Australian GG urges action on climate change.

Warakamb valley doing it's bit to act on climate change. Villages planted more than 2000 trees in Jan 2009. Thanks to office of environment and climate change/carbon trade in PNG.


From nmsn
Governor-General Quentin Bryce has issued a rallying call for the world to act swiftly on climate change, in a sign that she intends to take an activist approach to her role.

While some governors-general steer clear of hot political topics, Ms Bryce has waded into the climate change debate at a major conference on renewable energy in the Middle East.

Climate change was a "huge challenge facing humanity", Australia's first female governor-general said on Wednesday.

"We all have the responsibility - to each other and to our children for generations to come - to prevent the potentially catastrophic effects of climate change," Ms Bryce said.

"We must act swiftly, act smartly, and act together."

Fifteen thousand people attended the World Future Energy Summit, including former British prime minister Tony Blair and UK climate adviser Lord Stern. Prince Charles, known for his environmental views, is a supporter of the conference.

Ms Bryce said climate change was partly to blame for Australia's crippling drought.

She talked up her country's efforts to tackle climate change.

"Australia will play its full part in the global effort to make sure we seize that opportunity."


Solar power and geothermal energy were also important, she said.

Ms Bryce's speech to the conference, held in Abu Dhabi, is in contrast to the low political profile of the last governor-general, Michael Jeffery.

But it harks back to former governor-general Sir William Deane, who spoke passionately about Aboriginal reconciliation, the plight of disadvantaged groups, and against racism when he held the job.