[stephenb (Stephen)]

I have not weighed into this debate before, but after hearing Greens Senator Christine Milne this morning on 3AW (Melbourne), People wonder why I am cynical towards some of the arguments.

She was commenting on Kevin Rudd's latest presentation at Copenhagen, and some of the statements she made were reference to Australia, and how climate change will/is affecting our country.

Three point she clearly stated:

1. The Great Barrier Reef is dying - no argument there.

2. "There are bushfires raging all over this country right now, caused by climate change" - where are all these bushfires???

3. "The World is running out of water" - my understanding is that the same amoune of water has existed on this planet for millions of years. Now all of a sudden we are "running out of water"??? What absolute bloody dribble. If this woman represents your beliefs, I would be embarrassed for you. If all these political experts who support the evidence that climate change is occuring, cannot agree on a world stage, what hope to we have?




I will now put my opinion out in the forum.

1. I believe that there is a large element of climate change occuring, but there is a portion of it which is natural and cyclic.

2. I do not believe that any form of Government ETS will be of any benefit to the population, only to make governments and businesses wealthier.

3. Wind and solar power are viable options as replacements to fossil fuels and should be given full 100 % support by all levels of government.

4. Residential home environmental and energy efficiency standards in this country are a scam. I repeat, SCAM. The standards in place pander to the Home industry groups, the Housing Industry Association and other interested parties, who have no interest in energy efficiency, only keeping all their "professional" tradepeople's pockets lined.

- Every home built in every new area should be designed with correct block orientation, overhaning EAVES calculated at the correct angle for Summer and Winter Sun, double glazing, recyclable water and minimum water tanks. NO HOUSE GETS AN OCCUPENCY OF CERTIFICATE UNLESS THESE BASIC CONDITIONS ARE MET.