Record NSW Bushfires Highlight New Oz Government Opposition To Climate Action

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The early start to the fire season has also prompted debate over the new federal government’s climate change policies. Prime Minister Tony Abbott has promised that removing a controversial carbon tax introduced by the previous government will be the first item on the agenda when Parliament reconvenes next month.

On Thursday the deputy leader of the Greens, Adam Bandt, hit out at Mr. Abbott in a tweet that said removing the carbon tax would mean “more bushfires for Australia. In the last 12 months we've had the hottest year on record, the hottest month, and the hottest day. Tony Abbott has picked this time to say he's going to rip up action on global warming, which is going to mean these are the kind of fires we will see more often,” Mr. Bandt later told ABC radio.

Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt lashed out at Mr. Bandt, accusing him of politicizing human tragedy. “There has been a terrible tragedy in New South Wales. No one anywhere should seek to politicize any human tragedy, let alone a bushfire on this scale,” Mr. Hunt said.

According to environmental scientists, the worst is yet to come – and not just in New South Wales. The Australian Climate Council said that the early start to the bushfire season is an example of the types of extreme weather events that are likely to increase in severity and frequency due to climate change.

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http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2013/1018/Raging-Australian-wildfires-raise-questions-about-climate-change-emergency-preparedness