Australians could be forgiven for wondering if the federal government they elected last September is the most conservation-hostile in living memory. Critics warn that moves by Tony Abbott and his Environment Minister, Greg Hunt, will not only degrade the countrys most outstanding natural assets, but make Australia an international laughing-stock. The UN has already threatened to list the Great Barrier Reef as in danger when its World Heritage watchdog committee meets in Qatar in June. Compounding the right-wing governments apparent disregard for Australias unique environment, say conservationists and scientists, is its resistance to any meaningful action to tackle climate change. Mr Abbott has axed three key agencies, including one which supported private investment in renewable energy. So contemptuous is he of the science behind climate change - of any science, for that matter - that he has not even bothered appointing a science minister.....
Posted on: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 21:04:52 +0000