Bayside Church

In my last blog I stated my concerns about Australia’s carbon emissions trading scheme and the impact it could have on our future economy. Before I make further comment on this let me clarify three things:

1. I believe God created planet earth (and the whole universe for that matter) and that He gave it to the human race with the instruction to care for it (see Genesis 2:15).
2. I believe we need to do everything we can to make sure this planet is the best home for future generations.
3. I believe we need to have a realistic view of what we as Australians can do to safeguard the future.

The truth is that if Australia shut down tomorrow it would have little or no effect on global warming – we are just too small to make a difference.  We only emit 1.5% of the world’s carbon dioxide whereas India and China together are responsible for 42% and the USA makes up a significant part of the rest.

The argument I am frequently hearing is Australia must go down this road in order to set a “good example” so the rest of the world will follow.  I’m all for setting a good example but my question is: “Will the rest of the world follow us?”  Me thinks not! 

Last year China released its own global warming strategy which refused to cut its total emissions.  Yes, they will make a good show for the Olympics, but after the world spotlight is off them they’ll go straight back to pumping copious quantities of gases into the atmosphere.  The recent Garnaut report highlighted that China’s emissions would more than likely treble by 2030 and make up 37% of global emissions, three times more than the United States.

Last month India issued its National Action Plan on Climate Change stating that they would rather save their people from poverty than global warming – and who can blame them?

And so I come back to my original comments in my last blog.  I am concerned about the environment – yes.  But I am also concerned that Australia is heading down a track that has the potential to cripple the country we love without making a scrap of difference to the global environment.  Already Mobil has threatened to close its Altona refinery because of carbon trading.  They will simply relocate the refinery to another country to reduce their costs.  The result?  The same gases pumped into the atmosphere just from a different location; and, 350 jobs lost from the Australian economy; and, increased fuel prices in Australia.  Just this morning Qantas are warning they will cut 2000 jobs because of high fuel prices.  And this is just the beginning!  Let’s wake up and speak up before it’s too late!

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written by Shalini, July 17, 2008

It is certainly true that in the actual act of making a practical difference, Australia is so small that whatever reductions it makes in carbon emissions it will not trigger a turnaround in global warming. Yes the practical difference will have to be made elsewhere. Whilst the Garnaut report does highlight the expected exponential increase in China's emissions,it also states the following:

"Mitigation effort is increasing around the world, but too slowly to avoid high risks of dangerous climate change. The recent and projected growth in emissions means that effective mitigation by all major economies will need to be stronger and earlier than previously considered necessary. The existing international framework is inadequate, but a better architecture will only come from building on, rather than overturning, established efforts. Domestic, bilateral and regional efforts can all help to accelerate progress towards an effective international agreement." (http://www.garnautreview.org.a...hapter-11. accessed 7/7/0

It seems to me that government action on global warming is less about what Australia can do to directly safeguard its future and more about the stand it can make as a major economy in the world to illicit international agreement, and in so doing, to safeguard the planet (and therefore its own future). And yes it all seems rather "up in the air" (no pun intended!) or "wait and see" while Australian businesses and people are suffering in the meantime. This solution is far from perfect and any outcry against it is absolutely justified. A huge part of the beauty of Australia is that people cry out against any form of injustice and we have the freedom to do so.

The real challenge for our government around climate change is how to effectively juggle the international without jeopardising the immediate interests of the domestic. This is a process that is going to require constant negotiation. And all interest groups need to be taken into account.

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written by Russ, July 17, 2008

Thanks Rob,

While I share your sentiment, I don't really know where to start, an I guess most people are in the same boat... This matter reminds me of the statement "If good people don't stand up, bad things will probably happen".

So, how do I/we stand up?

Is there a Christian action group on this matter we can throw our support behind?

Pastornet have a link to the eco-congreagation which may be something to consider at Bayside.

Given a cause to ralley behind and a great leader I am sure more people will be able to; wake up and speak up before it’s too late!

Russ

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