According to the latest Sky News Australia internet poll, 51% of Australians are not willing to make further lifestyle changes to help redress climate change. This survey result is quite interesting against the backdrop of the release today of Professor Ross Garnaut’s interim report on the economic costs of climate change.

Last year the State and Territory Governments (supported by Federal ALP – then in Opposition) commissioned Professor Garnaut to undertake an independent study into the way climate change and climate change policy will impact on the Australian economy. Garnaut is charged with proposing potential medium to long-term policies to ameliorate the effects of climate change.

Following today’s release of its interim findings, Garnaut will submit a first draft of his report by 30 June and his final report is due to be released on 30 September.

Garnaut’s interim report provides onlookers with insights into what the final report will actually contain, with Garnaut commenting today that “Contrary to the conventional wisdom which has dominated Australian debate over the past decade, comprehensive global efforts to reduce emissions will play to Australia’s strengths”.

He also stated that economically speaking, “the challenge is to end the linkage between economic growth and emissions of greenhouse gases”.

Garnaut is attempting to address the question of how Australia can meet its strong environmental goals in a way that is the most cost-efficient. Garnaut has stated that one of the greatest challenges is to remove the link between economic growth and greenhouse gas emissions.

Public submissions on the Garnaut’s Interim Review are due by 11 April 2008.

Parker & Partners would be happy to provide you with a more detailed account of the Garnaut findings, its political and policy ramifications and how the review may impact on your company at your request. Please contact the Director of P&P’s Sustainability practice – Peter Shmigel at peter@p-p.com.au for more information.


Biography:

Ross Garnaut has been a Professor of Economics in the Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies at the Australian National University since 1989. He is currently Chairman of a number of international companies and research organisations, including the International Food Policy Research Institute, and a board member of several others. From 1985-88, Professor Garnaut was the Australian Ambassador to China.