Act now on climate change, Garnaut urges Govt

ABC News Online, Posted Tue Mar 3

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/03/03/2506547.htm

The Government's emissions trading scheme is due to start next year. (User submitted via ABC Contribute: JodieV, file photo)

• Related Story: Green groups rally for higher emissions reductions

The Federal Government's climate change adviser Ross Garnaut says the global financial crisis is no reason to delay the start of the emissions trading scheme.

There is growing pressure on the Government to delay next year's planned start date because of the economic slowdown.

Climate Change Minister Penny Wong says the Government remains committed to its time frame.

Professor Ross Garnaut says while the economic crisis will slow growth in global emissions, the world needs to act.

"It looks as if we've transferred back two years the emissions levels that we were expecting - might turn out to be longer than that if this turns out to be an even worse economic crisis," he said.

"We've got a little bit of breathing space but we need it because the world's a long way from where it needs to be."