduce the state's reliance on fossil fuels. Sydney Morning Herald

Report warns of 'mass exodus'. Rising sea levels caused by global warming could force the mass exodus of millions of Pacific Islanders as "environmental refugees". Townsville Bulletin

The constant traveller. Innovate cofounder of Intrepid Traveler Darrell Wade was reminded that the essential mode of transport to off-the-beaten-track places adds 3 per cent of the carbon dioxide that is creating global warming. Melbourne Age