The Bush administration’s decision not to ratify the Kyoto Protocol to reduce America’s greenhouse gas emissions prompted fears in the Howard government the move would undermine global efforts to curb climate change.
And they show the divisions within the Howard government over the approach to climate change – divisions that continue today within the Coalition. President George W. Bush announced in March 2001 the US would not ratify Kyoto. The following month, then prime minister John Howard wrote directly to Mr Bush to explain Australia’s approach to the issue.
“It is hard to see how a US proposal for a global regime that seriously addresses climate change but which is not based on mandatory targets would allow for a fully functioning international emissions trading scheme,” cabinet was told. “This could force Australia to pursue more expensive domestic policies and measures to achieve any abatement task.
At that time, it was envisaged a mandatory global cap-and-trade system would be introduced. The US position on Kyoto opened the door to a voluntary system, but cabinet was told that while there might be some local businesses supportive of such a move, it would not work.
Well that's a good thing. We want vigorous debate not yes minister types. In the end the majority wins.
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