THERE is a big difference between paying higher electricity, gas and petrol prices and having your whole livelihood destroyed. Livelihood destruction is occurring for many poorer people around the world, as a result of record flooding, droughts and rising sea levels. These people who lose out have not created the problem in the first place ('The dilemma of global warming', Newcastle Herald, 9/11).
Australia may emit only 1 per cent of the world's greenhouse gas but this doesn't morally absolve us from taking action. Australia is the biggest emitter of greenhouse gas per capita in the world. If Australia wants large total emitters to take action, we have to reduce our own emissions.
