Australia: Garnaut inquiry into climate change a step forward

THE interim report on climate change by Professor Ross Garnaut is excellent . Garnaut argues convincingly that Australia has more to lose from global warming than other developed countries, is well placed to profit from effective global mitigation policies and therefore concludes it is in Australia’s interests to seek international agreement based on the most feasible global mitigation target.

Garnaut’s preferred option of limiting carbon dioxide emissions to 450 parts per million (ppm), which will require a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by mid century, is based on European Union targets designed to limit the global mean temperature increase to two degrees above pre-industrial levels.


But Garnaut also quotes scientific authorities, which suggest that even if this target is reached, there is still a 50% chance temperatures will go beyond two degrees, leading to catastrophic and irreversible global warming.

This level of risk is unacceptable. Nobody would fly in an plane or cross the street if there was a 50/50 chance of being killed.

The Age