I have no option but to support Helen Mabbutt (Your View October 9) as she agitates for our Government to show leadership on climate change.
With reference to our esteemed Federal Member, "these matters" are based on long standing and conclusive knowledge, not opinion.
The basic cause and effects that influence our climate are taught in high school science all over the world, whilst the more detailed mechanisms of "these matters" continue to be observed and interpreted by the specialists.
Opinions will never influence the workings of the natural world. The carbon in our atmosphere is very effective at absorbing energy from solar radiation. The delicate balance of this carbon and other gases in our atmosphere is one of the primary factors that make our planet unique in the known universe and wonderfully habitable for us mammals of the human variety!
But alas, by digging up and burning fossil fuels we have radically added to the natural carbon cycle and are continuing to increase its energy absorbing capability to dangerous levels.
Now, those good folks who are specialists in their chosen field of study and have deep knowledge and understanding of "these matters" (commentators and politicians do not qualify), have issued warnings that we are heading to a tipping point of no return and that if we allow this to occur, it will not be pretty on many fronts.
One would assume therefore that what might follow is a call to action. But instead, we hear the shout out from our political leaders that Australia must mark time and divest any responsibility.
We must sit on our hands because, "we only emit approximately 1.3% of worldwide emissions!" It is strange, but we are hearing this from the leaders of "Team Australia" which "gives a go to those who have a go" and who declare to the UN that we are "doing more than our fare share - How good is Australia!"
Sadly, we are being sold a mixed message. Who are we now as a nation? Do we rise or do we slink back into the shadows of inaction?
Throughout our history, in international sport, or with our heroics in war, or with our contribution to the world economy, we have always risen to the call. We are a nation which has delivered and taken pride in punching far above our weight.
What's happened? Have we lost our nerve, our heart, our soul? How did this happen? Who is behind this apparent retreat?
Not only is it in our spirit and heart to step up and lead, but with the new energy transition, pure economics demands it. The decision will NOT be ours, or that of our political leaders, as to when and on what terms other economies, much bigger than ours, will cease to place those big orders for our thermal coal and gas. It's no longer the case if this will happen, but when it will happen. And the when is looming ever closer.
So what plans are in place to ensure that we will have alternative industries and exports? If our politicians continue to spruik old technologies rather than providing vision and leadership encouraging significant investment in the burgeoning ones of the future, Australia will be left floundering in an economic backwater.
Someone else over the horizon will be reveling in the spoils of being at the forefront of developing, manufacturing and selling new energy systems. It will be a sorry indictment for those who promised us a "strong economy and jobs, jobs, jobs."
How then will we significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels? We are tantalisingly close.
We now have the means to produce potentially limitless energy via renewable sources, especially in Australia's climate. The next major challenge however is to refine the storage, distribution and integration of this new energy.
Which systems will break through? Will it be Hydrogen fuel cells? Large static vanadium sodium batteries? Smaller integrated household storage? Focused solar? Long distance DC transmission? Stored hydro?
There are unimaginable opportunities to service massive developing economies throughout the world with new energy systems. Australia must join this race to offer up viable alternatives to fading technologies. Fortunately, our industry and business entrepreneurs are watching the numbers and have seen the future, and now are backing many of these new initiatives.
However, our political leaders are taking us in the other direction, and it is reprehensible that they are doing their best to ensure that we are relegated to the role of being only spectators on the sidelines.
Harry Satay, Woolooware