So Lena. You seriously think that Gillard imposing a Carbon Tax on us is going to make the slightest difference to those living in the Horn of Africa?

For a start, while climate scientists might claim that anthropogenic CO2 emissions (you probably call it Carbon Pollution) are causing potentially catastrophic global warming, there is actually very little proof of that. Have a look for yourself.

While CO2 might have some impact, it is probable that natural factors and land-use factors are also relevant. Check Dr Roger Pielke Sr if you don't believe me. '

The other thing is that even if we accept that CO2 is the problem, the Carbon Tax will make almost no difference in any forseeable time frame that you are concerned about. Far more important (I would have thought) to address the direct causes of the problems you are concerned about.

I must admit to only reading the heading of the article and then I went straight to the comments.

First of all, as pointed out by a couple of the respondents, famine in that part of the world is nothing new and has nought to do with climate. It is a weather related phenomenon and has nothing to do with climate change. If you go back to the bible for a lesson in history you will find many examples and references to famine.

Secondly, as also pointed out by respondents, the massive increase in population has exacerbated the problem and unfortunately giving succour to the needy only helps to perpetuate it in the future unless other programs are put in place.

I'm with RPG, as callous as it might be, put your money where it will do some permanent good. It is going to take over 2000 tonnes of food a day, just to feed the people in the largest camp in the horn of Africa.

David

This article has the distinct 'smell' of Greenpeace. Everything is a crisis, its all caused by the West and ..wait for it...now more women starve than men. Its now its a gender issue! A strange assertion for which I'd guess there is probably not a sceric of evidence.

If more women starve than men then the birth rate goes down dramatically due to hormonal changes well before starvation sets in. So why is the African population so large?

Theres virtually no 'evidence' provided by the author for any of her assertions. Its all hyperbole based upon the usual old marxist Greenpeace agenda.

So cutting Carbon emissions in the West will provide more food to Africa?! Not only is the author scientifically illiterate but takes us for fools as well.

Quite so. Even if we accepted global warming theory (and I don't) its way too early for any of the really big changes that we're being warned about constantly - so its difficult to see what relevence global warming has to the African drought.

Eastern Australia has just been through a big drought, which has been attributed to the climate cycle the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. But whatever the reason for it, I suspect that it was just as severe as the African drought. Now matters seem to have turned completely - Sydney was just about washed away by rain last week.

Thank you that Lena Aahlby .
Do not waste your breath on this list full of anti-science denialists with very bad manners. Who by and large have forgotten their humanity. In their first 10 comments .

Most of whom hate volunteers; especially those who have gained enough real world experience to take full time employment in doing something positive overseas. In their role as Australian ambassadors . May I remind them that Lena is the Head of Campaigns at ActionAid Australia and is also the Director and Founder of StrategyforChange, a consultancy that works with the not-for-profit sector on strategy development, campaign design, training and capacity building. Lena has extensive experience of working with NGOs both in Australia and internationally.

PEST, I am not a denialist at all. You just have to look at the reality of the situation. As I said previously, famine has happened since time began. This is just another example of the result of the principles espoused by Malthus where the population has increased far beyond the carrying capacity of the land and the result is that the inevitable famine has had major consequences.

David