Careless about Climate Change?

Is it true that Australians care less about climate change than two years ago? Not according to Ken Hickson. What does he think about the Lowy Institute poll as reported in the media? And what are some people saying about his book “The ABC of Carbon”.

Australians are becoming less concerned about the threat of global warming, pushing environmental issues down the list of threats. That’s if you believe the findings of a poll by the Lowy Insitute and as reported in the nation’s media.

Here’s how News Limited papers reported it:

Climate change is no longer rated the top foreign policy issue for the Federal Government, a Lowy Institute poll will reveal today.

It was top of the list in 2007 but now is ranked seventh out of 10 policy priorities. Out of 12 possible threats, Australians rated global warming the fourth most critical, the survey found.

However a significant majority of Australians, 76 per cent, still saw climate change as a problem.

Read the full report available on the Lowy Institute website.

Source: www.news.com.au and www.lowyinstitute.org

Ken Hickson wrote this letter to The Australian and the Courier Mail, which has not to date been published:

Sir

I’m not surprised the Lowy Institute poll shows ‘global warming’ is now viewed as the seventh most important  of 10 foreign policy goals by the Australians surveyed. But let’s see it in perspective. According to the complete survey document, this was only one of many questions asked during telephone interviews with 1003 people between 13 and 25 July 2009.

If you were to ask the many hundreds of national, state and community groups around the country actively campaigning for climate change action, you would get a totally different picture. At the grass roots, I sense there is as much concern and interest in the issue than ever. I have very closely followed this issue over the past two years – so much so that I have written a book on the subject (“The ABC of Carbon: Issues and opportunities in the global climate change environment”) – and I have found increasing interest over this period from business as well as the community at large.

Now there are many hundreds of businesses, who want to become carbon neutral or more ‘sustainable”. Every week, there is at least one conference and/or exhibition on climate change or the low carbon economy somewhere in the nation, involving hundreds of participants. In 2007, there was only one or two national “climate change” events in country.

Businesses and householders are keen to get ready for a low carbon economy. State and Local governments are actively encouraging this. I can only concur with Professor Ross Garnaut – the same man hired by the States and the Federal Government to advise on how to develop a coherent climate change policy – when he described the carbon pollution reduction scheme as “one of the worst examples of policy making we have seen on major issues in Australia”.  

If the public is seemingly bored or indifferent to global warming/climate change, they are sick and tired of the political bickering and wavering. We can fairly blame the Government – not the Opposition parties – for its mishandling of the debate and the implementation of policies. This issue and this opportunity needs leadership from the top.

It is more than having a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. It is about having a total strategy to deal with climate change, including realistic energy efficiency and renewable energy incentives and investments. As a nation we have become bogged down in arguing about a weakened trading scheme that will fail to deliver a fraction of the emission reductions needed to meet even the lowest international target.  

Ken Hickson

What some important people are saying about “The ABC of Carbon”:

“The ABC of Carbon—in one concise place—opens a window on the world of Climate Change. Demystify in a paragraph or delve deeper via the weblinks. But whatever you do, learn more about this most important issue!”     Greg Bourne, Chief Executive Officer; WWF-Australia

 “The ABC of Carbon is my favourite read … it inspires me to keep going in my efforts to create great leaders in sustainable organisations! Ken has brought together some of the best ideas on reducing carbon and treating the earth more respectfully. It is an amazing book and it really opens your eyes as to the possibilities! If you are keen to save the earth but, like me, sometimes feel like you need inspiration…definitely buy a copy of this book.”  Louise Metcalf, Pax Leader Labs

“The timing of The ABC of Carbon couldn’t be better as the media noise over climate change and carbon pollution is now a virtual constant. There’s little doubt that grave concerns over climate change have resulted in the rapid rise of a new lexicon and Hickson’s book covers the lot, with many businesses at both ends of the issue profiled.   The ABC of Carbon is a reference book that doesn’t just guide you through the basis of life, but the basis of arguably the greatest challenge civilisation has ever faced.”                                                     Graham Readfearn, Green Blog and Courier Mail

“Ken has captured and made accessible a wealth of insights and information on the critical issue for mankind – climate change.  If knowledge is the key to action, then this book is a vital tool in helping everyone know how they can contribute.”  Freddy Sharpe, Chief Executive Officer, Climate Friendly

“Are we living in the Carbon Age? Author Ken Hickson thinks so and sets out in his 580 page book “The ABC of Carbon” why he thinks we should acknowledge the overwhelming role that carbon plays in the world today. But it is not a doomsday scenario that Hickson portrays in his climate change book. He chronicles a comprehensive collection of practical solutions recommended or being carried out by countries, companies and individuals around the world, aimed at significantly reducing damaging greenhouse gas emissions.” Carolen Barripp,  www.sustained.com.au

“The ABC of Carbon provides a holistic picture of the state of our climate and a speculative look at the opportunities and risks afforded by what is the greatest global challenge of our lifetime.  I have already introduced our business clients to ABC of Carbon and intend on using the book as an integral means for informing people about what is otherwise a challenging topic.” Mike Duggan, Managing Director, FWR Group Pty. Ltd. 

“Ken has delivered a handbook that cuts through the jargon and lofty language of the climate debate and gives everyone the power of knowledge. The ABC of Carbon methodically lays out the challenges and the opportunities for the years ahead.  A must for every citizen, the lonely planet for a carbon reduced future.”   Andrew Bradley, Senior Consultant, Australian Public Affairs 

 This wide-ranging, encyclopaedic approach is not only a great read, but is a fantastic reference tool for everyone to better understand climate change. I welcome Ken Hickson’s insights and enthusiasm for conservation and the environment.  I also agree with Ken’s view that when it comes to climate change research, mitigation and adaptation programs Queensland is the ‘centre of the universe’.   I am positive his ecological fervour will inspire and educate generations of ‘green’ thinkers.”   Hon. Kate Jones MP, Minister for Sustainability & Climate Change, Queensland

 “Carbon and the carbon cycle are the basis of life on Earth. Now human interference with the natural carbon cycle – by burning huge amounts of stored carbon at an unprecedented speed, is perhaps the greatest challenge of our time. In this sense our current era can be called the Age of Carbon – the age when how we manage our use of carbon will define the future of humanity. This is the premise of Ken Hickson’s new book, “the ABC of Carbon”, which features everything from definitions of the new terminology of the Age of Carbon,  biographies of individuals and companies who are leading the change to a low-carbon future,  and descriptions of materials, products and processes  that are, or will be important, in this great transformation.”    Richard Cassels, Director, Climate Leadership

“Ken Hickson has created a carbon primer, giving readers the ability to intelligently understand, and therefore engage in, one of the most crucial dialogues of our time. This compendium is neither dry nor dull: the topics are short, concise, and couched in everyday language.”       Allison Balas, Eco News

“A reference guide to carbon and carbon dioxide, and the consequences of both for the climate and the environment overall.  A fusion of his interest in the environment and his skills as a man of words. Ken Hickson might not be the next Al Gore, but he’s doing his bit to make sure that as many people as possible are aware that every time they start the car or turn on the air-conditioning, it stands to affect the climate and the future of the world.”            Janine Hill, Style Magazine

“The ABC of Carbon is a must have reference for anyone interested in understanding climate change science, technology, politics, and history. This comprehensive guide will be a great resource for business people, politicians, academics, students and others who are generally wanting to learn more about climate change and the new carbon market.”   Grant Axman-Friend, Sustainable Insight

 For where to get your copy of “The ABC of Carbon, visit the website.

Source: www.abccarbon.com