World Vision calls for bipartisan agreement on climate change

Monday, November 3, 2008

World Vision has called on Australia’s political leaders to put aside party politics and come together on an effective climate change solution.​

World Vision’s chief executive Tim Costello said Australia had the most to lose from the impacts of climate change out of any country in the OECD. 

“We are calling on Kevin Rudd and Malcolm Turnbull for a bipartisan approach to climate change as we believe there is no greater risk facing this nation and the world,” Mr Costello said. 

“The Australian public needs strong leaders that are prepared to face the challenges head on and make decisions that our future generations will thank us for. 

“Professor Garnaut has recognised the dire predictions of the impact that climate change will have on the Murray Darling Basin and the Great Barrier Reef. He has also highlighted the catastrophic projections of water shortages, reduced crop yields and rising sea levels for Australia and for developing countries. If we act decisively now we do not have to choose that future. 

“The climate is not like the financial markets that can be bailed out once the damage has been done. We can’t negotiate with nature. 

“Some believe that Australia is leading in tackling climate change. This couldn’t be further from the truth. 

“We need to play catch up. Australia is behind many European nations and we need to act now to try and undo years of neglect on climate change. 

“A global agreement with developing nations who are trying to lift their people out of poverty won’t happen unless industrialised nations like Australia take on the strongest possible targets,” he said. 

Media contact: Tamara Blackmore: 03 9287 2211 / 0400 689 714

Media Releases, Climate change, Asia and the Pacific, Australian Government, Climate Change, Great Barrier Reef, Kevin Rudd, Tim Costello

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