Fed: Nelson says 2020 target would devastate economy

AAP General News (Australia)
12-06-2007
Fed: Nelson says 2020 target would devastate economy

CANBERRA, Dec 6 AAP - A greenhouse target supported by the Australian delegation at
climate change talks on Bali would devastate the economy, Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson
says.

A delegate told the UN talks yesterday that Australia fully supported an agreement
among developed nations to reduce emissions in a range of 25-40 per cent by 2020.

Dr Nelson says if Prime Minister Kevin Rudd intended to set such a target it will seriously
damage the nation.

"Every Australian needs to understand that if Mr Rudd, in our name, on our behalf,
accepts in the order of 25 to 30 per cent by 2020, that will have a devastating impact
on our economic development," he told reporters in Canberra today.

"It will have serious consequences for electricity bills and many other burdens borne
by working families in day-to-day life and pensioners."

Dr Nelson urged the prime minister to do the necessary homework before committing to a target.

"Before we sign up to anything, before Mr Rudd does anything on our behalf we need
to understand what will be the economic consequences of that to our children and he must
ensure that China, India, the United States and the large emitters are a part of any agreement.

"To do otherwise would not serve Australia's interests let alone those of the world."

AAP pw/rl/imc/lh/bwl

KEYWORD: CLIMATE BALI NELSON

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