As a nation that is at the same time one of the worst greenhouse gas contributors per capita but responsible for less than two per cent of the planet’s emissions, Australia has a lot to prove to itself by moving forward on the aggressive greenhouse reduction strategies detailed by Professor Garnaut, but this will count for little if there is not a similar response from the major carbon emitters.

Some sectors of the community are quick to point out that our nation risks incredible economic hardship, pain and suffering as an early adapter, yet this hardship will do practically nothing to impact on global emissions without a united approach.

So while Rome (or in this case planet Earth) burns, world leaders have moved with great swiftness to try and fend off the looming economic crisis engulfing the global economy, at a time when environmental groups are quick to point out the climate change crisis has been looming for a far greater period of time and is deserving of similar attention and focus.

Our nation’s leaders now have in their hands the blueprint for managing the transition to a new world where carbon has both a value and a price. We only hope the Prime Minister tackles this issue with the same fervour he has in appearing to tackle the world’s well documented economic crisis. What do you think? Write a letter to the editor, or e-mail editor@bendigoadvertiser.com.au