Coalition MPs say Australia’s emissions are a fraction of the world’s total. What kind of argument is that?

Liddell power station in Muswellbrook, NSW, closed down in 2023 as part of Australia’s transition to clean energy. Photograph: Roni Bintang/Getty Images

What do you think would happen if you decided that because the amount of tax you owe the government was only a barely perceptible percentage of overall tax revenue, you weren’t going to bother paying?

Aside from the ATO laughing at you before sending you a bill, your friends would probably call you a freeloader, telling you everyone has to do their bit.