Thursday, June 02, 2011

The cost of carbon

Although I'm not present, I have been keeping an eye on the Australian debate about carbon pricing. This is an interesting recent poll. The highlights include:

• 58% of Australians think the best way to reduce emissions is to tax big polluters. Only 17% think paying polluters (Tony Abbott’s plan) is better.
• 66% of Australians support a price on carbon that tax the biggest polluting industries, returning all revenue to compensate households and businesses, and provide investment in climate programs such as renewable energy. Only 23% oppose.
• 84% of Australians would like to see fossil fuel subsidies redirected to renewable energy research and development. A mere 9% think they are an worth retaining.
If you agree with the majority in each case, then please join with thousands of others on 5th June in making your voice heard during this critical period of debate.
SYDNEY: Prince Alfred Park, 11 am
MELBOURNE: Outside the State Library, 11 am
ADELAIDE: Victoria Square, 11 am
BRISBANE: Riverstage, 1pm
PERTH: Perth Cultural centre - Wetlands stage, 11am
HOBART: Franklin Square, 11am
CANBERRA: Regatta Point (near the bridge), 1.30pm
More information about the family-friendly and upbeat rallies can be found here (or follow links on the page for non-Sydney residents).

5 comments:

byron smith said...

This sounds like it could be fun, which (I think) is what the Perth mob are going to be doing.

jessica smith said...

Wish we could be there. Yay Mum for going!

byron smith said...

SMH: Australian climate sceptics endangered. A new, more detailed survey finds true sceptics comprise about 5% of the population.

Andrew said...

You'd never be able to guess these figures from the bluster of the Lib/Nat coalition and right wing media in Australia that just in the last few days would have had you believe that almost everyone in the country is opposed to the government's positive action plan. Good post, it gives me renewed hope in my country's people.

byron smith said...

So what happened at the rallies?

40,000-odd is a good start, but climate action requires a much broader movement and bipartisan support. Interestingly, four former liberal leaders support a price on carbon.