< Australia now has an opportunity to be a catalyst for the world to consider the effectiveness of a sustainable solution to reduce GHG emissions to combat the risk of climate change, in a manner consistent with obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. >

Firstly, we’ve got to remove Rudd… and make sure that Abbott doesn’t win power.

So therefore, no…we don’t have an opportunity to be a catalyst for meaningful climate change policy and sustainability. End of story.

Rudd will continue to say that Australia will do no more and no less than the rest of the world, which means that not only are not going to lead the way, we are going to remain part of the dinosaur set that holds back progress.

Both he and Abbott, and anyone else who could possibly become our leader in the near future, will continue to stuff around and just pretend that they’re doing something about this issue while making sure that the big end of town is firmly ensconced in its business-as-usual safe paradigm.

It’s hopeless!

John Howard exhorted us to remember history.
Since the start of recorded history there have been many instances of humans believing that they have control over the climate.
Why not accept the truth. Humans have a minute positive influence over the climate.
Google NIPCC and also SEPP. While you are about it, check up on the Carbon Sense Coalition as well as the Climate Sceptics political party.
Perhaps a change in medication might remove the superiority complex?

Since the world - including Australia - is already in a state of ecological overshoot we are currently UNsustainable and there can be no "sustainable development". "Sustainable development" is just a greenwash term to continue economic and social business-as-usual (i.e. growth). However, we are already in a state of energy decline (since oil production peaked in July 2008) and that will be the major determining factor in our future (combined with population growth). In other words this article is irrelevant.

Exactly Ludwig- Rudd and Abbot's only interest regarding the climate are:
1- posing in front of their fans
2- pretending to do something
3- making sure their mates in the Coal/oil industries are kept comfortable throughout the crisis
4- making money out of the current situation- eg carbon trading, forcing public transport use.
5- Ensure green competitors keep a low profile so not to see a drop in people paying for non-green electricity use.

Expect nothing.