John Howard On Bushfire-Climate LInk - Nothing To See Here, Move Along

[hatrack]

The Prime Minister, John Howard, has brushed aside accusations from the Australia Institute that the Federal Government is in denial about the effect of climate change on bushfires. The think-tank has released a report warning the number of bushfires and their intensity will increase if global warming is not addressed.

Institute executive director Doctor Clive Hamilton says the Government is ignoring its international responsibility to respond to global warming by refusing to sign the Kyoto Protocol. "The Federal Government when forced to will acknowledge the science of climate change including the impacts of global warming on fires, but all of its actions suggest that it's in denial," Dr Hamilton said.

Mr Howard says the Australia Institute always attacks the Government on climate change and its view is entirely predictable. "I did have complaints when I was in Victoria from people who had come from fighting the fires that some of the fire trails in national parks had been locked up and they couldn't get in in order to protect the national parks," Mr Howard said.

"So instead of some rather more esoteric debate, why don't people like the Australia Institute examine issues like that?"

EDIT

http://abc.net.au/news/items/200612/1814189.htm?victoria

Well, Johnny boy, let's see how "esoteric" it gets when you start importing wheat, shall we? Asshat.

[phantom power]

1. Assuming he can find anybody to import wheat *from*.