E&OE...
Good morning,
Australian action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions since 1990, led by my government, will prevent about 87 million tonnes of climate changing carbon a year entering the atmosphere by 2010.
That's a massive reduction and a tangible example of the Coalition's commitment to the climate change challenge.
Today I am announcing a further $627 million in practical new measures to tackle global warming, bringing total spending on climate change initiative since 1996 to about $3.4 billion.
This will include $336 million for green vouchers for schools to improve energy and water efficiency.
Every school in Australia will be eligible for a voucher of up $50,000 to help install solar hot water systems and rainwater tanks.
Not only will this help reduce energy and conserve water, but it will provide students and our school communities with a first-hand lesson in how we can act locally to preserve the environment.
I will also be announcing a 'cap and trade' emissions trading system that will help Australia substantially lower our domestic greenhouse gas emissions at the lowest cost.
Stabilising atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases will be difficult, but not impossible. We do not have to sacrifice our economic prosperity to tackle the problem.
Australia will more than play its part to address climate change, but we will do it in a practical and balanced way, in full knowledge of the economic consequences for our nation.
Thank you.
Australia's Climate Change Policy - our economy, our environment, our future