Media releases

ACADEMY'S STERN MESSAGE ON CLIMATE CHANGE REPORT
31 October 2006

Let's get on with it now! – that's the message, loud and clear, from Australian Academy of Science President Professor Kurt Lambeck in commenting on the Stern Review of the Economics of Climate Change.

Professor Lambeck says: 'Here's the essential message: climate change is real, global and long term. There is increasing risk of serious irreversible impacts from climate change under a "business as usual" policy.

'Action now through mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions will not have immediate effects but it is an investment for the future. The benefits of strong, early action considerably outweigh the long-term costs to the economy and the health and security of not only Australians but our global population.

'The consequences of climate change threaten the basic elements of life for people around the world, impacting on access to water, food production, health, land use and on the environment, including biodiversity.

'The impact of these scenarios is already coming home to roost – the sad but avoidable spectacle of a dried-up and dusty Darling River, can only become more frequent.

'The Stern Review recognises the global nature of the problem and of the impacts and the need for international solutions. There are successful examples such as the response to ozone depletion, which did lead to international solutions and collaboration.

Professor Lambeck added: 'The report will no doubt stimulate much debate. But its tenets are well founded. The Australian Academy of Science emphasises therefore, that it deserves a considered, immediate and positive response from Federal, State and Territory Governments.'

Note for news editors:

The Australian Academy of Science last night concluded its High Flyers Think Tank in Adelaide, which discussed innovative solutions for water management in Australia. Its report will be available soon (www.science.org.au/events/thinktank2006).