Australia and Climate Change Negotiations: At the Table, or on the Menu?
Lowy Institute Paper, March 2015
21 Pages Posted: 19 Jun 2015
Date Written: June 17, 2015
Abstract
The climate change negotiations are changing the global economy in ways that matter to Australia. New norms, standards, rules, and even laws will require Australia to change. These developments create challenges and opportunities for Australian businesses and individuals.
Australia’s national circumstances - especially its relatively high current dependence on industries that emit large quantities of greenhouse gases - are distinctive, so Australia must work harder than others to advance its interests. Failure to pay proper, high-level attention to the negotiations would seriously endanger the national interest. By actively engaging in negotiations in a strategic and creative way, Australia can help ensure that the next global agreement provides a smooth adjustment for the global and the Australian economy. This would minimise potential adverse impacts on Australia, and secure access to the new economic and other opportunities that action on climate change brings.
Keywords: Climate change, climate change negotiations, national interest, greenhouse gases, renewable energy.
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