WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?

We cannot wait for governments to act on climate change. It has to be individuals that change the course of the Earth’s future. Governments are under pressure from big businesses and industries that provide them with large amounts of tax dollars each year. By the time they act, it will be too late to reverse the damage. We will have to minimise any further damage.

The chief executive of the Australia Climate Institute, John Connor says “Australians still want [our country] to lead, not follow, on climate change – to act, not delay action on reducing emissions”. It is no longer enough that we recycle our household goods and compost our scraps. Our action must be much more decisive and immediate.

But not everyone wants to drive a hybrid car, install expensive solar panels, and turn off their lights at 9pm. So what is the answer?

Carbon trading is an option that we should consider closely. It is a solution NOW, and not an excuse to wait until technology improves. Carbon trading involves paying green companies to plant trees for you, or develop those vital technologies that will emerge in the future. Make sure each carbon credit is accredited under the Kyoto Protocol, and this will ensure that your money goes where it’s supposed to go.

An average Australia family would need to plant 80 trees to offset their yearly carbon emissions. Who has the time or space to do that?

Carbon trading is not expensive, either. You can offset your household and cars for about the same cost as your yearly house and contents insurance.

What are we waiting for?