Australia and the US are the only industrial nations refusing to sign up for Kyoto Protocol. Sadly as citizens we can't protest as the ballot box as both recalcitrant governments were re-elected late last year.
We can however make a difference through our own decisions - drive a smaller car, buy low energy appliances, consume less - enjoy life more.
In Australia we've recently been blessed by a tax cut which delivers a $7/week tax cut for most people, and a whole bunch more for the highest taxed. Do consider turning that tax cut into choosing green energy such as AGL's Green Energy. Yes it's a premium to pay but it can make a difference. I am signing up (well need to do some more shopping around first but I will go green [again] soon).
A cheaper alternative which is claimed to be greenhouse gas friendly is AGL's Green Balance - they offset the greenhouse gases you generate with direct measures to eliminate an equivalent quantity of greenhouse gases such as methane being emitted from rubbish tips.
Green Energy is more expensive (for my house around A$1.16/day over Green Balance or A$1.45/day over doing nothing) but it's a small price to encourage investment in renewable energy.
If you can't afford the cash for Green Energy then a combination of Green Balance and Green Fleet (to offset your car's greenhouse emissions) makes for a great DIY commitment to the protocol agreement.
Maybe we should all drop a line to our local member of Parliament letting them know of our decision and providing them with some info on Green Fleet (for their government funded car) and why they should do something more about our environment. According to this Media Release they can certainly elect to have a Prius or similar as their Commonwealth Funded Car.
According to the SMH (19 Sep 2003 )
Australian Greens Senator Bob Brown gets around in a gas-run Ford Falcon. Democrat Lyn Allison showcases her environmental sensitivities by driving a hybrid petrol-electrical vehicle. The $40,000 Toyota Prius is also the car of choice for Brown's Greens sidekick, Kerry Nettle.
And Nick Minchin? It surprises very few that the Finance Minister and Senate hardman pilots a hefty Jeep Cherokee around his South Australian base.
Self-confessed rev head Alexander Downer [Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs] drives a V8 Commodore. According to a Tim Blair post it seems the rev head genes run in the family.
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