Earth Summit 2002 - Worst Decisions

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10 solutions for a sustainable world

In a few key steps, the Australian government could turn from its damaging course and head down a clean, sustainable path. Here's how:

1	Ratify the Kyoto Protocol immediately and start reducing Australia's greenhouse gas emissions to meet our 2012 target. To achieve this, begin to phase out fossil fuel use and stop the development of dirty oil shale in Australia.
2	Significantly increase the target for renewable energy use, to at least 10%, by 2010. Don't include energy from waste incineration and native forest products.
3	Ratify the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and set up strict national measures to eliminate POPs, especially dioxin and furans. Introduce a National Chemicals Policy to eliminate persistent, toxic synthetic chemicals.
4	Ratify the Basel Ban, making it illegal for Australian industry to export hazardous waste to non-OECD countries.
5	Prohibit the importation of illegal wood and adopt a timber buying policy that ensures only legal and eco-certified sources are used by government agencies, contractors and suppliers. Change consumer protection laws to have the Australian corporate timber trade lift its game to do the same.
6	Protect ancient forests of Australia, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands by using aid money and new "incentive" funds to help affected communities and make changes in government and forestry sectors to tackle corruption and illegal logging.
7	Put an immediate ban on the release of genetically engineered organisms into the Australian environment. Ratify the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety for the safe transfer, handling and use of GE organisms.
8	Cancel the second reactor project at Lucas Heights and ditch plans to build radioactive waste dumps in South Australia. Use alternative technologies for medicine and research and investigate on-site dry storage for reactor waste.
9	End Australia's role in the uranium industry. This would end our involvement with the nuclear industry and stop the spread of dangerous material and weapons-capable technology around the world. Ban the transport of plutonium through the Pacific region.
10.	Support and encourage ecosystem based management for global fisheries. Develop international protection for high seas biodiversity and push for the development of marine protected areas in Antarctic waters.

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