Climate change response: Linking research, policy and action. (December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Troy, Patrick
• Other Names: Harcourt GC guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Economic and labour relations review. Volume 25:Number 4(2014)
• Page Start: 619
• Page End: 628
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Subjects: Climate change policy -- consumption -- energy targets -- global warming -- growth -- inter-regional equity -- social inequity -- urban planning; A13 -- C82 -- D70 -- D90 -- E20 -- F02; Australia -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Industrial relations -- Australia -- Periodicals; Economics -- Periodicals; Industrial relations -- Periodicals; 331
• DOI: 10.1177/1035304614559326
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1035-3046

Abstract

We are now close to reaching what climate scientists advise is a 'tipping point' when the injuries we have visited on the planet will become self-reinforcing and produce an ecosystem that is alien to human life. The mal-distribution of consumption within and between nations is a major reason why there is little agreement on appropriate remedial action. Ensuring planetary survival while reducing inequity is made the more difficult, because the richest one-seventh of the world's population has already reached consumption levels beyond the capacity of the planetary ecosystem to accommodate it.