The prospects will be no less delicate in Bonn. At home, in a country where green sentiment is substantial, the pressure is building from green groups, their agitation reinforced by events such as the New South Wales floods. While there are scientists who argue that global warming is the result of normal climatic variation, many say global warming is already a reality. Heat-trapping gas emissions are running 12 times higher than a century ago. Few disagree the planet is headed for catastrophe.
Scientists point to flooding as one result.
Cyclones and tropical storms are said to be increasing in severity and frequency. Sea levels are rising, crop yields falling. Deforestation is gathering pace, main sea fisheries are being affected, and there is increased risk of disease. This is according to The Guardian in Britain, in a survey of the effects in some countries at risk of climate change. The Australian environment is harsh enough, with farmers facing cycles of drought and flooding.