Australia is poised to move from global laggard on climate change policy to trailblazer, setting the benchmark on emissions trading and innovative policy implementation. Australia’s unique position of inaction and isolation presents it with the opportunity to build the world’s best emissions trading scheme (ETS). The year ahead will determine whether it has the courage to deliver on this potential.
The introduction of an ETS will have a major impact on the Australian economy and there will be big winners and big losers. As a result intensive lobbying efforts will be made by all sides. The best outcome for the nation will be achieved if Rudd ignores the vested interests and listens only to the economists and the political strategists. Australia’s inaction to date presents an opportunity to use the experience gained elsewhere to design the world’s most effective ETS. By demonstrating an innovative and courageous system, the world will have a pilot scheme on which to base the emerging global system. Australia could perform a huge service to the world by focussing on the ideal system and ignoring purely local perspectives.
His current world trip is the perfect forum perfectly timed for Rudd to become the travelling salesman for an effective solution to climate change. Australia can lead the way for the world on how to best deal with emissions but needs the world’s support to overcome local resistance to structural change. He stands to gain the world’s support and a position of strength from Australia will benefit. Returning home a hero, he would be emboldened with the strength to resist those who wish to lead him from his path. The opportunity awaits.
An earlier version of this article was published in the London-based CARBONfirst journal that is published by IDEACarbon, a consultancy group co-founded by Sir Nicholas Stern.
This is an edited extract of an article written by John O'Brien. Full a copy of the full article please contact info@auscleantech.com.au
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