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Why is Australia so slow to act on climate change?

A provocative question from an Australian listener reveals a tale of two countries – of coal mines and solar farms

Australia is one of the world's biggest per-capita greenhouse gas emitters, and a Climate Question listener wants to know why the world isn't demanding her country do more.

Jodie lives in tropical Queensland, which she says is 'paradise', but it's also a place affected by bushfires, drought, and cyclones.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says 'Australia can always be relied upon' to deliver action on climate change, but critics at home and abroad point to a record of over-promising and under-delivering.

Observers also blame the country's powerful and profitable fossil fuel industries as a reason why the Australian government has been slow to make progress.

But is it time, as listener Jodie asks, to give her country a 'a kick up the bum'?

Contributors:
Dr Niklas Hohne, The New Climate Institute, Cologne
Greg Bourne, The Climate Council Australia

Presenters - Neal Razzell and Graihagh Jackson
Reporter - Issy Phillips, FBi Radio, Sydney

Producer – Jordan Dunbar
Editor – Emma Rippon

Available now

27 minutes

Last on

Mon 28 Jun 2021 19:06GMT

Broadcasts

  • Mon 28 Jun 2021 01:32GMT
  • Mon 28 Jun 2021 08:06GMT
  • Mon 28 Jun 2021 12:32GMT
  • Mon 28 Jun 2021 19:06GMT

Podcast