In nine days, Australia is having a federal election. Based on polls, it seems more likely than not that John Howard – the Conservative Prime Minister – will lose to Kevin Rudd of the Labor Party.
Both Nature and The Economist have commented upon the election in general and the importance of climate change as an issue within it. Up to now, Australia has been one of the least cooperative countries in the world, when it comes to the international regulation of greenhouse gasses. That might change to a considerable extent under Labor leadership.
Author: Milan
In the spring of 2005, I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in International Relations and a general focus in the area of environmental politics. In the fall of 2005, I began reading for an M.Phil in IR at Wadham College, Oxford.
Outside school, I am very interested in photography, writing, and the outdoors. I am writing this blog to keep in touch with friends and family around the world, provide a more personal view of graduate student life in Oxford, and pass on some lessons I've learned here.
View all posts by Milan
With changed American leadership after 2008 and changed Austalian leadership in a week’s time, Canada will really be left behind, won’t it?
They aren’t only uncooperative – they’re the worst.
Harper set to lose major ally against Kyoto
Australian PM who wouldn’t ratify accord poised to lose election just ahead of international meeting on future of protocol
BILL CURRY
From Friday’s Globe and Mail
November 16, 2007 at 5:12 AM EST
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper is on the verge of losing a key international ally in his criticisms of the Kyoto Protocol on the eve of major international climate-change talks.
Polls show Australian Prime Minister John Howard is likely to lose the Nov. 24 election to a pro-Kyoto Labor party dependent on support from Australia’s Green Party. Any change in government would come just one week before a major international meeting in Bali, Indonesia, that would decide whether the Kyoto Protocol should be extended beyond 2012.
“There’s an exciting political dynamic going on,” NDP Leader Jack Layton said. He also said the Canadian delegation in Bali will look like Neanderthals addicted to fossil fuels unless Conservatives reassess their position on Kyoto.
Australia Set to Become a Global Warming Leader With Howard’s Expected Election Defeat
By Kevin Grandia on kyoto protocol
Three days ahead of an Australian general election, front-running Labor leader, Kevin Rudd has committed to immediately signing the Kyoto Protocol on global warming, describing it as the “number one” priority.
Australian’s have been experiencing first hand the effects of a warmer planet with massive drought. Instead of taking a leadership role on the issue, soon-to-be former Prime Minister John Howard ducked the Kyoto Protocol and only acknowledged the threat of climate change when it appeared to be the politically expedient thing to do.
PM Howard concedes Australia poll
In Asia-Pacific
Australian PM John Howard concedes election victory to Labor, and looks set to lose his own seat.
Rudd takes Australia inside Kyoto
Australian Labor Party leader Kevin Rudd has been sworn in as prime minister, following a landslide victory in parliamentary elections last week.
Immediately after the ceremony, he signed documents to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on climate change, reversing the previous administration’s policy.