John Kerry blasts climate deniers just as one is announced as head of RET review board
Speaking in China at a joint press conference addressing the US and China’s contribution to climate change, John Kerry pledged that the two superpowers would work together to attenuate the effects of global climate change.
“In light of the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change and its worsening impacts, and the related issue of air pollution from burning fossil fuels, the United States and China recognise the urgent need for action to meet these twin challenges,” said Kerry.
A US Intergovernmental report published in September last year concluded they were more convinced than ever that humans are the main culprits for global warming, and predicted the impact from greenhouse gas emissions could linger for centuries.
“Both sides reaffirm their commitment to contribute significantly to successful 2015 global efforts to meet this challenge,” the joint US/Chinese statement said.
It’s clear that as the two major producers of greenhouse has emissions feel a responsibility to transform themselves into part of the solution.The remarks are timely with the publication of an infographic showing the areas with the highest energy consumption per capita showing that Australia is on par with both the US and China for energy consumed per person.
A very different politcal atmosphere is unfolding on home soil with the announcement of Dick Warburton as the head of PM Tony Abbott’s board to review the Renewable Energy Target. Leading a four person panel and reporting exclusively to the Prime Minister, Warburton is a noted climate skeptic was against the introduction of the carbon tax and once doubted human influenced climate change saying, “there’s huge debate about whether carbon dioxide is the main cause.”
A senior liberal has told the ABC that the commission has been designed to provide “cover” for the government’s plan to “kill the RET”. Abolishing the RET would mean current discounts on renewables such as solar are dissolved, pushing the price of installing solar panels up.
