Climate change report backs Labor strategy, says Albanese.
The Federal Opposition says a CSIRO report on climate change backs its call for a Pacific climate change strategy.
The report warns of the threat to regional economies and security if governments and aid agencies do not start preparing for the impact of climate change.
It also found millions of people from the Asia Pacific region will become environmental refugees if action is not taken.
Labor's environment spokesman Anthony Albanese says the Government has so far failed to do anything about the problem.
"This is a threat not just to our neighbours but a threat to Australia, which is particularly vulnerable to climate change," he said.
"So if for nothing other than self interest we need to avoid dangerous climate change."
Greens leader Bob Brown says the Government cannot shirk its responsibility for global warming any longer.
Senator Brown says the Government must acknowledge its role in contributing to the problem in the first place.
"There is no more delinquent and culpable a government in the western world than the Howard Government," he said.
"And Prime Minister Howard and a series of his environmental ministers for sitting on their hands while global warming got worse with Australia one of the worst polluters in the western world."
Environment Minister Senator Ian Campbell says Australia has a role to play in assisting its smaller neighbours to prepare for the impact of climate change.
Senator Campbell says the focus should be on helping people remain in their own countries.
"Australia cannot stop the sea from rising, if that's what's occurring, you can't do that," he said.
"But what you can do is ensure for example that they understand what activities are required to keep their drinking water safe from inundation.
"These are the sorts of measures that are required and that's what the people of the Pacific want as well as people in South-East Asia."
Monday, October 09, 2006
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