House debates Questions in Writing
Climate Change (Question No. 286)
Dennis Jensen Tangney, Liberal Party
asked the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, in writing, on 21 March 2011:
Assuming that (a) the entire globe takes action on reducing CO2 emissions and as a result such emissions are halved by 2050, and (b) this level of emissions is sustained beyond 2050: (i) how many degrees lower is the expected global average temperature expected to be than if Australia alone had not acted; and (ii) what is this abatement expected to cost Australia annually.
Greg Combet Charlton, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:
The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency advises that:
If, as posited by the honourable member, Australia alone did not act to reduce emissions it would be possible that other countries would adopt policies that would impact adversely on Australia's economy. The cost of this to a small, open economy like Australia could be considerable.