i don't get the argument that if the big three do nothing, so should we.

If you believe in link between human activity and global warming, you naturally want to see greenhouse gas emissions reduced.

A posiitve exmaple by many nations can have a wider impact in the longer term.

Mr Opinion

Some say we have already crossed level of no return, but if the world keeps pumping out CO2, situation will only get worse.

Better late than never, especially as i think there will be much geater consensus in the future aroumd the world.

Chris, I think it does matter what we term and use as renewables. Biomass for the UK involves growing trees in the Americas, cutting them down, converting them to pellets and shipping them (shipping being the worst form of transportation for the environment) across the Atlantic for burning in the UK. Think about it. Solar depends on the manufacture of billions of panels which have a life of around 20 years and NO known safe method of disposal. They are full of toxic material. Manufacturing solar panels significantly increases emissions of nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), which is 17,200 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas! The number of solar panel farms and wind turbines that would be required to power Australia would create the greatest rural and country eyesore imaginable. I realise these are the best renewables on offer but think about it - is this what you want? Whatever it takes - is that the solution?

The UK has to import most of its energy.

Bluebottle,

i dont diasagree with you on your key point about task being much harder than mere will, especially from a global perspective.

i just think we must make every effort to explore every possibility.

After all, if a country like Australia cannot do it, who can.

We are a sparse continent with high per capita wealth resources.

'As someone who has long accepted the link between human activity and global warming, I argue that Australia should reduce greenhouse gas emissions at a much faster rate. '

admirable that Chris comes straight out and says so. He is entitled to religous freedom like others of faith. Totally illogical not be be protesting against Chinese, India and now the new 19 coal fired stations that Japan is building.